The Colombian national team has a rhythm that has long ceased to be a surprise and that has made it one of the favorites for the 2024 Copa América title, although some, including coach Néstor Lorenzo, are bothered by the description.
The 2-1 victory against Paraguay in the debut not only confirmed the solidity of the new project, with 21 undefeated games, but also the category of the players, who individually are above many in the continental tournament.
And it is not an exaggeration but a verifiable reality, which in any case will have to be confirmed in his second appearance in group D, this Friday.
Cards like James Rodríguez, John Arias, Luis Díaz and Borré are already on the table of all the coaches in the Cup and for Alfaro they will deserve very special attention. But since in the game of strategy the key will be surprise, other men are called to contribute what, for different reasons, the stars cannot do. In the end, it is the team that is the greater good, as everyone has assured.
The joker of Colombia
It is well known, apparently against Brazil in the unexpected 0-0, that Gustavo Alfaro’s strategy with his Costa Rica will be to repeat the defense plan at all costs, to wait for the rival on their field and to cause some scare if necessary. possible, but in any case not allowing a single goal. That way it can reach him and he’ll bet on that.
That is why one name stands out in a special way on Lorenzo’s board: Daniel Muñoz. The statistician’s data is conclusive: from his right-back position he has scored 33 goals in his career, the last two being the first he scored with the senior team. And what goals: to Spain for the 1-0 victory in the March friendly and to Paraguay to open the account in the Copa América debut.
Dressed in yellow, the Antioqueño has 28 games, 2 goals and 2 assists, almost 4 recoveries per game, more than half of the duels won and an average of 7 points. He is not minor.
Daniel Muñoz in Colombia National Team
Photo:
SofaScore for Futbolred
Lorenzo’s landline
And in the era of the Argentine coach he is one of the players with the most minutes played, which speaks of the confidence of the boss and his teammates, who always feel well supported by him.
His numbers are again very consistent: 10 games, two goals and two assists, 4.2 recoveries per game and no less than 85 percent of accurate passes.
Daniel Muñoz in Lorenzo era
Photo:
SofaScore for Futbolred
Muñoz is a spare wheel for the midfielders, a key man in the exit at speed into the open field and, what is his primary obligation, a solvent defender in direct duels, beyond the occasional blunder on the return, precisely because of his constant offensive vocation.
Against a closed defense it can be the key to the goal, with crosses or even with shots on goal and from medium distance. He knows all the roles on the right wing and knows how to open the field and create space for his teammates. With him, Colombia can go into all battles with confidence.
