Christian Cueva stands up for Piero Quispe, questions talk of no fresh talent in Peru

With the Peruvian national team going through one of its roughest patches on the road to the 2030 World Cup, Christian Cueva decided to set the record straight. The Sport Boys midfielder doesn't buy the narrative that there's no fresh talent coming through in Peruvian soccer, and he named names: Piero Quispe.

Cueva knows firsthand what it's like to carry the label of "successor" or a marked man. That's why, when he sees criticism raining down on Quispe, he steps in to back him up. Cueva himself recalled having to start from scratch at one point in his own career, and he doesn't like seeing history repeat itself with another talented kid.

Let them talk about his comeback. I came back too. Remember? I came back in the middle of 2014. But why do you have to beat him down? That's what I don't agree with. I love Piero Quispe. I would have liked to be there with him right now, on a national team, sharing a lot more time together. And maybe growing together, me learning from him too.Christian Cueva

That comparison to his own path isn't a coincidence. In the middle of 2014, Cueva went through a turning point in his career and managed to reinvent himself, going on to become one of the most decisive pieces of the Peruvian national team for years. That's why he understands that a player's development isn't always a straight line, and that piling on the pressure doesn't always help.

Praise for Piero Cari too

Cueva didn't stop at Quispe. He also turned his attention to Piero Cari, the Alianza Lima midfielder still fighting for a regular spot in the first team. For the former Videna youth product, the talent is there, he just needs to be given consistent minutes.

Very good player, the quality he has. I hope they can give him minutes, because Cari is a very good player. Sometimes you just have to shake them awake. But what quality. That's why I disagree when people say there are no players.Christian Cueva

The quote sums up Cueva's underlying point pretty well: the problem isn't a lack of raw material, it's a lack of patience and real opportunities for these young players to settle in.

Since he was already in vindication mode, Cueva also took the chance to talk about his own team. At Sport Boys, a club going through a strong stretch, he singled out teammates like Oslimg Mora and Matias Llontop, who he believes have what it takes to fight for a spot on the national team. He also made sure to mention Jostin Alarcon and Yuriel Celi as other names worth watching closely.

"They need to be settled somewhere they can play, and I think Boys is good for them," the midfielder said, making clear that, in his view, the key isn't so much about hunting for new names in Peruvian soccer, but about giving playing time and confidence to the ones already there, knocking on the door.