Overview

• In a Pase Filtrado interview, Ricardo Gareca said Álex Valera could become Peru’s starting striker but urged prudence because another candidate may still emerge.
• Interim coach Manuel Barreto selected Valera for the October friendly in Chile, naming him alongside Luis Ramos and Juan Pablo Goicochea in the forward pool.
• Valera’s inclusion offers an immediate test under an interim setup as the staff evaluates options for the next qualifying cycle.
• The Universitario forward has drawn attention with strong Liga 1 form, raising his profile for national-team consideration.
• The search for a new center forward follows reduced roles for Paolo Guerrero and Gianluca Lapadula during a broader generational transition.