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Defensive Midfielder - Exequiel Palacios (Bayer Leverkusen)
Regarded as one of the best young players in the world during his time with River Plate, Argentina's Exequiel Palacios has stagnated.
The 23-year-old moved to Bayer Leverkusen in 2020 for £15.3 million, but has found game time difficult to come by. Injuries have not helped his cause, and Palacios is yet to get going in the Bundesliga. The midfielder will hope to get some minutes for Argentina.
Palacios was on the bench against Paraguay. The Argentina international is still highly rated, and is fairly experienced on the international stage despite his young years. Palacios is technically gifted, and is an excellent passer.
Central Midfielder - Rodrigo De Paul (Atletico Madrid)
One of the stars of Argentina's victorious Copa America campaign this summer, Rodrigo De Paul has become a key player in the first XI.
A transfer rumour mill favourite during his Udinese days, De Paul was linked with Juventus, Inter Milan and Leeds United. Atletico Madrid did well to sign him this summer, paying Udinese £31.5 million for his services.
De Paul is renowned for his creativity. During his time in Italy, the midfielder was Udinese's talisman and superstar, and played a key role for them. At the Copa America 2021, he provided the assist for the sole goal of the game in the final. The 27-year-old has also earned acclaim for his defensive attributes.
Attacking Midfielder - Lionel Messi (Paris Saint-Germain)
Who else? Lionel Messi is one of the greatest players of all time, and the favourite to lift the Ballon d'Or award once again.
Messi captained Argentina to victory at the Copa America this summer. He also won the best player award at the tournament. The 34-year-old endured a difficult summer after his triumph, with Barcelona's inability to offer him a new deal resulting in his move to Paris Saint-Germain.
The superstar forward is Argentina's talisman and source of inspiration. Messi has a star-studded cast around him, but all eyes will always be on him. The former Barcelona star will hope to gun for glory at the FIFA World Cup next year.
Other options: Leandro Paredes (Paris Saint-Germain), Guido Rodriguez (Real Betis), Giovani Lo Celso (Tottenham Hotspur), Nicolas Dominguez (Bologna)
You may also like: 5 players who could finish above Cristiano Ronaldo in the Ballon d'Or 2021 standings.
