Talk to 'AS' as he walks through the multiple corners of the province with which he likes to get lost with his girlfriend Sol and his precious dog Simón: in a quiet way, without getting into any puddle. He has already learned how some fans can be, when in May 2018 a certain commotion was mounted to go to see a Boca-Unión at the Bombonera, then playing in Vélez. The quiet spirit of Lucas Gastón Robertone (1997, Concordia, Argentina) it transforms when it jumps to green. Then he collapses and begins to play to the rhythm of that rock that he loves so much. A true music lover and follower of 'Los Redonditos de Ricota', he has two musical tattoos on his calf and on his back.
He began playing at the age of eight in the Salto Grande and at twelve Vélez recruited him. In the neighborhood of Liniers, where they called him Ronaldinho, because of his long curly hair, was forging and focusing on Fernando Gago. Ball boy from the games that the former Madrid played at José Amalfitani, came to share a dressing room with him before the pandemic. Before, in 2016, Marcelo Gómez made him debut in the first Argentine, months before the AFA designated him as the best amateur player. Gabriel Heinze polished it, giving him greater freedom to cover more field, and Almería paid Vélez 3,400,000 euros for half of his card (he also has to pay another 30% of the total), a figure previously unthinkable in the Mediterranean. After a season of adaptation, Hugo and Silvia's son wants to engrave his name in gold letters in the form of a promotion to the First Division.
– Last year he had a secondary role. Of the 26 games he played in the league, he was only a starter in fourteen of them. In this, except for the game that he lost against Malaga due to suspension, he has started the rest. What has changed?
Last season was a bit more adaptation. It came from not playing in Argentina because the championship had not started due to the pandemic. When I arrived in Almería the preseason was ending and in those last days the team was already a little armed, with rhythm. I was missing a little more training, so I couldn't start from the beginning. Later, with the passage of time, I did add several starting matches.
– What has improved in all these months?
Some tactical and technical aspects. Unlike Argentine football, here it is much more orderly and you have to think more on a technical and tactical level and be more intelligent in many moments. I tried to learn those things.
– In Lezama he saw the red at 18 minutes. Did you think it could cost you the ownership you've earned?
Yes, a bit. I thought so. I was also very angry when I felt that due to the expulsion the party ended up escaping us. It would have happened otherwise. I also considered that I do not know if it was a lack of light red … But, well, it happened like that and that's it.
– Are the referees less permissive here?
Yes Yes. That is one of the differences with Argentine soccer, in terms of fouls, cards and others. I will have to get used to it.
– With Gomes he played as a midfielder or midfielder, even starting from the wing. Does Rubi's drawing suit him better when he is liberated by the positional midfielder?
Yes. In Argentina I played in that position and I think I feel more comfortable in this scheme than in the previous one. I can also do it in any position in the center of the field.
– Now he's playing with De la Hoz from behind and Samu as the other inside. In the first days the Portuguese was the '5' in Argentine nomenclature and Curro Sánchez, his companion. What differences do you find when playing with one system or another?
Cesar, unlike Samu, is a more positional player. It is true that Samu has a little more travel and intensity, but there César, unlike him, gives a little more order. That is good for different games. There are times when one is better and times when another will be better. That will surely be seen by the coach. With both schemes the team feels good.
– Where did you get that three-quarters spirit that you have?
That was always the case since I was a kid. When I started playing as a professional I learned many things with different coaches and I try to show those aspects that I have been acquiring throughout my career. So I will be a more complete player.
– What does Robertone need to improve?
Many tactical things. But also physical and technical. There is always something to improve.
– And the Almería?
I see the team well. We have started the league and there are many things to correct, but I see a more mature and confident Almería. I think this season will go well if we correct mistakes we make in games. Hopefully we can finish in the highest position.
– Tell me about three names: Rubi.
A coach who has a very good idea of the game, to my liking. He is offensive, he wants to attack and that we have a lot of intensity. He is polishing me on some things that serve both me and the team.
– His offensive football stands out, but in preseason more than half of the work was of defensive concepts.
It was a bit of a soft spot last season. Surely he analyzed it that way and wanted to emphasize that, also knowing that due to the individualities of players he has, the team is already offensive. So I think there was more emphasis on defense.
– The second name: Turki Al-Sheikh.
(Smile). I have not met him personally yet, but hopefully one day I can. If we can achieve the goal that he wants so much, we will try to restore the trust that he gives us.
– And the third: Umar Sadiq.
What you see. He is a striker who, if he is well, can make a lot of difference. At this moment he is well and we have to take advantage of it. He's stoned and that's good for both him and the team.
– Has the club put too much pressure on promotion?
I don't know, I can't tell you if the club or the city, it's all a bit. Football, and the footballer himself, always has a bit of pressure because of how they live, not only in Almería, but in the world. Players have to learn to live with that. You have to try to free yourself from the pressure of outsiders, everything that is not players and coaching staff. This way it is easier for the players and we will surely get the best out of each one.
– How did you get out of the final list for the Olympics?
It was a bit of a hard hit, but I tried to do my best. For a matter of decisions it was not my turn. By staying out, I was able to start the preseason with Almería. That helped me turn the page quickly.
– “I would like Gallardo to direct me. Moreover, if today I received an offer from Boca and another from River, I would choose River,” he said on NT Sports. This summer River took an interest in you. Had he left?
I do not know, I do not know. I was with the national team and due to one issue or another, the negotiations did not take place. River I think he wanted a loan and Almería preferred a sale. I was a little short on time, everything happened very quickly and it could not be done.
– Returning to Argentine soccer. Please give me more insight into the differences you discussed earlier.
There are some. One is the friction and the refereeing issue. Argentine football is more about contact and that contact is allowed a little more. It is more physical than technical. The main difference is that.
– Is the Argentine league in decline?
Nerd. It is a very competitive league. In fact, there are many players who go from there to different leagues in the world. There is very good quality and very good players. That is why there is an Argentine everywhere and on all teams.
– Is the second Spanish stronger than the first in your country?
I do not know. They are two very good leagues. Both are very competitive and there is not much difference.
– What was your reference as a child?
My reference player was Fernando Gago, who is now a coach. It was from a very young age. I also paid attention to the football of Éver Banega.
– And the person who has marked you the most in your professional life?
It is very difficult to choose just one. The footballer surrounds himself with many people who surround him, be it coaches or teammates. I can't keep one.
– Going back to the Almeria code, what do you promise if you get promoted in May?
None, none. I don't promise anything because there's a long way to go.