The glory and the abyss: Paolo Guerrero and Christian Cueva

Paolo Guerreo’s two goals in the 3-0 victory of the LDU of Quito over Defensa y Justicia of Argentina, within the framework of the Conmebol Copa Sudamericana 2023, plus the latest misconduct by Christian Cueva, must have left more than one lesson to the new Peruvian soccer players who intend to lead a decent career.

Until a month ago, more than one local sports journalist considered Guerrero’s cycle closed, not only for Blanquirroja, but also for the practice of professional football. Free comments and strategic critical rigor to justify questioning an athlete because of his age, when this should be a secondary factor, the first being performance (the second legitimizes the first, if applicable).

Therefore, reality silences whims. Guerrero’s sporting performance and his goals reveal what lies behind a good sporting moment (if playing, as a protagonist, in the semi-final of an international competition, is not, then what?): A cared-for life.

Talent does not go out, but the physique defines its radiation. It is clear that the economic factor does not determine Guerrero’s continuity on the fields, but rather that light that accompanies every person who longs to leave a legacy, in this case in the sporting imagination: a memory. Call it also the glory, the mark of the name. This desire leads the striker to take care of his life during his days of competition. It seems commonplace to say it at this point, but it is necessary to emphasize it: the new generation must see Guerrero as a role model for life.

If coach Reynoso puts aside his stubbornness (it would be good if it were accompanied by results), he must build the team’s game around Guerrero. In this order of things, Reynoso’s strategic defensive nature could exploit the best of Guerrero today: his sense of location, especially in corner kicks and set pieces (which he can also execute, let’s never forget the goal against Colombia, with a slap from Ospina, which led us to the playoffs with New Zealand in November 2017). As we already pointed out in CARETAS: Guerrero will leave football when he feels like it and he has earned that prerogative by his dedication in the games. Let’s not question anything, especially when what we lack most are high-ranking forwards. Look how Fernando Gago appeared to Argentine public opinion, whose mediocre approaches sank Racing.

The other side of the coin is Christian Cueva. Today it has become a sporting nightmare in Alianza Lima. The blue and white leader who had the idea of ​​bringing him, beyond repenting, is also responsible for this catastrophe. This is another example for younger footballers to take into account: talent is of no use if judgment is not cultivated. Cueva’s misconduct – the last known days ago: the player did not respect his rest hours, especially when his club would play a vital match in obtaining the Clausura tournament, which would make him absolute champion of the current season – and his little desire to change (he has played overweight all year) explains the worst sporting moment of his career. Thus, Cueva is of no use to Alianza Lima, much less to Blanquirroja. There is nothing more to say about his football present.

(Matias Reyes).