Canada were held by Guatemala in the CONCACAF Gold Cup on Sunday and Nottingham Forest defender Richie Laryea was in action once again. The player has been on loan with Toronto FC and he remains a key player in John Herdman’s squad.
Laryea and his international teammates are still searching for a first win at the tournament. A goalless draw against Guatemala came on the back of a shock 2-2 draw with Guadeloupe in their first game.
Canada’s fate is still pretty much in their own hands, however. They face Cuba who are already eliminated next and they know that a win should take them through to the knockout stages.
Forest-owned Laryea is a mainstay on the international stage. He plays as a right wing-back for the national team and it’s where he typically thrives on the pitch.
Laryea has now made 43 caps for his country and after his latest outing, he was given some praise by the national media in Canada.
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The official website of the Canadian Premier League said: “Laryea has led by example all tournament for Canada with relentless energy and quality. On Saturday night, he won all eight of his duels contested, made three tackles, three dribbles and completed 92 per cent of his passes.”
Forest man Laryea gets praise from the national media
The Reds must decide what to do with Laryea this summer. It was claimed over the weekend that Toronto would like him back with his loan now over and that could be an option.
Canada have flattered to deceive at the Gold Cup so far. They will be hoping for a morale-boosting victory against Cuba who are out of the tournament after losing two games.
Laryea is perhaps the right player for Forest at the wrong time. Had Forest not been promoted during the 2021/22 campaign, he may have got a chance in the Championship last season.
A move back to Toronto does feel like the most likely scenario. He’s worshipped by the fans there and he knows that he’s played his best football in the MLS.