Venezuela's chase for a first ever World Cup qualification has left Kaizer Chiefs' star midfielder Edson Castillo as a focal point in the South American country's mainstream media.
Though he didn't get any minutes in October, Castillo has been named again in the La Vinotinto squad to play Ecuador at home on November 17 and Peru (November 22).
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Castillo was called up in October as replacement for Jesus Bueno for games against Brazil and Chile but has found himself in the original squad this time.
The major publications in Venezuela have taken notice.
The El Universal newspaper of Venezuela cited the inclusion of Castillo in its headlines while noting the absence of Jesus Bueno and Josef Martinez.
El Nacional – the other daily newspaper with a huge circulation in Venezuela – also highlighted the inclusion of Castillo.
Castillo has followed the footsteps of Jose Torrealba in earning national team call-ups while in the books of Chiefs following his impressive start that has pushed him to four goals in 14 appearances.
With up to seven qualification spots available for the 10 South American countries, Venezuela will be hoping to go through to their first ever World Cup finals as they currently sit fourth after four games.
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As the third lowest ranked country (49 on world rankings) in CONMEBOL, Venezuela remains the only South American country to hand out caps to players plying their trade in the PSL.
Rafael Dudamel still stands as the most prominent Venezuelan to play in the PSL.
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