Aston Villa Emiliano Buendia is already being told to keep his phone on in case Argentina need reinforcements for the World Cup.
Now he has the backing of one of the country's most recognizable football voices.
Despite finishing the season in great form, Buendia was left out of Lionel Scaloni's final 26-man squad. The midfielder played a major role in Aston Villa's Europa League victory and finished the campaign close to his best performances following a long recovery from an ACL injury.
Recent reports from Argentina It was claimed the Villa player was asked to delay his holidays and be available in case injuries were forced to make late changes to the squad.
The debate has now intensified following comments by former Argentina international Diego Latorre.
"Buendia should come in"
But I am saying espn argentinaLatorre argued that Buendia should be called up to the player if Scaloni decides that changes are necessary.
"The information I have is that Balerdi's replacement is not in the United States," he said before discussing possible options.
Latorre then turned his attention to Buendia.
"I think if Scaloni is still thinking about one player, this is the right opportunity. If he still has doubts about Buendia or Peron..." He said.
The former Argentine midfielder particularly praised Buendia's performances for Aston Villa.
"Buendia's season was extraordinary, extraordinary," Latorre said. “It is true that there is a lot of competition in that field and there are already established starters. But eWayne Buendia's last spell at Aston Villa was extraordinary. Truly extraordinary.”
Aston Villa form becomes argument
That praise is important because it mirrors the argument that many Villa supporters would make. And Latorre believes his performances in the Europa League deserved more recognition.
When he was asked directly whether Buendia should be brought into the team, he left no room for doubt.
"I have no doubt," He said. "For me, Buendia should come in."
"He's a complete midfielder. He scores goals, he has a lot of goals and he shoots very well from distance."
Latorre accepted the obvious counterargument. Argentina already have players like Thiago Almada and Nicolas Paz competing for similar attacking midfield roles.
Still this did not change his opinion.
"They can tell you all this," He said. "But I have followed Buendia closely throughout the season. For me, he is a player who has to be there and should have been one of the 26."
It remains to be seen whether Scaloni agrees. However, after being asked to be available and now receiving public support from a respected former international, Buendia's World Cup story may not be quite over yet.
