Alianza Lima and Christian Cueva: What does ‘Aladino’ need to earn his renewal?

It is no secret to anyone that Cueva intends to extend his loan with the blue and white team until December. What’s more, he has already communicated to the Alliance board his interest in continuing to play there; however, the participation of Al Fateh, a club to which he still belongs, is also necessary. The three parties must agree and negotiate directly; although it transpired that the player’s new contract would mean a reduction in the salary that he currently receives in Matute.

Beyond the contractual issue, there is the football one, which is the most important for the club’s sporting interests. Is its renewal necessary for the three-time championship? It is evident that Cueva is far from that version of himself that reached his peak of performance in the Qatar 2022 Qualifiers with the Peruvian team. That level shown has not been able to repeat it with Alianza Lima and it is what every fan wants to see. ‘Aladino’ is aware of this situation and has worked physically and mentally to meet again on the pitch. But much more is needed.

It is true that Cueva has gone from less to more in the team of ‘Chicho’ Salas. He did not have the auspicious debut that Jefferson Farfán did experience when he returned to Matute in 2021 (he scored the goal in the 1-0 win over Municipal); but he tried it his way, asking for the ball and performing that role of driver to which he is so accustomed. And after 10 games, more than 70 days since the relaunch and with 555 minutes played over him, he was just able to round off a good performance on the court. He did it against Binacional, where he recorded an 8.4 score (the best so far), according to SofaScore. Is that enough to convince about his renewal or is it still not enough?

• Cave numbers in Alianza Lima

If we take a look at the statistics, Cueva only registers one assist in 10 games with the intimates and has not been able to score goals so far. The goal he supposedly scored against Binacional was validated as Edson Aubert’s own goal, so ‘Aladino’ -officially- has not yet scored this year. However, it is evident that there is an improvement in his level, a product of continuity and the effort of the player himself. He has started six games and in the last two (against Libertad and Binacional) he stood out. If he maintains that rhythm and in the absence of Andrés Andrade due to injury, Cueva has four games ahead to show his all.

• Alianza Lima next matches

As is known, Alianza Lima still has to play two games for Liga 1 (against ADT in Tarma and Deportivo Garcilaso in Lima) and another two for the Copa Libertadores (against Atlético Mineiro in Lima and Athletico Paranaense in Brazil), all with different degree of complexity. The two for the local contest serve to maintain the eight-point advantage with their main escort (Universitario de Deportes) and add to the Accumulated; while the two define their future in the international tournament. This is where Cueva needs to shine; that is to say, being that player of hierarchy and unbalancing that makes the difference on the court, that ’10’ rogue and chocolatier to play and face, whose inventiveness borders on genius and makes him a magician with the ball at his feet. If he does, who would oppose his continuity in Matute?

Whether there are arguments for Cueva to extend his stay in Alianza Lima depends on the player himself, his game, his level and his significance in the group. Salas trusts him, the group leaders also point to him as one of them and the youngest on the squad see him as a benchmark. But it is necessary to give that plus to convince those who still question its continuity. Although there is a predisposition to renew between the parties (club and player), it is necessary to end up making the blue and white fan fall in love. And that is achieved on the field, where Cueva knows what he has to do.

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