Eleven owners of the Albiceleste were screened
Lionel Scaloni has never been lined up with the same team at this World Cup in Qatar. The Argentinian coach may have found balance in the semi-final where “Albiceleste” played his best game against Croatia in the world championship (3:0). But the latter may try switching to a 5-3-2 to counter France’s attacks in the final on Sunday 18 December (16:00). Note the eleven players who can start the game.
Emiliano Martinez, wall (25 games, Aston Villa)
For his first World Cup at the age of 30, the Aston Villa goalkeeper is doing great things in front of the Albiceleste. three authors clean sheets and two crucial saves in the penalty shoot-out against the Netherlands in the quarter-finals, “Dibu” Martinez is a late arrival to selection after a career in which he has racked up credits. But he stands out as a safe bet in Argentina’s squad today. “He’s been very good since the competition started, Nico de la Rua says, of Facing Skylight. He is the emperor in the penalty shootout, like against the Netherlands or in the semi-final of the last Copa America. (Three saves against Colombia) . »
Nahuel Molina, moped (26 picks, Atletico de Madrid)
His memorable 60-metre run for Julian Alvarez’s first goal in the semi-final against Croatia perfectly sums up the qualities of the Atletico defender. Nahuel Molina, 24, has the typical modern profile of a right winger, generous in effort, very attacking and combative. “That’s the moped in his right lane, Metaphorizes Nico de la Rua. He takes himself too far. But defensively, his duel with Mbappe risks being complicated despite his speed. » Nahuel Molina also scored against the Netherlands with a brilliant pass from Lionel Messi for his first World Cup.
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Cristian Romero, robber (18 games, Tottenham)
He also has no international experience since the 18 games he played for Argentina. At 24, Tottenham owner Cristian Romero established himself as a frame in central defense under Lionel Scaloni. “He struggled physically at the start of the World Cup, but he’s stepped up like the whole team”, analyzes Nico de la Rua. “Cuti”, his nickname since childhood, perfectly embodies the South American grit on the field, impeccable in spirit and unique gift.
Nicolas Otamendi, head coach (99 games, Benfica)
He is one of the survivors in the starting 11 of the WC-2018. At 34, Nicolas Otamendi is getting better with time. The former Manchester City defender is one of the most heavily involved in the selection and brings his calmness and experience to the Argentinian rearguard. “He’s not far from his prime, he even assures his editor Facing Skylight. He was often singled out for his guesses, but has been excellent since the start of the competition. He is a true defensive boss, he settles and reassures everyone. » He will celebrate his 100th birthday on Sunday (4:00) in the final against Francee Choice with the Albiceleste.
Marcos Acuña, experienced (48 games, Sevilla FC)
The 31-year-old Sevillian is competing with Lyonnais Nicolas Tagliafico for the left-back position. Marcos Acuña, who was suspended against Croatia, participated in the previous four games of the Albiceleste in this World Cup. The experienced (over 400 professional matches) former Sporting Portugal player is Molina’s left-back counterpart. “He’s a trained winger but also an attacking defender with a lot of runs.”Nico de la Rua explains.
Rodrigo de Paul, soldier (50 games, Atletico de Madrid)
The Albiceleste midfielder takes over responsibilities for the World Cup pack in Giovani Lo Celso’s absence. With a huge amount of competition and real technical strength, the 28-year-old Atletico de Madrid player has gained momentum. He is now essential to Lionel Scaloni in midfield. “He is Messi’s defender. According to Nico de la Rua. He is a true soldier who would die for Leo. He is generous in his efforts, indispensable in this eleven. In the right lane, he should try to calm the passion of Theo Hernandez and Kylian Mbappe. » A small feat.
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Leandro Paredes, barker (50 games, Juventus Turin)
The ex-Parisian stood out for something other than his performance at this World Cup: Leandro Paredes bled again in the quarter-final against the Netherlands after a bad foul on Nathan Ake and a ball in the direction of the Dutch bench. , which earned him only a simple yellow. The 28-year-old is not afraid to make mistakes and complain. “He’s always up for a good bottomReleased Nico de la Rua. When we embody it, we prefer it Cinco (6 players playing)to lead the game.
Enzo Fernandez, revelation (9 picks, Benfica)
The 21-year-old Benfica international has only been available since September 2022, but he already has the shoulders of a boss in the Argentine midfield. He started the campaign on the bench, but now stands out as an indispensable part of Lionel Scaloni’s XI. He never lets up after scoring a spectacular goal against Mexico. “This is a revelation to many people, Nico de la Rua believes. Defensively, in attack, he is a box midfielder who will carry heavy weight in this final. Responsibilities that shouldn’t scare River’s child. »
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Alexis McAllister, surprise (13 games, Brighton)
Alexis Mac Allister (23) is the real surprise of the Argentina selection in Qatar. A midfielder from Brighton, he is the son of another Argentina international, Carlos McAllister, who played two games for the Albiceleste with Diego Maradona in 1993. He established himself in left midfield and is now more of an alternative. “He’s a bit of a bandage for this eleven, highlights the editor Facing Skylight. Lo Celso, who provided the link between defense and attack, was absent. Scaloni searched between him and Papu Gomez. There is no doubt that the Brighton player shines. »
Lionel Messi, genius (171 games, PSG)
Pulga, 35, revealed after Argentina’s qualification that the final against the Blues will be his last World Cup match, as he holds the record for most appearances in the competition (25). Therefore, this will be the last opportunity for Lionel Messi to win the only trophy missing from his list. The most prestigious. “What can I say… He’s terrible, he’s on a mission. » The top scorer of the tournament (5 goals) and the best passer (3 assists), carries the attacking team. His light strike against Mexico was arguably the turning point of the World Cup for Argentina, who lost their opener against Saudi Arabia.
Julian Alvarez, spark (18 picks, Manchester City)
He was mainly there to learn, but Julian Alvarez stepped up faster than expected and established himself as the starting center forward in the face of Lautaro Martinez’s failure. The Manchester City striker, who at 22 became the youngest goalscorer in a World Cup semi-final since Pele, scored a sumptuous brace against Croatia to take his World Cup tally to four (and one assist). “He is full of confidence, as he has offered to River Plate. He pushed Lautaro to the bench. His competitions, pressures, calls, efficiency are important for the team. »
