'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,/9j/2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj/2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj/wgARCAAGAAoDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAFQABAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABgf/2gAIAQEAAAAAgaH/xAAUAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAC/9oACAECEAAAAH//xAAUAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAB/9oACAEDEAAAAD//xAAfEAACAgEEAwAAAAAAAAAAAAABAgMEBQARITEHQVP/2gAIAQEAAT8Aq41qWMvSSOr77RDbsMCrcH1we9Zjx1kcbl71F568j1p3hLiwwDFWI+ev/8QAFhEAAwAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAFC/9oACAECAQE/AJR//8QAFhEBAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQAx/9oACAEDAQE/AEy//9k='%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
When it comes to rating countries with the most impressive players in the world, only few can compare with Argentina. The South American nation have some of the brightest superstars in the universe at the moment. From incredible attackers to brilliant midfielders and fantastic defenders, the country is blessed with amazing talents in all areas of the pitch.
Like previous seasons, the 2017/2018 campaign was a successful one for many Argentines, with several superstars displaying their incredible talents and inspiring their respective teams to glory.
With so many of these South Americans finishing the campaign on a brilliant note, let's quickly explore 5 of the most impressive Albiceleste superstars during the season
#5 Nicolas Otamendi
While many people will focus on the brilliance of the Manchester City attackers during the campaign, the role of elite defenders like Nicolas Otamendi cannot be underrated in the success of the team.
Otamendi had a brilliant season, playing an influential role as The Citizens claimed both the Premier League title and the League Cup. He produced rock-solid performances at the back, absorbing incoming attacks and was impressive at stopping counter-attacks.
The defender also showed his ability to put the ball into the back of the net, coming out at the vital moments and scoring fantastic headers. He bagged five goals in all competitions for the Manchester outfit during the campaign. He also recorded 13 blocks, 75 tackles, 160 clearances and 66 interceptions to his name in both the English top flight and the UEFA Champions League.
His impressive performances earned him a call-up to the Argentina national team where he will represent the nation in the World Cup next month.
All stats via whoscored.com
#4 Mauro Icardi
Despite the number of impressive attackers that performed in Europe during the 2017/2018 campaign, Mauro Icardi was able to stand out and earn recognition for his incredible displays.
The striker took his game to another dimension, consistently producing outstanding efforts in the Seria A. He bagged an incredible 29 goals and 1 assist for Inter Milan in the Italian top flight. He also put up some big-game performances, bagging an impressive hat-trick against AC Milan in the Milan Derby.
One thing that is shocking is that, despite Icardi's brilliance, he wasn't included in the World Cup squad to represent Argentina in Russia. However, that is not enough to hide his incredible level of performance during the campaign.
All stats via whoscored.com
#3 Paulo Dybala
Paulo Dybala was one of the best forwards in Europe during the 2017/2018 campaign. The Argentine was at an incredible level, tormenting opposition defenders in the Italian top flight and producing blistering displays all through.
He had a fine season, contributing heavily as Juventus claimed both the Seria A title and the Coppa Italia. The winger was quite unstoppable during the campaign, bagging an incredible 22 goals and 5 assists in the Italian division as well as 1 goal each in both the UEFA Champions League and the Coppa Italia.
Dybala had one of the best conversion rates across Europe's top 5 leagues, converting up to 19% of his total 114 shots in the domestic campaign. The Juventus ace is also one of the superstars that will take part in the World Cup next month.
All stats via whoscored.com
#2 Sergio Aguero
One of the best strikers in the English Premier League at the moment, Sergio Aguero played an influential role in Manchester City's attack the last term. With creative players like Leroy Sane, Kevin De Bruyne, David Silva and Raheem Sterling in Pep Guardiola's squad, the Argentine was full of inspiration and flourished brilliantly in front of goal.
He bagged 21 goals and 6 assists in the Premier League, leading the Citizens to claim the prestigious title once again. He also led the team to Carling Cup triumph, bagging 3 goals in the tournament, including an amazing opener in the final.
The attacker also impressed in the UEFA Champions League, recording 4 goals and 1 assist to his name as well as leading The Citizens to the quarterfinals of the European tournament. Such was the brilliance of the striker that he made it into Jorge Sampaoli's squad for the World Cup in Russia.
All stats via whoscored.com
#1 Lionel Messi
Barcelona maestro, Lionel Messi was undoubtedly the most impressive Argentine superstar during the 2017/2018 season. The 5-time Ballon d'Or award winner reminded us of his greatness once again, with his unbelievable achievements and performances during the campaign.
The playmaker helped Barcelona to overcome a poor start to the season, producing brilliant displays and finally re-establishing the Catalans as one of the most dominant clubs in Europe. Messi bagged an incredible 34 goals and 12 assists in the La Liga, 6 goals and 2 assists in the UEFA Champions League as well as 4 goals and 2 assists in the Copa Del Rey.
He also led the Catalans to claim both the Spanish title and the Copa Del Rey trophy, as well as leading them to the quarterfinals of the Champions League. Once again, the Argentine will lead his nation into the World Cup next month.
Honorable Mentions: Gonzalo Higuain, Angel Di Maria, Ever Banega
All stats via whoscored.com
