It’s only 306 days since Alexis Sanchez scored that tidy, dinked penalty to seal Chile’s first ever Copa America, but already attention is turning to his country’s defence of the title.
Last week the striker was named in Juan Antonio Pizzi’s 40-man provisional squad and, fitness permitting, looks a dead cert to feature in the one-off, USA-hosted centennial edition of the tournament when it kicks-off next month.
Chile’s first game, on 6 June at the Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, sees them pit their wits against Argentina; a replay of last summer’s final.
The holders then play Bolivia on 10 June in Foxborough, Massachusetts before taking on Panama in their final group game four days later in Philadelphia.
David Ospina looks likely to be in goal when Colombia take on the USA in the opening game of the tournament on 3 June, however, Gabriel won’t be featuring for Brazil. The centre-back, who is yet to play for his country, was included in Dunga’s original 40-man longlist but didn’t make the 23-man cut.
There’s still an outside chance Gabriel could be included in his country’s Olympic squad for the Rio Games which would mean he’d miss the start of the season. The same applies to Alex Iwobi who is eager to represent Nigeria.
In the main he’s been rank average, with a smattering of great performances (Everton/Lukaku away). If he can gain a sense of composure and still stick it to utter twats like Costa, he’ll go down as a real fan favourite.
or escorting emmanuel ade-bar-door all the way down the touchline instead of sending him flying into the stands. consequently, the said ade-bang-whore passes to bolasie who spanks one in from 60 miles to level the scores…
Isn’t Olympics just under 23 with a few exceptions? Wouldn’t Gabriel have to be one of the special over-age players? Just seems unlikely, no?
At least he’ll be rested for the next season. I wish it was the same with Sanchez.
Don’t worry about Sanchez, he’ll be leaving in the summer?
I like Gabriels warrior attitude. He dont take no Shit, which to me is a quality our team have been missing for quite some time. Infact id like us to sign a big no nonsense cunt for the midfield aswell. So that next time Ivanovic decide to kick and bully Sanchez out of the game our big midfield cunt will treat Ivanovich to a utter cuntish tackle or a well placed cuntish elbow to his jaw in the next duel and make sure he knows to leave Sanchez alone if he want to be able to walk out at 90… Read more »
I think Wilshere is a bit like what you’re describing. Unfortunately we don’t get to see enough of him on the pitch because of his injuries. Hopefully he has a fantastic 2016-17 season.
The problem with Gabriel is that he has the warrior spirit you admire, but unfortunately he doesn’t have any brains to go with it. He gets involved in the emotion of a match and forgets the main reason he’s there. Ivanovic on the other hand has both, like a few other of his Chelski mates. We do need a genuine hard man who can deal with bullies and protect our vulnerable creative players, but he needs to be able to stay on the pitch. The great Dennis Bergkamp was a nasty piece of work at times, but he rarely got… Read more »
Mixed feelings about Gabriel. Love his attitude, but he has looked distinctly dodgy at times this season. He does have time to develop still.
Living in Philadelphia, I considered going to see a game… But the US only play Paraguay (I think) here. Would have been much more tempted if I could see the US face off against Chile and watch Alexis live!
Not surprised he missed out he is not that good.
Cyan had my arse flapping less than when this guy plays. Looks like another Wenger defensive purchase flop. Get rid in the summer and get a decent CB, or will we hear “There wasn’t any top quality CB’s available” bullshit.
He’s hasn’t played anywhere close to what he’s capable of. Was very impressive for Villarreal alongside mussachio(wish we got him instead).
I’m hoping we get to see a chambers – Gabriel partnership. Chambers is a HUGE talent. I think he’ll make it big time.