Jefferson Lerma started for Colombia during the Copa America final in the early hours of Monday morning, here’s how the Colombian media reacted.
Despite having six Crystal Palace players potentially set to get a medal across the Euro 2024 and Copa America finals, none ended up with one.
England lost to Spain, while for Jefferson Lerma and the suspended Daniel Munoz it was Argentina who beat them to the trophy.
But the Colombian side should be proud of their run, and both Palace players of their performances in an impressive tournament.
But now, here’s what the Colombian press had to say about Lerma against Argentina.
Photo by Pablo Morano/BSR Agency/Getty Images
Colombia may have lost the final, but against the reigning world champions, it was a very solid outing, with Lerma being praised for his display.
Firstly, El Heraldo scored Lerma a 7/10 for the match, before giving him a review: “Very good game. He fought with everything in midfield and won several duels. He didn’t deny a drop of sweat. Great America’s Cup.”
Following this, WIN also reacted, handing him an 8/10 and also reviewing his performance: “Jefferson was an axis in the middle of the field. His leadership was maintained during the 90 minutes and the team felt his departure. Lerma was the muscle that was needed in the middle of the pitch.”
ESPN Colombia was also in the business of scoring Lerma’s outing: “Very good in the aerial game recovering possession in his own field, then he released a great mid-distance shot that almost was a goal if it were not for the breathtaking flight and intervention of Martínez at the corner shot. In the second half, he finished off the stray.”
Now the tournament is over, Lerma will be taking a three-week break before returning to Copers Cope with Crystal Palace. That of course assuming nothing comes from links pushing Lerma toward Fenerbahce.
How Lerma performed in the final of Copa America
Lerma played a large chunk of the game against Argentina before being withdrawn in the 105th minute. Quite telling of his impact was that after his withdrawal, it took Argentina just seven minutes to take the lead.
Lerma completed 85% of his passes in the game (57/67) and created one chance in the process. He also had 80 touches of the ball and completed 15 passes into the final third in doing so.
Defensively he had a huge impact, winning five tackles (100%), making 10 recoveries, nine defensive actions and a clearance and an interception.
The Palace man won five duels out of nine as he proved effective in stopping the Argentine midfield from getting going.
His displays here will have impressed Oliver Glasner who will be excited to get him back. It also stakes his claim to start in midfield, as opposed to centre-back which he was used in last season.
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Publish date : 2024-07-16 07:30:00
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