World Cup 2018 Tactics: 5 Possible Options for Argentina

#2 Valverde’s Barcelona: 4-4-2

Barcelona employed a 4-4-2 last season

From the formation (Guardiola’s) that ended the reign of 4-4-2 to the one that threatens to bring it back. Ernesto Valverde has chosen a unique style at Barcelona, choosing to play an asymmetrical 4-4-2 with Messi functioning as a second striker behind Luis Suarez.

The asymmetry comes from the “left midfielder” (Iniesta) who is really a central-midfielder while the right winger (Dembele when fit) is an all-out winger.

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This formation would be ideal for Argentina simply because it would give Messi freedom to operate. After all, Messi had one of his best seasons last year for Barcelona as the Blaugrana almost went undefeated.

Aguero could replace Suarez as the out and out striker who still has the ability to create when needed. Salvio could replace Dembele as the hardworking winger while Banega could try and emulate Iniesta’s role in left midfield as shown in the below formation:

Where this really gets interesting is Paulinho’s replacement in attacking midfield. Instead of a physical specimen like the Brazilian, Argentina can use a creative genius like Dybala. While Dybala may not be able to contribute in a manner similar to Paulinho, he could instead use creativity to wreak havoc in Nigeria’s defence from a midfield position (similar to David Silva over the past season).

What makes this formation really interesting is the fact that Dybala and Messi could switch roles periodically between attacking midfield and second striker, thus causing confusion in the Nigerian defence.

This could be especially effective if a player like Wilfrid Ndidi is assigned to man-mark Messi- periodic positional changes may be the best way to evade such a man marker. Finally, such a formation would also be ideal for Salvio as he could surge forward from right-midfield with Aguero waiting in the middle.

Yet what makes this formation rather unrealistic is the idea of playing Dybala in central midfield. While his creative talents could flourish, the forward has never had to track back much throughout his career and relying on him to do so in such a crucial game may be foolish.

Moreover, someone like David Silva’s defensive issues in central midfield can be covered by the likes of Fernandinho. Mascherano may have been able to fulfil such a role in the past, yet relying on him to do so at this age is unrealistic.

Furthermore, playing Banega and Dybala out of position is again a huge gamble which may backfire on Sampaoli (as his earlier gambles have). Finally, Messi and Dybala’s issues may continue to persist. Despite this, Sampaoli still may want to consider copying Valverde’s formation.