Nicolás Larcamón, head coach of Cruz Azul, expressed high praise for Gabriel ‘Toro’ Fernández. He believes the Uruguayan striker possesses the qualities necessary to earn a spot on Marcelo Bielsa’s squad for the 2026 World Cup.
Laporte: Fernández’s Capability for World Cup 2026
Lárcamón emphasized the versatile skill set of Fernández. He described him as a multifaceted player with exceptional technical refinement and physical strength. Larcamón stated, “I told him not to be surprised if he plays in the World Cup.”
- Technical proficiency
- Powerful in initial acceleration
- Great finishing abilities with both feet
- Adept at heading
- Defensive contributions and pressing ability
According to Lárcamón, Fernández is one of the top forwards in Uruguay. He believes that despite competition, ‘Toro’ deserves consideration for national team selection.
Cruz Azul’s Strategy Ahead of Liguilla
In a recent match against Atlético de San Luis, Larcamón opted to rest key players, including Fernández, Erik Lira, and Carlos Rodríguez. This decision was strategic due to the impending Liguilla, as many players would be absent for international duty.
“We know we have two main candidates for the national team who won’t be with us in the crucial matches,” he explained. It’s vital to prepare both the team’s structure and individual players to fill these gaps effectively.
Lárcamón’s foresight and strategic planning could prove to be decisive as Cruz Azul approaches the important stages of the tournament.
