Chosen by the leaders: the best players of Los Pumas in 2024

The Pumas culminated a 2024 full of emotions and positive things: in the Albiceleste team, with the new cycle of Felipe Contepomiseveral players stood out, who were chosen by various Argentine rugby figures.

First of all, Juan Cruz Mallía was the name most highlighted by specialists. The Toulouse back, who was not present in the July window, played in the other nine games. In total, the man from Córdoba scored five tries in the year with the national team.

In this regard, Mauricio Reggiardo, current head coach of Provence, did not hesitate to praise the Argentine: “For me the best Puma of the year was Juan Cruz Mallía. Firstly, because of what he did with his club, I see him every weekend and he had a tremendous season. Playing at 10, at 11, at 15, at all positions. And at Los Pumas too, I was impressed the week he played on a Sunday night against Bayonne as a 10 against Toulouse. And on Saturday, six days later, he played a great game against Italy. Technically, tactically, physically, the leadership he has. He seems like a complete player to me, nowadays when you make the Los Pumas team, Juan Cruz can’t be missing.”he commented.

Another of those who highlighted Mallía was Leonardo Senatore, former player of the national team: “The best for me was Juan Cruz Mallía. I think he had a spectacular year and it is becoming increasingly clear how well he understands rugby. I love him, he is the player that people would pay a ticket to see,” express. And he joined Frederick Ninja Todeschini: “The best player was Mallía, he is at a very high level, he can play in all back positions“he added.

He did the same Eduardo Simone. The former center noted that “The best of Los Pumas was Mallía, but Oviedo is also worth highlighting”. And he expanded: “Mallía has been one of the most outstanding for years; Oviedo, the performance it began to have with continuity was impressive”.

Meanwhile, in addition to the Cordoban, Mateo Carreras and Tomás Albornoz were other of the chosen players. Fairly, Daniel Hourcadeformer coach of Los Pumas, referred to the current situation of the three: “There are players who have been at a high level. Mallía, Mateo Carreras, Tomi Albornoz, are the players who have stood out the most this year. Juanchi Mallía He is a player who is at an exceptional level, one of the best players in the world. All the experience he already has, the possibility he has to play in any position in the back line and it makes him spectacular. He is a boy who is on another level. The year of Matthew Carrerashe never plays badly, he always stands out in good and bad games. What of Tomi Albornozthe explosion that hit, established him as the 10 of Los Pumas. These three were the ones that stood out,” he assured.

Besides, Nicolas Vergalloformer scrum half of Los Pumas, highlighted Albornoz: “The best player was Tomi Albornoz. When it was his turn to come on, he made the team play very well and showed personality. He came in and it didn’t bother him, he was able to show the kind of player he is and above all he made the team play well“he pointed out.