Club Atlético River Plate faces key midfield decisions as it builds positive momentum under interim coach Leonardo Ponzio. The team, tenth in the Liga Profesional Argentina with 10 points, is coming off a 3-1 win over Independiente Rivadavia on September 6 and is on a three-game winning streak.
Who will be the starting defensive midfielder?
A report from Clarín Deportes states that interim coach Leonardo Ponzio has a dilemma in the central midfield position. Fausto Vera has played there in recent matches but shows inconsistency. The natural starter, Aníbal Moreno, is recovering from a lumbar strain that kept him out of the games against Banfield and Independiente Rivadavia.
Moreno also could not complete a full pre-season due to a right knee injury suffered in the Torneo Apertura semi-finals. That injury was a medial collateral ligament sprain. The player received injections to be available for the final against Belgrano, a decision that was praised but later affected his preparation. Ponzio commented on Vera: "You all value Fausto, you've seen him. River's positional number five needs to have a good foot and the sacrifice."
How is Ángel Correa influencing the team?
An analysis from Olé highlights the fundamental role of Ángel Correa in the team's footballing recovery. The 31-year-old Rosario native and world champion has been the most decisive figure in the Clausura. In seven matches and 523 minutes, he has three goals, one assist, and won two penalties, averaging a goal every 174 minutes.
Correa did not arrive at the club as the market's star signing, a title held by Thiago Almada. However, his natural genetics for acceleration and dribbling, forged on the pitches of Rosario, have made him the spark of the attack. He is not a traditional playmaker, but a creative player who operates with freedom near the box. His magic, described by his former youth coach Fernando Kuyumchoglu with the nickname Aladdin, spreads boldness to his teammates.
What did the win over Independiente Rivadavia show?
Data from ESPN details River Plate's dominance in the September 6 match. The team generated 1.90 expected goals (xG) against 1.23 from the opponent, with 58% possession. They had 10 shots on target from 15 total, created four big chances, and won 61 duels.
This performance is part of a five-game unbeaten run, with three wins and two draws. The team has scored 10 goals this season and conceded nine, with a positive goal difference of one. However, in the overall table they are seven points behind the leader, Argentinos Juniors. The next test will be visiting fourth-placed Atlético Tucumán on September 12, as shown on the fixtures schedule.
What is the future for Vera and Moreno at the club?
The competition for the starting spot also has a contractual background. Aníbal Moreno is a permanent River Plate player, for whom the club paid Palmeiras 7 million dollars and gave a contract until December 2029. Fausto Vera, on the other hand, is on loan until the end of the year and his purchase option with Atlético Mineiro is 4.5 million dollars.
So far this year, Vera has played 2,111 minutes in 29 matches, with one goal and four yellow cards. Moreno has more playing time: 2,689 minutes in 31 games, with three assists and five bookings. The position, which has lacked a clear owner since Enzo Pérez's departure, is up for grabs. Ponzio, an expert in the role, must make a decision that defines the Millionaire's midfield for the rest of the year. The team will look to maintain its positive run in Tucumán to climb the standings.
