The Argentinian central defender is fully eligible to represent the United States champion club once more, and his national team prospects continue to intrigue fans and analysts alike.
On October 16, a surprising but timely development emerged from Chilean football offices. Matias Zaldivia, a defender for Universidad de Chile, was summoned to join La Roja Sub 23 for a microcycle scheduled from May 22 to 25. This marks the defender’s first international mention in his career and signals a notable recognition of his performances at the club level.
WHY IS ZALDIVIA BEING CALLED TO THE CHILEAN SELECTION?
First and foremost, his recent form and reliability at the back stand out. Zaldivia has stood tall in the rearguard, strengthening the line and helping his teammates stay solid. His display in the Superclásico at the Monumental is often cited as evidence of his composure and his ability to read the game under pressure. In the selection pool, he was considered as an option alongside Nery Domínguez and Luis Casanova, yet he emerged as the most consistent presence among the trio.
Beyond club performances, Zaldivia has long been in the Chilean football ecosystem. He spent seven seasons with Colo Colo from 2015 to 2022, contributing in ways that earned him a look from the national team setup. Eduardo Berizzo, the head coach, views him as a natural leader within the defensive unit, an asset given the youth spread in the back line featuring players like Valentín Vidal from Unión Española and Daniel González from Universidad Católica.
It is important to note that the national team will bring in some senior players to participate in the Pan American Games in Santiago in 2023, and historically the team has considered players such as Rodrigo Echeverría, Javier Altamirano, and Carlos Palacios from Colo Colo. Zaldivia is part of a generation that could extend its role if his upward trajectory continues, especially as Chile weighs its options for South American qualifiers.
Source: Goal