Santiago Gimenez and Pervis Estupinan kicked off the flurry of pre-World Cup friendlies that will take place in the coming days.
The left-back, after a season on the fringes at Milan, was named in the starting lineup by Ecuador’s coach in the friendly against Saudi Arabia. The South American side won 2-1 in New Jersey, and the former Brighton man played all 94 minutes.
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He’s starting to regain the confidence and playing time that can only benefit him in the run-up to the World Cup, both in terms of his permanence and in potentially facilitating a transfer abroad, given the fact his agent is apparently working to find a destination.
Gimenez’s struggles continues.
At the Rose Bowl in Los Angeles, Gimenez’s Mexico defeated Australia thanks to Johan Vasquez’s goal, the Genoa defender who had already scored against Milan a few days ago during the 37th round of Serie A.
El Bebote’s second-half introduction bodes well for La Tri after a long-term ankle injury. Following the match, he spoke to Fox Sports Mexico (via MilanVibes), having spoken before it too.
“There’s a wonderful spirit in this group, and I think you can also see the incredible sense of unity on the pitch, along with the happiness on their faces as they play together and spend time sharing this experience,” he said.
“Playing these games is really important during this period, both to get to know each other better and to gain rhythm, distance, and feeling. Winning is always important, especially for growing as a group.
“I feel great. I’ve already been getting more and more minutes with Milan. I’ve started the last three Serie A games, and that was really important for me to get into the swing of things.
“This game is really important for me to start adjusting to the pace, the weather, the altitude, and the climate, gaining confidence and getting more minutes. I don’t care how many minutes I get in the games; the important thing is to have the confidence to do well and help the team.”
After the game, ESPN Mexico published their ratings and they gave Santi a 5 out of 10: “Without many touches or chances, Santi showed very little, but at least he wasn’t intimidated by the fiery Australians.”
Yes when he has the confidence, gets more minutes, his ankle is fully healed, the weather, pace, climate, altitude are just right – then we’ll see the real Gimenez…
Yeah well, we already saw him at Feyenoord. It’s just with every striker at Milan. They forget how to football here. Lol
The Australians are a nasty group. You always need an enforcer when you play them, even in a friendly. I watched the game, he didn’t get any service.
Looks like Allegri is as the problem. Pulisic with assist and goal in 20 minutes.
I was just thinking that. He’s blowing by players.