Defenders
Argentina doesn’t have the best bunch of defenders in the tournament. It will be upon the defensive line to keep the opponents at bay as the attackers are all but certain to give their team the edge over their rivals. Martino will have a tough time selecting the central defensive pair as Rosario Central center back Javier Pinola misses out after breaking his leg in a Copa Libertadores match earlier this year.
Manchester City’s Nicolas Otamendi will lead the backline with Everton’s Ramiro Funes Mori the best option to partner him. Martino will refrain from playing Javier Mascherano as a defender because he is best suited for the holding midfield role as this Argentine back four will need a lot of guarding.
Manchester United’s Marcos Rojo will start at the left-back position. The 27-year-old played 27 matches for his club this season but failed to impress. However, for La Albiceleste, he is the best option for the LB slot. Martino, as he has done in the recent World Cup qualifier and friendly matches, will start River Plate’s Gabriel Mercado on the right side of the defense. The 29-year-old scored a goal as well, against Bolivia in a WC qualifier match in March.
