World Cup 2022 – Squad Preview: Uruguay

Diego Alonso has announced his 26-man squad for the World Cup in Qatar. The inaugural World Cup winners are another side looking to replicate past glories.  

They might not be mentioned alongside the favourites but the squad contains an exciting mix of youth and experience. The question is whether Alonso can get it to blend it in time.   

Fernando Muslera of Galatasaray is the most experienced keeper in the squad and will likely start as number one. Sergio Rochet of Nacional is a capable back-up though. He played the final few qualifiers as Muslera had a hamstring injury.

There is a huge amount of competition in defence. The veteran Diego Godin of Velez Sarsfield and Jose Jimenez of Atletico Madrid have been first-choice recently. Sebastian Coates and Martin Caceres could easily start ahead of either of them though. 

Barcelona’s Ronald Araujo who was an injury doubt could play in the centre or at right back where he will be up against Guillermo Valera. Mathias Olivera of Napoli or Mathias Vina competing for the left hand side. It allows Alonso the options to rotate as needed.  

Midfield can alternate between a standard four or a five man depending on the opposition. Lucas Torreira of Galatasaray and Rodrigo Bentancur of Tottenham tasked with forming a solid base. 

Federico Valverde has been in great form for Real Madrid and he will provide most of the creative drive. Matthias Vecino and/or Nicholas De La Cruz backing him in that job. Manchester United’s Facundo Pellestri has made the squad after a series of impressive displays for the national side.

Up front there is the most amount of experience. Luis Suarez and Edison Cavani are appearing in their fourth World Cup. How much minutes they play has yet to be seen. They are a handy option to be called upon though. 

Darwin Nunez of Liverpool is likely to feature highly after a slow start for his club. Facundo Torres is a rising star and on the attention list of many clubs.

Goalkeepers: Fernando Muslera (Galatasaray), Sergio Rochet (Nacional), Sebastian Sosa (Independiente)

Defenders: Jose Maria Gimenez (Atletico Madrid), Sebastian Coates (Sporting CP), Diego Godin (Velez Sarsfield), Martin Caceres (LA Galaxy), Ronald Araujo (Barcelona), Guillermo Varela (Flamengo), Jose Luis Rodriguez (Nacional), Mathias Olivera (Napoli), Matias Vina (Roma)

Midfielders: Lucas Torreira (Galatasaray), Manuel Ugarte (Sporting CP), Matias Vecino (Lazio), Rodrigo Bentancur (Tottenham Hotspur), Federico Valverde (Real Madrid), Facundo Pellistri (Manchester United), Nicolas De La Cruz (River Plate)

Forwards: Agustin Canobbio (Athletico Paranaense), Facundo Torres (Orlando City), Giorgian De Arrascaeta (Flamengo), Maxi Gomez (Trabzonspor), Luis Suarez (Nacional), Edinson Cavani (Valencia), Darwin Nunez (Liverpool)