Paolo Guerrero did wonders for Peru at the Copa America Centennario. Can he pull off a similar miracle at the 2018 World Cup ?
After 36 years of waiting, Peru are back in the World Cup. La Blanquirroja have drawn a favorable, if albeit challenging group. With France tipped to win Group C and potentially the whole shebang, Peru will need to earn results against Denmark and Australia to see their way to the Round of 16. For Peru to secure the necessary results these three players will be crucial.
Paolo Guerrero (Forward, 34, Flamengo): There were questions if Peru’s captain would be available for the 2018 World Cup following a doping ban, but after a difficult legal process, Guerrero will be with La Blanquirroja. The forward is the all-time leading goal scorer for Peru, with 34 goals in 88 caps, and possibly their best player ever. During his eight-year career in the Bundesliga, split between Bayern Munich and Hamburger SV, Guerrero scored 47 league goals in 161 appearances. The 34-year-old has remained prolific since moving to the Brazilian Serie A in 2012, scoring 42 goals in 112 league apperances.
Peru will need their captain’s goal scoring prowess to make their 2018 more than just an appearance. However, Guerrero enters the tournament following an eight-month layoff from soccer. Questions about his form and fitness were answered when he scored twice in his return to the side in a recent friendly against Saudi Arabia.
Edison Flores (Winger, 24, Aalborg): Guerrero’s inclusion in the side should temper any attacking worries, but Peru cannot solely rely on veterans Guerrero and long-time friend Jefferson Farfan (25 goals in 83 appearances for Peru). Of the young attackers waiting in the wings to make their mark for La Blanquirroja, the 24-year-old Flores seems the most likely.
The young left winger has already found success with Peru scoring nine times in 28 matches. Flores has yet to find the same kind of success with his Danish club Aalborg. In his 26 appearances during the 2017-18 campaign, Flores only scored once. Should he shine at the World Cup, the player lovingly referred to as “Orejas” might be listening for opportunities elsewhere.
Renato Tapia (Midfielder, 22, Feyenoord): Goals are a requisite of success for any side, but the defining characteristics of Peru under Manager Ricardo Gareca are defense, organization, and orchestrated possession, things you cannot have without a superb midfielder. For Peru Renato Tapia is that midfielder.
At 22 years old, Tapia has already played Europe’s highest level, making four UEFA Champions League appearances for Eredivisie side Feyenoord. Tapia made his Eredivisie debut for FC Twente during their 2014-15 season. He has made 51 total Eredivisie appearances between the two clubs, scoring eight goals.
Though the youngster will provide a goal scoring threat on corners and set pieces, his primary role is defensive. Likely paired with Yoshimar Yotun in the midfield behind creative outlet Christian Cueva, Tapia will be free to seek out the match, harrying anyone unlucky enough to be on the ball. Once he has won the ball, Tapia is composed on the ball and calm enough to pick out the proper pass.
Peru
2018 World Cup
