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Paraguay will host Argentina for a 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifying game on Thursday. Argentina are brimming with confidence post their Copa America 2021 success.
Manager Lionel Scaloni, as usual, has named a deep squad full of stars. Argentina have some exciting young talents as well veterans who have achieved a lot in the game. Scaloni will hope that his team will continue their momentum.
On that note, here's a look at Argentina's possible starting XI for their 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifying game against Paraguay.
Goalkeeper - Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa)
Emiliano Martinez has emerged as one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League. He has established himself as the no.1 for Argentina as well.
Martinez made his name during the 2019-20 season with Arsenal, helping them win the FA Cup. The 29-year-old moved to Aston Villa that summer for nearly £16 million, and has excelled for Dean Smith's side. Like most top-quality goalkeepers, Martinez is a strong personality who has seemingly perfected the art of mind games.
The former Reading goalkeeper played a key role in Argentina's Copa America 2021 triumph this summer. His performances in the tournament helped him win the Copa America Golden Glove award. He was included in the Copa America Team of the Tournament. Martinez has once again enjoyed a good start to the season with Aston Villa.
Other options: Franco Armani (River Plate), Juan Musso (Atalanta), Esteban Andrada (Monterrey).
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Right-back - Gonzalo Montiel (Sevilla)
Strong performances at the Copa America this summer for Argentina saw Gonzalo Montiel join Sevilla from River Plate for nearly £10 million.
Sevilla are renowned for spotting young talents and developing them, and Montiel could be the next in line. The 24-year old is a tenacious defender who is technically solid and is a good passer. Montiel might not be the most glamorous of players, but few can match his determination and work ethic.
Montiel could compete with Udinese's Nahuel Molina for the right-back spot. Montiel is the current preferred option, but Molina is a good operator as well. So Montiel will have to be at his very best to keep the Udinese man out of the Argentina XI.
Centre-back - Cristian Romero (Tottenham Hotspur)
One of the best centre-backs in Serie A last season, Cristian Romero joined Tottenham Hotspur from Atalanta this summer.
He is currently on a loan deal, but that could be made permanent next year for a reported fee of £42 million. At Atalanta, Romero was renowned for his aggressive and dynamic style of defending. The 23-year old often flew out from his defensive position. He is comfortable with the ball at his feet, but he thrives defensively.
Romero's importance for Argentina cannot be understated. The former Genoa man has become a key part of his nation's backline. Romero is still finding his feet in the Premier League. But his quality is undeniable, and he looks set to be a regular feature for Argentina for the next few years.
Centre-back - Nicolas Otamendi (Benfica)
One of Argentina's most experienced players, Nicolas Otamendi has enjoyed an excellent career at the highest level.
The centre-back is best known for his spell with Manchester City, where he won two Premier League titles, among other honours. Otamendi, like Romero, is aggressive, and his style of play is chaotic at times. However, he gets the job done more often than not, and he has matured well.
The 33-year-old is now at Benfica, where he is a first-choice centre-back. Otamendi is a proven winner for both club and country, so his experience and know-how are huge assets for Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni.
Left-back - Nicolas Tagliafico (Ajax)
A transfer rumour mill favourite, Nicolas Tagliafico has been linked with a move away from Ajax for some time now.
Tagliafico has been linked with Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain and West Ham United over the years. The former Banfield man did not enjoy the best of seasons with Ajax last time around. But he was part of the Argentina team that won Copa America 2021 this summer.
Tagliafico is competing with Sevilla's Marcos Acuna for the left-back spot. The 29-year-old's stock has fallen in recent months, and he looks set to leave Ajax soon. Some strong performances during the international break could help Tagliafico's confidence and attract suitors.
Other options: German Pezzella (Real Betis), Juan Foyth (Villarreal), Lucas Martinez Quarta (Fiorentina), Nahuel Molina (Udinese), Lisandro Martinez (Ajax), Marcos Acuna (Sevilla), Facundo Medina (Lens).
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Defensive Midfielder - Leandro Paredes (Paris Saint-Germain)
Paris Saint-Germain have a few Argentina players in their ranks, with Leandro Paredes being one of them.
