COLOMBIA manager Reinaldo Rueda said Wednesday that Shenzhen FC midfielder Juan Fernando Quintero will be crucial to his team’s hopes of qualifying for next year’s FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

Quintero is set to make his first international appearance since October 2018 in Colombia’s World Cup qualifier against Bolivia in La Paz.

Rueda said the 28-year-old had forced his way back into the Cafeteros squad with a series of impressive performances for Shenzhen FC, which he joined from River Plate in February this year.

“We have great expectations with his intelligence on the pitch,” Rueda told a virtual press conference.

“He has been training very well and we hope that he can make the most of this opportunity by bringing all of his talent to the national team.”

Rueda had words of encouragement for Everton midfielder James Rodriguez, who has been absent from Colombia’s national team since the manager’s appointment in January.

“It’s going to depend on how he is playing,” Rueda said of James’ prospects of a recall. “If he is playing regularly and in good form it will be good news for him, Everton and the national team.

The former Chile head coach also commented on the move of 35-year-old striker Radamel Falcao to Spain’s Rayo Vallecano from Galatasaray, a deal secured on the last day of the European summer transfer window.

“The change of league is very positive for Rada so that he can play regularly and be a protagonist,” the 64-year-old said.

Colombia’s clash against Bolivia will be followed by qualifiers against Paraguay in Asuncion and Chile in Barranquilla on Sept. 5 and 9, respectively.

The Cafeteros are currently fifth in the 10-team South American qualifying group with eight points from six matches.

(Xinhua)