Argentina's Gonzalez shines in Veron's absence

LIMA, July 24 (Reuters) -- Argentina's Luis Gonzalez has played so well at Copa America that his compatriot and idol Juan Sebastian Veron does not appear to have been missed at the tournament.

Left out of the Argentina squad by coach Marcelo Bielsa after an injury-plagued season with English premier league side Chelsea, midfielder Veron may now struggle to reclaim his place in the team.

River Plate's Gonzalez, popularly known as 'Lucho', has had an outstanding Copa America. His versatility, movement and finishing have marked him out as a key component in Bielsa's new-look Argentina.

The 23-year-old appears equally comfortable whether playing in front of the defence or in a more attacking role on the right of the midfield.

His finishing, usually, is clinical and he has scored four goals in 14 appearances for his country.

He won a penalty and scored in the 6-1 win over Ecuador and was on target again in the 3-0 semi-final victory against Colombia.

Gonzalez, who made his debut against Honduras in January last year and has played in every match at the Copa America, has long idolised Veron.

"I always went mad watching the way Juan Sebastian Veron hit the ball and now I'm going to take part in the same training session as him," Gonzalez said after one of his first matches in Argentina colours.

"I'll even be able to pass him the ball. This is marvellous."

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