Argentina midfielder Juan Sebastian Veron is back in favour in his homeland following his performance in Tuesday's World Cup qualifier in Venezuela.

Veron, who along with coach Marcelo Bielsa and striker Claudio Lopez was made the scapegoat for last year's World Cup failure, was jeered by the River Plate crowd every time he touched the ball in Saturday's 2-2 draw with Chile.

But, after being given a central midfield role by coach Marcelo Bielsa, Veron was acclaimed as Argentina's best player in a 3-0 victory that lifted the pressure on the team.

"I liked Veron's performance very much, although I have to point out that the whole team played well," said former Argentina coach Carlos Bilardo.

Argentina's two most influential daily newspapers agreed that Veron, with his timely interceptions and excellent distribution, was the inspiration.

"The Chelsea player is a vital cog in the machine," said La Nacion. "His movements are the axis of the team.

"He's always free when his team mates need him."

"Veron was the high point," said Clarin. "Against Chile, he showed that he appears to thrive when he's in the eye of the storm. Last night, his performance was better still."

Veron, who previously played on the left of midfield for his country, said he was still getting used to his new role in front of a three-man defence.

"Marking is not my characteristic, but I will adapt as the games go by," he said.

"Everything is made easier when I look up and see players ahead such as Pabilto (Pablo Aimar), Andres (D'Alessandro), Hernan (Crespo), Chelito (Cesar Delgado) and Kily (Gonzalez)," added Veron, who will miss the next match at home to Bolivia after picking up a second yellow card.

Striker Cesar Delgado was also singled out after scoring his first international goal.

Delgado, who started with provincial club Rosario Central before joining Mexico's Cruz Azul two months ago, scored the third goal, having also been involved in the moves leading up to the first two.

His strike partner Crespo also scored but still looked short of match practice as arriving late for at least four crosses.

Bilardo, perhaps not surprisingly for a coach famous for his ruthless approach, said his main worry was the defence.

"It's very difficult to play with just three at the back," he said.

"If a rival midfielder or full back gets away, it's almost certain they'll create a goalscoring chance."

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