From Cruz Azul Champion to Uruguayan Cup Glory: The Walter Montoya Story
Walter Montoya etched his name in Cruz Azul history as part of the team that shattered a 24-year championship drought, securing the coveted Ninth title. While iconic players like Cabecita Rodríguez and Roberto Alvarado often take center stage, Montoya’s contributions were instrumental in achieving this monumental feat.
Joining Cruz Azul in the 2017/18 season after a less-than-successful stint in Europe with Sevilla, Montoya brought valuable experience, having even graced the Champions League stage under the guidance of Jorge Sampaoli. Despite limited opportunities with the Andalusian giants, Cruz Azul recognized his potential and secured his services.
Over four seasons, the now 31-year-old Argentine midfielder donned the Cruz Azul jersey 63 times, contributing three goals and four assists. His impact extended beyond statistics,as his tenacity and tactical awareness solidified his place in the team’s midfield.
After lifting three trophies with La Maquina, including the historic Ninth, Montoya’s playing time dwindled, leading to his departure. A heartfelt farewell video, showcasing his best moments, was shared by the club, acknowledging his significant contributions.
Montoya’s journey continued in South America, where he represented prominent clubs like Gremio de porto Alegre and Racing Club. while his time at these teams yielded mixed results, his move to Defensor Sporting in Uruguay marked a resurgence.
Far from fading into obscurity, Montoya became a key figure in Defensor Sporting’s starting lineup, leading them to a stunning victory in the Uruguay Cup. This triumph disrupted the dominance of traditional powerhouses Nacional and Peñarol, sending shockwaves through Uruguayan football.
despite this remarkable achievement, Montoya’s market value has plummeted to $300,000, a stark contrast to his $6 million valuation in 2018. This decline can be attributed to the Uruguay Cup’s status as a secondary competition in South America, despite its importance for Defensor Sporting.
Montoya’s story is a testament to the unpredictable nature of football careers. From celebrating championship glory with Cruz Azul to leading a Uruguayan underdog to victory, his journey highlights the importance of perseverance and seizing opportunities.
from Cruz Azul Glory to Uruguayan Cup Triumph: A Conversation with Former Coach, Miguel Herrera
Today, we have the pleasure of welcoming Miguel Herrera, renowned coach with a storied career in Mexican and South American football, to discuss the interesting journey of midfielder Walter Montoya.
Miguel, Montoya’s time at Cruz Azul was marked by that amazing championship run, something you’ve undoubtedly experienced yourself. What particular qualities did you see in Montoya that contributed to that historic Ninth title?
Miguel Herrera: Montoya,while not always in the spotlight,brought a grit and tactical intelligence that was invaluable to that Cruz Azul squad. He was a hard worker,always putting in the effort,and his understanding of the game positioned him perfectly to support players like Cabecita Rodríguez and Alvarado. Remember, championships are rarely won by individual brilliance alone, but through a collective effort, and Montoya was a vital cog in that machine.
Captivating point about the importance of the collective. Now, fast forward to his time in Uruguay. Defensor Sporting’s cup victory was a major upset, disrupting the established order. Was this a surprise to you, given Montoya’s talent but perhaps perceived decline in his latter years?
MH: Honestly, I wasn’t surprised. Montoya has always been a player who thrives on opportunity and a belief system. When you give him a chance to lead, to contribute substantially, he rises to the occasion. Yes, perhaps he wasn’t getting the same opportunities in Brazil or at other bigger clubs, but Defensor Sporting recognized his potential, and he repaid their faith. That Uruguay Cup win must have felt incredibly sweet.
Certainly a testament to his resilience. But then we have this curious situation where his market value has significantly dropped, despite this recent success. Do you think this reflects a lack of recognition for the Uruguay cup’s importance or other factors at play?
MH: I think it’s a mix of factors. While the Uruguay Cup is a prestigious trophy, the reality is that it doesn’t carry the same weight internationally as some of the larger South American competitions. There’s always that focus on the Libertadores, the Sudamericana, and even the Brazilian Serie A.
It’s unfortunate as Montoya’s contributions to Defensor Sporting were undeniable.
He led them to glory! It’s a complex issue, but I believe players who make an impact, nonetheless of the league or tournament’s profile, deserve recognition.
Miguel thanks so much for your insights.
***
Now it’s your turn! What are your thoughts on Walter Montoya’s career trajectory? Did the decline in market value surprise you? Share your opinions in the comments section below and let’s keep the conversation going!