SHOCKER AT BOCA! Delgado's Career CRUSHED Under Russo's Reign!

Milton Delgado's story at Boca Juniors has taken an unexpected turn, leaving many wondering: What happened to the 20-year-old midfielder who, just a few months ago, was a key player and now seems to have disappeared from Miguel Ángel Russo's radar? The "kid" from Rafael Castillo, who was one of the most consistent players for the Xeneize during the Apertura Tournament and Fernando Gago's era, has seen his situation change radically with the arrival of the new coaching staff, going from the starting central midfielder to the last alternative in his position.

It was unthinkable to imagine a Boca starting eleven without Milton Delgado when the team was leading Zone A of the Apertura and seeking recovery after their elimination from the Cup (we assume the elimination against Alianza Lima). His performance was so outstanding that many considered him the team's best player. However, football is dynamic, and coaching changes often bring new ideas and preferences. Miguel Ángel Russo's arrival on the Boca bench has marked a before and after for the young midfielder, relegating him to a secondary role and creating uncertainty about his future at the club.

From Consolidation to Marginalization: The Milton Delgado Case

Milton Delgado's trajectory at Boca is a clear example of the ups and downs young talents can experience in elite football.

• The Gago Era: The Brilliance of a Young Talent. Under Fernando Gago's technical direction, Milton Delgado established himself as the starting "number five" (defensive midfielder). His vision, ball-winning ability, clean distribution, and maturity for his age made him a fundamental axis in Boca's midfield. He was the team's engine, providing balance and crucial ball progression. Fans saw him as one of the great promises from the Xeneize youth academy, capable of making a lasting impact.
• Russo's Arrival: A New Scenario. With the change of command and Miguel Ángel Russo's arrival, the team's priorities and playing style began to shift. Russo, known for his pragmatism and sometimes preferring players with more experience or specific characteristics for his system, has re-evaluated the squad. This has directly impacted Delgado's situation.
• Loss of Prominence: Overnight, Milton Delgado ceased to be that "untouchable" player. Opportunities in the starting eleven drastically reduced, and he began to be relegated to the bench, and in some matches, not even called up. It's a stark contrast to the leading role he had just a few months ago.

Why Did Delgado Lose Ground with Miguel Ángel Russo?

Several reasons can explain Milton Delgado's drastic drop in consideration under Miguel Ángel Russo's management.

• Coach's Tactical Preferences: Every coach has their own playbook. It's possible that Russo is looking for a different type of central midfielder for his system. Perhaps he prefers a "number five" with greater physical exertion, more experience, or a more purely defensive and marking profile, over Delgado's qualities, who shone more in ball progression and tactical organization.
• New Signings or Injured Players Returning: The transfer market and the return of other players from injury may also have influenced the situation. If Boca brought in new central midfielders or if injured players returned to their best level, competition for the position would have intensified, relegating Delgado.
• Training Performance: Even though he was a pillar under Gago, it's possible that Delgado's performance in training hasn't fully convinced Russo. In football, day-to-day work is crucial, and decisions are also made based on what the player shows in practice.
• Need for Experience in Key Moments: Russo, a highly experienced coach, might be prioritizing experience in high-pressure matches. In decisive tournament moments, coaches commonly lean towards more established players, which could have affected Delgado.
• Squad Management and Youth: Sometimes, coaches opt for cautious management with young talents, alternating their minutes to avoid burning them out or overloading them. However, in Delgado's case, the marginalization seems to go beyond simple rotation.

What is Milton Delgado's Future at Boca?

Milton Delgado's current situation is complex, but his talent remains undeniable.

• Patience and Hard Work: For Delgado, the key will be to remain patient, continue working hard in training, and take advantage of every small opportunity that comes his way. Demonstrating to Russo that he can adapt to his demands is fundamental.
• Possible Loan: If the situation doesn't change in the short term, a loan to another club in the Liga Profesional or even a lower-level team could be a viable option for Delgado to get playing time and not stall his progression. This would allow him to regain confidence and become a key player again.
• System Change or Other Players' Departures: Delgado's future could also depend on tactical changes at Boca or the departure of other midfielders, which would open up a new space for him.

Milton Delgado's story is a reminder of the relentless nature of elite football. From being a promising figure and an untouchable in Boca's midfield, he has been relegated to a secondary role. Xeneizes hope that this talented young man can turn the situation around and once again shine in the blue and gold jersey, proving why he was, not long ago, the club's great hope.