
	Discussing the merits of Recoba TBy David Bongiorno 24/6/01 Talking about Inter Milan's Uruguayan striker Alvaro Recoba raises problems. The majority of South America players in Serie A thoroughly deserve their hefty salaries, generous perks and glowing write-ups from journalists. But the US$7.2 million Recoba so far has not. This means he's the main subject of discussion at my regular get together with old mate and football mentor, Don Ciccio, a short and chubby paesano with an encyclopedic knowledge of the game. We're in Lygon Street's Bar Centrale discussing South American players in Serie A. Among many things, we agree that: - Batistuta walks on water - Ronaldo dribbles like a god - Leonardo defies the laws of nature - Cafu serves better than a brick wall in defence And over our ninety minutes together, the conversation flows like water, because there are no footballers like South American footballers. Indeed, we've followed the Serie A careers of argentinos, brasileiros, chilenos and colombianos, and both believe that the majority of them who get a chance to play in the strongest league in the world usually achieve some kind of greatness. But we both feel that Recoba looks like being the most high profile exception to date. Here is an extract of our caffeine-fuelled conversation: *Who is Alvaro Recoba, Don Ciccio?* "A highly paid forward from Uruguay. One who still needs to convince a number of people, including me." What's he known for? "Costing Inter's Morratti US$7.2 million to buy." What's he also known for, Don Ciccio? "Allegedly using an EU passport in order to play football in Italy." And has he got away with it? "Of course not. The last thing I read was that the Italian Football Federation was looking to fine and suspend him." *But will the federation do these things?* "No, Recoba will probably just be fined." Fair enough, Don Ciccio. Now, how do you think he's performed in his three seasons in Italy? "Abbastanza bene (well enough) on the occasions he's played. Most Sundays, he starts on the bench." What's wrong with that? "He cost US$7.2 million." Should he request a transfer in order to be able to play every week? "Yes!" How did he get to Inter in the first place? "Moratti heard that Juve's Agnelli wanted him. And there was no way that Moratti was going to let him have the kid." And what's happened since? "He's had to compete against players like Zamorano, Ronaldo and Vieri for a spot." *Has he tried to distinguish himself from these champions?* "Yes, not long into his contract, he left the ground, showered and went home after being substituted for playing a lousy first half." And what effect did this have? "It served to mark him as a bit of a prima donna." So where should he go? "He should look to play for a team like Udinese or Perugia. He needs to be a big fish in a small pond to thrive." *What would happen if he were to move to such a side?* "He'd score goals and his confidence and play would improve dramatically. This would make club officials and fans happy, and give journalists positive things to write about him." *And could this happen in the next season or so?* "No." Okay, Don Ciccio. I'd better be heading home. Let's catch up a couple of weeks into next season. "Yes, David. Then we'll see if Recoba's even begun to earn his keep."