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Argentina are placedin a relatively easy group and are expected to qualify to the round of 16 stage with ease.La Albicelestehas brilliant players going forwardalong with an equally talented midfield. With the likes of Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero, Gonzalo Higuain and Angel di Maria attacking, Argentina will surely score plenty of goals. But theirmajor concern is the defense which is not that highly rated. Here are 5 key players who will be pivotal for Argentina at the World Cup.
#5 Ezequiel Garay
The 27-year-old Benfica defender grabbed many eyeballs last season as he performed brilliantly at all the tournaments.
Ezequiel Garay will lead the Argentine defense at this year’s World Cup. He is the most important player in the Argentina defense and considering the fact that they do not boast of a very strong defense, Garay will be at the helm of affairs to protect the goal.
Ezequiel Garay will be partered by Pablo Zabaletta, Federico Fernandes and Marcos Rojo in the Argentine defense.
#4 Javier Mascherano
Javier Mascherano is a very important cog in Argentina’s wheel. The midfielder from FC Barcelona is a utility player who can play as a defensive midfielder as well as a center back.
Mascherano can be utilised by Alejandro Sabella in the central back position considering Argentina’s defensive woes. Also he is an efficient passer of the ball and can feed the strong strike force of La Albiceleste.
Mascherano’s major weakness is his aerial ability but while playing as a defender his weakness will be covered by Ezequiel Garay’s presence. Overall Mascherano is an important member of the Argentina team anda strong World Cup from the ex-national team captain will enhance Argentina’s title aspirations.
#3 Sergio Aguero
Sergio Aguero had a great year last season. Although he was plagued by injuries throughout the season, he scored plenty of goals for Manchester City and was instrumental in his team’s Premier League triumph.
The striker is at his peak and would be desperate to perform at this year’s World Cup. He has enough potential to win games for Argentina single-handedly and will be a strong contender for the Golden Boot award.
The Manchester City striker is an integral part of the Argentina strike force and will be form the attacking trio along with Lionel Messi and Gonzalo Higuain.
Along with his striking ability, his passing ability will also be tested as he will play from the left side.
#2 Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi is undoubtedly an important member of the Argentine team in this year’s World Cup. Even though the little man finished second behind Cristiano Ronaldo in this year’s Ballon d’or race, he is still one of the best players in the world.
Time and again, Messi has been criticised by many for under performing at the international stage for Argentina. It will be an acid test for the maestro who has a lot to prove to his critics.
Messi was not at his best last season but that never stopped him from scoring goals. In a relatively dry season, he was the second highest goal scorer in La Liga.
The stage is set for him and the Argentina captain must now fire.
#1 Angel di Maria
Angel di Maria is the most important footballer for Argentina at the 2014 World Cup. The winger turned attacking midfielder will play the most crucial role for the La Albiceleste, that of linking the midfield with the attack.
Being the attacking midfielder of the team, the strike force consisting of Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero and Ganzalo Higuain will be dependent on Di Maria’s feeding ability. The midfielder excelled in his new role in the last season with Real Madrid.
Carlo Ancelotti had assigned him the ‘number 10’ position for the recently concluded season. He was one of the key members of the Real Madrid side and contributed greatly to their triumph this season.
Along with his ability to generate brilliant passes, Di Maria has great pace, being a natural winger and can switch his position at any point of the game. He will be the trump card for Argentina in this year’s World Cup.
