Defenders
One of the best defenders ever, Daniel Passarella was the captain of the Argentina national team which won the World Cup for the first time in 1978. A true leader on and off the pitch, Passarella’s leadership ability, passion and organisational skills helped Argentina create history in 1978. He was a defender who often joined the attack, and helped generate and finish offensive plays. He was the top scoring defender, with 134 goals in 451 matches, a record since broken by Dutch defender Ronald Koeman.
Oscar Ruggeri is one of the most successful defenders to emerge from Argentina. The Argentine was one of the leading centre-backs in the 1986 World Cup triumph and he also played a major role in Argentina’s twin Copa America triumphs in 1991 and 1993. Ruggeri also had a single successful season at Real Madrid where he won the La Liga and foreign player of the year award.
Former Inter Milan captain and legend Javier Zanetti takes the right-back position for this amazing team. Zanetti had a long and successful career for Argentina making a stunning 143 appearances for the Albicelesete. Although he did not win any major trophy with the national team, his impact on Argentine football can never be discounted.
Fiery Argentine defender Alberto Tarantini takes the left-back position. Tarantini was known for his temper, but what made him more famous was his exceptional defensive ability. He was one of the key reasons for Argentina’s 1982 World Cup triumph.
