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Sunderland defender Santiago Vergini is a surprise inclusion in the Argentina squad for their upcoming games in Aisia against Brazil and Hong Kong.
Gerardo Martino definió la citación para la gira de @Argentina por Asia, para los partidos contra Brasil y Hong Kong. pic.twitter.com/KQcszwcQbu
— Selección Argentina (@Argentina) September 22, 2014
It is something of a surprise, but it perhaps shouldn't be. Vergini was a key member of new Argentina boss Gerado Martino's Newell's Old Boys team, and there was even talk that he was such a big fan of the defender he considered taking him to Barcelona with him.
It's certainly a nice reward for Vergini, who has had a generally solid start to the season since returning on a second loan deal this summer.
There is no place for summer signing Ricky Alvarez, though, which is a shame. However, perhaps selfishly, may be taking the time to settle in here would do Sunderland more good than shooting off to Asia for a bit.