Fukuoka, Japan, October 2, 2019 – Agustin Loser may not be the tallest guy in his team, but the young middle blocker has had a fair share of the spotlight with Argentina’s wing spikers in contributing to their two victories so far in the 2019 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Cup.
Agustin Loser on the attack against Tunisia in the Men's World Cup
“My main role is to help in block and to score in attack each time the ball comes my way,” Loser said. “I feel happy that my coach and my teammates allow me to get involved a lot in the scoring. I’m thankful for the confidence that my team gives me. Helping them to win is my way of returning this favour.”
In Argentina’s opening match, Loser registered 18 points, including 15 attacks, a block and two service aces in their five-set victory against defending champions United States. He contributed 16 points in their four-set triumph against Tunisia to claim their second victory in the tournament.
“The World Cup is an important ground to train before the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games,” he said. “We are very happy to have played an important level of volleyball. The team is very good and united, but we have to think first of the next battles.
“We want to try to make a good performance in this tournament. We don’t have a specific target yet and we will treat each match like a final.”
Loser celebrates a point with his teammates in their match against Tunisia
Loser started playing volleyball at age 14 and initially played as an outside spiker.
“I started playing when I was 14 years old. Then I played at my university. There, I played as an outside spiker. However, I think I like my current role now as middle blocker.”
The 21-year-old Mendoza native has evolved from a promising junior player with a U23 World Championship title to his name to being handpicked by legendary coach Julio Velasco and becoming a star of the senior team.
“It’s incredible that someone like him (Velasco) has belief in me as an athlete. He’s a great coach and a legend. Selecting me to be in the senior national team means a lot to me.”
Loser may be the young star in the spotlight now for Argentina, but he makes sure that he enjoys being a regular 21-year-old.
“I like going out with my friends, watching movies, playing video games. I love watching other sports like football and basketball.
“Sometimes I meet with my teammates to drink mate which is a traditional drink in Argentina and we just talk and hang out.”
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