Why Manchester United player Facundo Pellistri is in Uruguay squad despite loan struggles

Uruguay head coach Diego Alonso has explained why he has included Manchester United youngster Facundo Pellistri in his latest squad despite a lack of opportunities on loan at Alaves this season.

Pellistri has been named in the squad for Uruguay's upcoming clashes with Mexico, the USA and Jamaica. The three fixtures are friendlies and will be Uruguay's latest batch of warm-up matches ahead of the World Cup starting in November.

The United youngster has struggled for opportunities at Alaves this term, making just 23 appearances in all competitions — most of which came from the substitutes bench. He failed to register a single goal or assist, as Alaves finished bottom of La Liga, suffering relegation for the first time since being promoted in 2016.

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But despite his struggles at club level, he has been a regular fixture in Alonso's plans for Uruguay in recent months. Since making his senior debut for his country in January, he started three of their last four World Cup qualifiers, claiming two assists in a 4-1 win over Venezuela.

Therefore, Alonso has had no hesitations in including the 20-year-old in his latest squad, as he continues to put plans in place ahead of travelling to Qatar later this year. He has also outlined how Pellistri suits the system that he wants his team to play.

"I believe a lot in the characteristics of soccer players and I also believe a lot in my soccer players," Alonso explained. "I trust a lot in the Uruguayan footballer and in what he can do.

"I thought that the characteristics that Pellistri has could help us a lot with the game that we want to implement. From there, I told him what I wanted from him, what I did