Marcelo Bielsa set to call up an amateur footballer to his Uruguay squad
Marcelo Bielsa is living up to his 'El Loco' nickname yet again with an unprecedented move.
The 68-year-old is currently managing the Uruguay national team, having taken the job in May 2023.
He has a 60% win record after winning six out of his first ten games.
Uruguay will participate in the Copa America in the summer and are slated to take on Costa Rica in a friendly on 31 May.
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And incredibly, it's emerged that Bielsa is calling up an amateur player for the clash.
TNT Argentina reported that the former Leeds United and Athletic Club manager will give Walter Domínguez the opportunity of a lifetime.
The 21-man squad will be made up of local players from the first division, with the likes of Darwin Nunez and Federico Valverde in the mix.
But Bielsa is unable to bring in players from Nacional, Penarol, Liverpool, Racing and Danubia as they have commitments in the Copa Libertadores and Copa Sudamericana competitions.
That means Dominguez, a 24-year-old striker from semi-professional side Juventud de Soriano, wil get the nod.
He confirmed his participation in an interview with journalist Alex Martin Rostan after a recent 2-1 defeat in the OFI Cup.
Asked about his selection, Dominguez said: "They called me and I am very happy. I didn't expect it and it was a surprise. The truth is I'm very happy."
Walter Dominguez jugó hoy por Copa OFI y confirmó la convocatoria para @Uruguay
— Alex Martin Rostan (@MartinRostan9) May 4, 2024
Su equipo cayó derrotado 2 a 1. pic.twitter.com/CCNLvYqWy4
Dominguez has been in fine form for his club, scoring 38 goals in 19 games.
He has also netted 13 in 14 games for the national team, as well as six in as many for Fray Bentos Futbol.
He is set to report for training with the rest of his teammates at the Uruguay Celeste complex on May 27 before the fixture four days later at Estadio Nacional.
Bielsa himself is not expected to be in attendance, though Dominguez could work his way into Copa America plans if he impresses.
Topics: Marcelo Bielsa, Leeds United, Uruguay
Josh Lawless