FIFA World Cup 2018: Team Analysis- Argentina

Jun 12, 2018 at 1:19 PM

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FIFA World Cup 2018: Team Analysis- Argentina

Argentina are one of the outsiders who stand a chance of winning the World Cup despite their woeful form. The team are currently in the phase of transition and will feature plenty of unknown faces in Russia.

However, they will need to a super hero to carry them to World Cup hero. Incredibly they did get one in the form of Lionel Messi. The dribbling artist will once again look to win the coveted trophy which had eluded him numerous times.

Apart from Messi, they are some big names in Argentina’s squad. Let us have a closer look into their roster.

Defense

The loss of Manchester United’s goalkeeper Sergio Romero just ahead of World Cup is a huge blow for Argentina. In his absence, Chelsea’s backup goalie Willy Caballero is expected to start in goal during the mega event.

The backline will need to be at their best if Argentina want to stand a chance. Sevilla’s Gabriel Mercado and Ajax’s Nicolas Taglafico would lead the wing back positions. Meanwhile, Marcos Rojo will provide more support to defense with his ability to play in multiple positions.

Roma’s centre back Federico Fazio would be one of the centre backs who will most likely start. On the other hand, Manchester City’s Nicolas Otamendi will need to lead the line as the player is in prime form heading into world cup. The defense is not overwhelming but as a unit they can get the job done.

Midfield

Despite in the twilight of his career, Javier Mascherano will play a massive role in the current Argentina squad. Playing in his last world cup, the ex-Barca player will look to replicate his performances of 2014. Although, a central defender, Mascherano will mostly likely play as a defensive midfielder.

Ever Banega had the season of his life with Sevilla last season. He looks to be a sure starter in this lineup. The other midfield position can be taken by Lucas Biglia of AC Milan. The central midfield looks thin and this is where Argentina will get hurt the most in the mega event. However, if the midfielders can put in strong performances they can push towards the latter stages of the tournament.

Attack

The team are spoilt for riches in striker position. They have so many options that the manager chose to leave out Inter Milan’s in form striker Mauro Icardi for the world cup. They have Paulo Dybala, Sergio Aguero and Gonzalo Higuain for the sole striker position.

Higuain had never flourished in Argentina shirt, especially in big games. But Aguero could get the nod ahead of him after a stellar season with City. On the other hand, Angel di Maria looks to be a sure starter on left wing. Lionel Messi will head the attacking lineup from the right.

Argentina squad for World Cup 2018

Goalkeepers: Willy Caballero (Chelsea), Franco Armani (River Plate), Nahuel Guzman (Tigres UANL)

Defenders: Gabriel Mercado (Sevilla), Federico Fazio (Roma), Nicolas Otamendi (Manchester City), Marcos Rojo (Manchester United), Nicolas Taglafico (Ajax), Javier Mascherano (Hebei Fortune), Marcos Acuna (Sporting Lisbon), Cristian Ansaldi (Torino).

Midfielders: Ever Banega (Sevilla), Lucas Biglia (AC Milan), Angel Di Maria, Giovani Lo Celso (both Paris St-Germain), Enzo Perez (River Plate), Cristian Pavon (Boca Juniors), Maximiliano Meza (Independiente), Eduardo Salvio (Benfica).

Forwards: Lionel Messi (Barcelona), Gonzalo Higuain, Paulo Dybala (both Juventus), Sergio Aguero (Manchester City).

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