Uruguay centre-back Diego Lugano has praised counterpart Carles Puyol, who is set for 100 caps for Spain tonight.
The Barcelona centre-back is set to reach treble figures for appearances for La Roja in this evening’s friendly with the South Americans, and Lugano has taken time to pay tribute.
“He is a reference point in that position for all players in the world, for what he has won, for all the games he has played and for what he represents,” the on-loan Malaga man told reporters today.
“Congratulations to him. I already know what it is, having played for years for Uruguay’s national team and earned 76 caps.
“I know it will be difficult for me to get to 100 caps and even more so in a team like Spain… I hope he still has plenty of games to come ahead.”
Lugano was asked of possibly facing Cesc Fabregas in a false 9 role today.
“It’s the eternal debate you always have when playing defensively against Spain and against teams like Barcelona, they can play without a central attacker, who has much mobility.
“It is easier to defend when you have a reference point, but much depends on how you go out for the game.
“If the game is closed off and you do not have a reference to mark, it may be better in the field. The thing is, though, that Spain play very well, they have three or four players who can move around and beat your defence.”
