River Plate's midfield, like in 'El Eternauta': "The old stuff works" with Enzo Pérez and Nacho Fernández

Enzo Pérez was born on February 22, 1986. He is 39 years old. Ignacio Fernández , on the other hand, came into the world on January 12, 1990. He is 35 years old. On the pitch they seem younger or, evidently, "the old works" , as they say in the series 'El Eternauta' , a phrase that could well be applied to these two historic figures and River Plate players and Madrid heroes .

Enzo Pérez and Nacho Fernández play without caring about their ID numbers. What's more, they laugh at their birth dates and remain active on the pitch as if they were just kids. Experience is also important, but it's clear they continue to train like the first day to stay on par with the rest. And today they are part of a midfield that looks polished . They proved it against Barracas Central , but they have been playing very good games, in tune with the team. In fact, Enzo was a great performer against Boca Juniors, and Nacho came on strong against Independiente del Valle and was a star player for Vélez. Furthermore, both stood out against Barcelona in Guayaquil, and against Ruben Insua's team, they smashed the ball at the Monumental, where Fernández scored again.

“Age is just a number. The truth is, we feel physically fit enough to contribute to the team. And the coach sees us in good shape and puts us in. There's no other secret,” Nacho said. He added: “You don't like being out of the game. I took it in stride and wanted to keep improving.”

For his part, Enzo Pérez commented: "I try to focus on my job, working, helping the team, and when it's my turn to play, I approach it in the best way possible. I know I'm 39 years old, that I'm old, but I still enjoy this. Football is my passion, that's why I live it as such, and when things don't go my way, I get angry. I have that adrenaline running through my body; I've been like that throughout my career and I will continue to be until the day I retire." And he added about his current game: "It's a bit about knowing how to interpret where the play might go in order to cut it off. Marcelo (Gallardo) wants the full-backs to go forward, that's why with the center-backs we have to be alert to any rebound to intercept it and be able to continue attacking."

At almost forty, Enzo seems rejuvenated and enjoying his second stint at River. And Gallardo knows this and is taking advantage of it. "He's been playing well, very well. That's why he plays. Beyond his age, he's a player and a person who is constantly improving. He knows the demands of River and the preparation that entails," explained El Muñeco when analyzing the Mendoza native's performance in the 3-0 thrashing of Guapo, which allowed the Nuñez-based club to secure their place in the quarterfinals of the Apertura Playoffs, where they will face Platense on Tuesday at 8:30 p.m. at the Monumental Stadium.

And he emphasized: "I'm very happy with the level we're at, and the strong individual performances keep the team growing. When the team grows, we can play like we've been playing in recent games."

For Enzo and Nacho to shine, Kevin Castaño's participation in that three-man midfield is also key. We mustn't forget the Colombian, who, since his arrival, has been instrumental in River's improved performance, as he consistently delivers the ball to his feet, is neat, plays with intelligence, is dynamic, has great mobility, and helps with recovery. He also played a great match against Barracas.

"The fact that he's adapted quickly speaks to his stature. It's not easy to come to River, put on the jersey, and play the way he does," Gallardo praised.

Ultimately, the improvement in River's midfield was crucial for the team's growth and its continued solidity, playing the way fans like and identifying with them. "It was magic," Gallardo said ironically, as he polished his magic wand and transformed River once again into a team of charm.