How Argentina should line up against Nigeria

Midfield

Giovani Lo Celso

Now, this is where Sampaoli hugely messed up his selections. Javier Mascherano started both games in midfield, accompanied by Lucas Biglia in the first and Enzo Pérez in the second, the latter only making the squad due to Manuel Lanzini withdrawing through injury. All three players had absolute mares in the opening two games.

Mascherano is 34 now and way past it. He was slow and sluggish on the ball, while Biglia and Pérez were nonexistent. Messi had to at times drop all the way to the halfway line to pick up the ball because none of this midfielders could get it to him. When Croatia scored their third he was just outside the box. That's how deep he's dropping just to try and get the ball. None of these players belong at the top level, meaning Argentina need a complete overhaul in the middle of the pitch.

The first change comes in the form of PSG player Giovani Lo Celso. Lo Celso hasn't played a single minute in Russia yet, which is criminal. Lo Celso is Argentina's best defensive midfielder. The 22-year-old enjoyed a good breakout year in the French capital. Limited to a few starts and substitute appearance, Lo Celso still impressed with the small amount of game time he got scoring 4 goals and creating 3 assists in the league this season.

While providing good defensive skill, Lo Celso also has the ability to pick up the ball and drive forward, dribbling past a few or picking out a pinpoint pass.

Ever Banega

Ever Banega would compliment Lo Celso perfectly. The 29-year-old Sevilla midfielder has only played 36 minutes in Russia so far, coming off the bench against Iceland. In that time he did more than the man he replaced, Biglia, did before he was taken off. Banega was effective in moving the ball forward quickly and accurately to Argentina's attacking threat, especially Messi.

Having performed so well when coming on it was a massive shock to see him named to the bench again against Croatia. And without him the same problems arose, the ball wasn't being brought up the pitch high or fast enough, causing Messi to drop insanely deep too try and receive the ball. Banega forming a double pivot with Lo Celso would fix most of the teams' midfield problems.

Lo Celso would do the majority of the defensive work in the partnership while Banega acts as a deep-lying playmaker, transitioning defence to attack in the blink of an eye. And most importantly Messi won't have to drop all the way back into his own half.

Lionel Messi

FBL-WC-2018-ARG-TRAINING

The main man himself. Messi deserves so much more than his team has provided him. He has been yet down time after time again by his very average teammates. But that doesn't mean he has been very good at this World Cup either. Messi featured as a ten in both games and was anonymous in both games, again due to his team's inability to get the ball in dangerous areas.

Over the last few years Messi has started on the right for Barcelona but really roams around all over the pitch, as he should in this team too. If the team can pick up their game, Messi can have the platform to put this team on his shoulders and take them to places lesser players wouldn't be able to take them. He's done it before and he can surely do it again. Never underestimate the Messi.

Cristian Pavon

On the other flank should be Boca Juniors man Cristian Pavon. The 22-year-old started on the bench in both games but came on in the 75th and 56th minute in each respectively. In the Iceland game he made an immediate impact on the left turning the game around. He was a serious threat, beating his man and wiping in a great ball or taking on the shot himself.

He was energetic and dynamic in his play and hugely impressed in the short time he was given. And just like Banega, it was a shock to see him named on the bench in the following game. Ángel Di María would be quite a few fans' choice to start in this position, but Pavon provides something fresh and exciting for this team. Many of Argentina's senior players have been a massive let down over the years so now is the time to usher in a new generation of talent.

Paulo Dybala

And speaking of ushering in a new generation, Paulo Dybala should be the face of a new look, young, fresh Argentina. How Dybala hasn't started both games is beyond me, let alone only playing 22 minutes. Sampaoli has one of the world's most talented players at his disposal but refuses to use him.

Dybala will hugely help take the creative burden off Messi's shoulders, instead of relying on the likes of Salvio or Maximiliano Meza to do so. Dybala is one of the best players in this squad. He would instantly change everything. With 22 goals and 5 assists in the league for Juventus this season Dybala should be one of the first names on the team sheet and how he isn't is absolutely appalling.