Predicted starting XI for Argentina | Copa America 2021 final

Right-back - Nahuel Molina (Udinese)

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Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni will have to choose between River Plate's Gonzalo Montiel and Udinese's Nahuel Molina for the right-back spot in the Copa America 2021 final, and Molina seems likely to feature.

Linked with Inter Milan in recent weeks, Molina started in the semi-final against Colombia, with Montiel coming on as a substitute. Molina joined Udinese from Boca Juniors last summer and made 18 starts in Serie A in his debut campaign. He is capable of operating as a right wing-back if needed.

A strong performance in the final of Copa America 2021 could see interest in Molina increase. Udinese have already sold countryman Juan Musso to Atalanta.

Centre-back - German Pezzella (Fiorentina)

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The absence of Atalanta centre-back Cristian Romero due to injury has seen German Pezzella start at centre-back at Copa America 2021 for Argentina.

Pezzella is the captain of Fiorentina, and has quietly done well at La Viola since joining the club, initially on loan in 2017 from Real Betis. The 30-year old is an experienced campaigner who made his debut for Argentina in 2017, and has 22 senior caps.

The centre-back is good in the air, but has his limitations. If Romero is declared fit for the Copa America 2021 final, it would not be surprising to see the 23-year old take Pezzella's place in the first XI.

Centre-back - Nicolas Otamendi (Benfica)

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Nicolas Otamendi is one of the more experienced members of the Argentina national team, and has been part of the Argentina setup for some time now.

Otamendi has 79 caps for the senior side, and has been the first-choice centre-back for Scaloni at Copa America 2021. The 33-year old is well-renowned for his spell with Manchester City, where he won two Premier League titles and produced some good performances under the management of Pep Guardiola.

Otamendi joined Benfica last summer, and endured a mixed debut season. The centre-back is often rash on the tackle and is not pleasing on the eye, but is an essential member of his national side and will start the final of Copa America 2021.

Left-back - Marcos Acuna (Sevilla)

Lionel Scaloni will have to choose between Ajax's Nicolas Tagliafico and Sevilla's Marcos Acuna for the left-back spot in the Copa America 2021 final.

Tagliafico got the nod in the semi-final, but the Ajax man has not been at his usual best at Copa America 2021. In fact, the 28-year old endured an underwhelming season with Ajax, and there have been suggestions that he could be sold this summer.

Acuna, on the other hand, enjoyed a fairly good debut season with Sevilla. The 29-year old is a reliable performer, but it is evident that Scaloni is not confident with his left-back options. Both Acuna and Tagliafico have been rotated throughout the tournament.

Other options: Gonzalo Montiel (River Plate), Cristian Romero (Atalanta), Lisandro Martinez (Ajax), Lucas Martinez Quarta (Fiorentina), Nicolas Tagliafico (Ajax)

Also Read: 5 reasons why Brazil could struggle against Argentina | Copa America 2021 final

About the author

Abhinav is a journalist who covers football at Sportskeeda. An avid football fan and long-suffering supporter of Manchester United, he currently writes previews, covering football leagues across the world. Armed with a good understanding of SEO and journalism guidelines, Abhinav possesses a strong knowledge of football and footballers. He loves a good transfer rumor and loves discussing the sport with his friends and family.

He's also pursuing a Master's Degree in International Relations.

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Edited by Parimal