Marcelo Bielsa, the former Leeds manager, has been making waves in the football world once again. This time, it’s not about his unique coaching methods or his attention to detail during matches. Bielsa is set to make a surprising move by calling up an amateur player to the Uruguay national squad.
The player in question is Walter Dominguez, a 24-year-old striker who currently plays for semi-professional side Juventud de Soriano. Despite his amateur status, Dominguez has been on fire, scoring an impressive 38 goals in just 19 games. It’s no wonder that Bielsa has taken notice and wants to give him a chance on the international stage.
This decision comes as Uruguay prepares for the upcoming Copa America, where they hope to make a strong showing. Before the tournament, they have a friendly against Costa Rica scheduled for May 31. It is expected that Bielsa will hand Dominguez his first international call-up for this match.
However, this unconventional move has raised some eyebrows among fans and pundits alike. Many find it incredible that Bielsa is willing to give an opportunity to an amateur player at such a high level. But then again, this is the same man who famously watched games while sitting on a bucket and sent a spy to secretly observe training sessions of promotion rivals Derby.
Bielsa’s attention to detail and unorthodox methods have earned him the nickname “El Loco” (The Madman) in some circles. But there’s no denying his impact on the teams he has managed. Just look at his successful stint at Leeds, where he led them back to the Premier League after a 16-year absence.
In Uruguay, Bielsa is faced with restrictions when it comes to player selection. He cannot call up players from top Uruguayan sides like Nacional, Penarol, Liverpool, Racing, and Danubia due to their involvement in the Copa Libertadores and Sudamericana. This limitation has opened the door for someone like Dominguez to get his chance.
When asked about his unexpected call-up, Dominguez expressed his happiness, saying, “They called me, and I am very happy. I didn’t expect it, and it was a surprise.” It’s an opportunity of a lifetime for the young striker, and he is determined to make the most of it.
If he does line up alongside the likes of Liverpool star Darwin Nunez and Real Madrid ace Federico Valverde, Dominguez will have a chance to showcase his skills on a grand stage. It’s a testament to Bielsa’s belief in the underdog and his willingness to give opportunities to players who may not have had the same exposure as others.
As Bielsa continues to push the boundaries of conventional football management, one thing is clear: his passion and dedication to the sport are unwavering. Whether it’s installing fireplaces at training grounds or calling up amateur players to national squads, Bielsa’s eccentricities are all part of what makes him one of the most intriguing figures in football today.
So, as Uruguay prepares for the Copa America and Bielsa sets his sights on leading them to victory, all eyes will be on Walter Dominguez. Will he seize the opportunity and prove that talent can come from unexpected places? Only time will tell, but one thing is for certain – with Bielsa at the helm, anything is possible.