Paredes might not be the most famous Argentine at Paris Saint-Germain, but he is certainly a talented one. The midfielder is technically gifted and is an excellent passer. Moreover, he doesn't shy away from his defensive duties. Paredes is highly rated by Lionel Scaloni, and has done well when called upon.
The 27-year-old has featured fairly consistently for Argentina since joining Paris Saint-Germain from Zenit Saint Petersburg in 2019 for £36 million. He was part of the Argentina squad that won the Copa America this summer.
Central Midfielder - Rodrigo De Paul (Atletico Madrid)
One of the stars of Argentina's victorious Copa America 2021 campaign, Rodrigo De Paul earned a deserved move to Atletico Madrid from Udinese for £31.5 million.
At Udinese, De Paul made his name as a creative force and the team's talisman. The midfielder is a gifted passer and a good dribbler, and he caught the eye with his work rate at Copa America. De Paul had long been linked with a move away from Udinese, so Atletico Madrid did well to sign him.
The 27-year-old provided the assist for the sole goal in the Copa America 2021 final against Brazil. De Paul is entering the prime years of his career, so both Argentina and Atletico Madrid look set to benefit from that.
Central Midfielder - Giovani Lo Celso (Tottenham Hotspur)
Giovani Lo Celso's Tottenham Hotspur career is not easy to describe. He has shown glimpses of undoubted talent, but injuries have often been an issue.
Lo Celso joined Spurs initially on a loan deal in 2019, with the move being made permanent for nearly £29 million the next year. At Real Betis, Lo Celso was a complete midfielder, combining defensive qualities with a penchant for finding the net regularly.
At Tottenham Hotspur, the 25-year old has had his moments, but much more is expected from him. The former Paris Saint-Germain man has endured a slow start to his 2021-22 league campaign. But he has what it takes to become a key midfielder for Argentina.
Other options: Guido Rodriguez (Real Betis), Exequiel Palacios (Bayer Leverkusen), Nicolas Dominguez (Bologna).
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Right Winger - Angel Di Maria (Paris Saint-Germain)
There is no denying that Argentina's Angel Di Maria is a world-class player. A single poor season with Manchester United is no barometer to judge his pedigree.
Di Maria has enjoyed stunning spells with both Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain. It can be argued that the 33-year-old is one of the most underrated players of his generation. Di Maria is a highly creative attacker with excellent dribbling ability.
He scored the only goal in the Copa America 2021 final to help Argentina end their near three-decade-long trophy drought. Di Maria is one of Argentina's modern-day greats, a player who has often performed in pressure situations, and has delivered for both club and country.
Striker - Lautaro Martinez (Inter Milan)
One of the best young players in world football, Lautaro Martinez is Argentina's present and future.
Martinez is a genuinely exciting talent. The 24-year-old was in fine form for Inter Milan last season, forming an effective attacking partnership with Romelu Lukaku. Barcelona have been persistently linked with him, while Manchester City, Atletico Madrid, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur have all been suggested as potential options.
However, the former Racing Club man looks set to extend his contract with Inter Milan soon. Martinez scored 17 league goals last season, and has been in prolific form this campaign as well. So Inter Milan should do all they can to ensure that Lautaro Martinez signs a new deal.
Right Winger - Lionel Messi (Paris Saint-Germain)
Who else? Lionel Messi is Argentina's captain, superstar and talisman, and he looks rejuvenated after the Copa America 2021 success.
Messi was a force to be reckoned with this summer. He won the Copa America Best Player award for his world-class performances in the tournament. His leadership was highly praised, and he was at his magical best in the Albiceleste's triumphant campaign.
Messi is still finding his feet in Paris after a surprise move this summer. The 34-year-old is one of the greats of the game, and looks hungry for more success with the national team.
Other options: Angel Correa (Atletico Madrid), Alejandro Gomez (Sevilla), Nicolas Gonzalez (Fiorentina), Joaquin Correa (Inter Milan), Lucas Alario (Bayer Leverkusen), Julian Alvarez (River Plate).
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