Boca Juniors are experiencing something of a rebirth in 2015. After years of poor results, the Argentine team has found consistency and, at times, played some top-flight football.
With an impressive unbeaten streak of 11 wins and 2 draws, the squad, headed by Rodolfo Arruabarrena, not only leads the Primera Division but has also reached the second round of the Copa Libertadores.
The team’s run of success is in part the result of the arrival of Uruguayan midfielder Nicolas Lodeiro and striker Daniel Osvaldo.
Lodeiro, a regular on the Uruguayan national team, arrived at the club by the request of manager Arruabarrena, who saw the ex-Corinthians player as an ideal replacement for Juan Roman Riquelme. While the Uruguayan is a different kind of player (much more dynamic but without the exquisite technique of ‘Roman’) Lodeiro’s arrival had a positive impact on his teammates, especially in Fernando Gago who, after a long time, found a suitable partner. Unlike last year, where the team’s shortcomings forced the defensive midfielder to conduct Boca’s attack, Gago can now concentrate on his defensive duties.
Osvaldo’s arrival was an initiative of the board, which fans criticised as it resulted in Juan Roman Riquelme’s contract not being renewed. Also, the front was well covered by Cristhian Chavez, Juan Manuel Martinez and especially by Jonathan Calleri who had finished the previous season on a high level. Despite the overabundance of attackers, the head coach understood that Osvaldo’s international quality would be a major contribution to a team that wanted to regain lost glory.
The sports press, meanwhile, were suspicious of the new hiring. His erratic passage for Inter Milan and a high media exposure (Osvaldo is paired with a famous Argentine actress) led many journalists to doubt his chances of success at Boca Juniors.
However ‘El Loco’ soon showed his unique quality, and with six goals in eight games, he is now the team’s top scorer and one of the fans’ most beloved players.
The Primera Division is not yet at its halfway point but Boca Juniors, based on a flashy and effective football, are emerging as true contenders for the title. For those who love football, this is great news.
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