Sunderland star Omar Alderete has just helped Paraguay break 16-year curse
Omar Alderete is having an impact both at and away from Sunderland this season.
Alderete made his Sunderland debut against West Ham from the bench and made an instant impact by registering an assist, with the Paraguay international cementing his place in the starting lineup.
Since making the move from Getafe, Alderete has featured in all three Premier League encounters, helping his side to two wins.
However, while away on international duty at the start of September, the 28-year-old helped his country achieve something for the first time in well over a decade.
Paraguay qualify for the 2026 World Cup
Sunderland have got a gem in Alderete, who featured in Paraguay’s 0-0 draw with Ecuador in the early hours of Friday morning.
While it wasn’t the most exciting encounter, it was certainly one for the history books as Alderete helped maintain the clean sheet that saw his country qualify for the World Cup for the first time since appearing in it in 2010.
He wasn’t the only Sunderland star away representing their country, with Trai Hume also impressing for Northern Ireland in their win against Luxembourg.
Several others are expected to feature over the course of the week, with Noah Sadiki, Habib Diarra and Bertrand Traore all potentially in action on Friday.
As for Alderete, he is likely to feature again for Paraguay as they take on Peru on 10 September.
- Read more: Bertrand Traore shares his one Sunderland goal after deadline day arrival at Stadium of Light
How did Omar Alderete perform vs Ecuador?
Despite being a natural left-sided centre-back, Alderete actually featured as a right-back for his country on Friday morning.
Via Fotmob, his passing left a little to be desired, though the defensive aspect of his game certainly outshone it, and it bodes well for his time at Sunderland.
Only 63 per cent of his passes reached their desired target, with three of his 12 long balls making it to a teammate.
With that said, he won 100 per cent of his ground duels and three of the four duels in the air.
Alderete wasn’t dribbled past on any occasion, with two tackles and clearances to his name.
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