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Defence
Gabriel Mercado
Argentina are a bit light in the full-back areas. Sevilla’s Gabriel Mercado is best suited to occupy the right-back role though. Eduardo Salvio was played at right-back against Iceland, while Mercado was deployed as the right-sided centre-back against Croatia, but in a return to a back four Mercado should claim the right-back slot.
Mercado may not provide the same quality of attack Salvio can in the role, but he can provide defensive stability. Mercado is much more of a defensive fullback and seeing the state the Argentine defence is in at the moment they could definitely use some more bodies back.
Nicolas Otamendi
Nicolas Otamendi did not cover himself in glory against Croatia. The Croatian attack tore him to pieces exposing him for the poor defender he is. Pep Guardiola’s system go the best out of him because he hardly had to defend in a side that kept the ball for the majority of the game. But he is the best Argentina have to offer. Otamendi played the full 90 minutes in both games so far and should keep his place at the heart of the defence.
Federico Fazio
In a back four against Iceland Marcos Rojo accompanied Otamendi, while Nicolás Tagliafico was played in the back three, but I think Roma’s Federico Fazio should play alongside Otamendi. Fazio has never been a prominent fixture of the national team, making only 9 caps at the age of 31, but has enjoyed a successful few years at Roma.
Fazio has been a mainstay in the Roma side since his move to the Italian capital since his move in 2016 and has certainly impressed. Fazio is a big, strong, no-nonsense defender. He can provide the leadership needed to keep the defensive line in check while keeping an eye on his much more erratic, unstable partner.
Nicolás Tagliafico
Nicolás Tagliafico was the only player who didn't embarrass himself in the defeat to Croatia. Playing at centre-back in that game, the Ajax defender occupied his more natural role of left-back against Iceland. The only other natural left back in the squad is Cristian Ansaldi, but I opted for the 25-year-old Ajax man instead.
Tagliafico will provide a good attacking option down the left, but not at the expense of his defensive duties. Tagliafico is unknown to most people but earns his spot in the side with his decent performance against Croatia.
