Antonio Valencia included as Ecuador announced their squad for Copa America

Ecuador has confirmed their 23-men squad for the Copa America 2019 with 33-years old Antonio Valencia in the squad. His inclusion in the team has brought criticism as he has played less than 10 matches this season.

“There are players who haven’t played much but they are players that you know will be important when they’re in the national team,” said Ecuador coach,Hernan Dario Gomez.p pointing towards Valencia’s inclusion.

“I’m not going to throw out Valencia until he tells me he’s quitting.”

The former Manchester United captain has won 94 caps, scoring 11 goals for his International side. Though Valencia is well known for his right back position, he has been named as right winger in the National squad.

Ecuador are drawn in Group C along with Chile, Uruguay and a guest nation Japan. They will play their first match against Uruguay on June 16 in Belo Horzonte.

Ecuador has never won a Copa America.


Ecuador 23-men Squad

Goalkeepers: Alexander Dominguez (Velez Sarfield/ARG), Maximo Banguera (Barcelona), Pedro Ortiz (Delfin)

Defenders: Gabriel Achilier (Monarcas Morelia/MEX), Arturo Mina (Yeni Malatyaspor/TUR), Robert Arboleda (Sao Paulo/BRA), Xavier Arreaga (Seattle Sounders/USA), Pedro Velasco (Barcelona), Jose Quintero (Liga de Quito), Cristian Ramirez (FC Krasnodar/RUS), Beder Caicedo (Barcelona)

Midfielders: Jefferson Intriago (Liga de Quito), Jefferson Orejuela (Liga de Quito), Jhegson Mendez (Orlando City/USA), Carlos Gruezo (FC Dallas/USA), Andres Chicaiza (Liga de Quito), Renato Ibarra (America/MEX), Antonio Valencia (no team), Romario Ibarra (Minnesota United/USA), Ayrton Preciado (Santos Laguna/MEX)

Forwards: Enner Valencia (Tigres/MEX), Angel Mena (Club Leon/MEX), Carlos Garces (Delfin)

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