For most of 2023, Thiago Almada He seemed destined to become the next South American star to make a big-money move from Major League Soccer to Europe.
The playmaker contributed 11 goals and 16 assists last season, making him one of the best performers in the league. It was part of The Argentine national team that lifted the World Cup in 2022becoming the first active player in the American Football League to be crowned world champion.
But this season he and Atalanta have struggled to replicate their 2023 form. Almada has scored just three goals, two of them from penalty kicks, and provided just one assist in 11 matches this season. He missed Atalanta's recent draw with Nashville with a calf injury and was not included in Argentina's squad for upcoming friendlies ahead of next month's Copa America.
Will Thiago Almada represent Argentina this summer?
With just one month remaining until Argentina's opening Copa America match against Canada, it seems unlikely that Almada will return to the national team picture. He has made four first-team appearances but faces competition for places from some of the best players in the world, including Lionel Messi, Julian Alvarez and Angel Di Maria.
Argentina's Copa America roster must be confirmed by June 12Which gives Almada precious little time to return from injury and convince Scaloni that he deserves a place.
If he does not make the Copa America squad, he could represent Argentina at the Olympics in France, but that also has complications. Now 23, Almada will have to take one of three oversized slots In the Argentina U-23 national team. He has a good relationship with coach Javier Mascherano but his chances of joining the team are uncertain.
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Thiago Almada is facing a crucial summer
In recent years, Almada has become the subject of interest from a number of major European clubs, including Atletico Madrid and Ajax. Speaking at the end of the 2023 MLS season, he admitted that he wants to move to Europe and feels ready to test himself at a higher level.
“I want to leave, I want to play in Europe. “I feel like leaving now,” Almada said. espn Last December. “If I had to choose, I would like to play in the Premier League or La Liga, but either.”
If he wants to reach the elite of European football, Almada needs to return to his form in 2023. His talent is undeniable, but his failure to make the Copa América roster, coupled with the stagnation in his performances in MLS, could dissuade teams from making a move. Step this summer.
His injury is not believed to be serious and he may return to the team for this weekend's match. Atlanta will face off in the next two games LAFC And Inter MiamiTwo of the strongest teams in the league. Standout performances in these matches could help get Almada's season back on track and provide new momentum to his promising young career.
