Argentine NT: News, Stats & Players [R]

I love us. Dybala and Icardi goals....perfect.

We really are on to something. We can be building a really special team.

Let Scaloni remain, please.

The crowds are loving us too.

 

The second half made my head hurt. Too many reckless passes and turnovers, lack of creativity and standing around. I am not sure why De Paul was subbed off, the team's play dropped off after he was subbed off. It didn't help that Meza and Acuña nearly played full matches.

Overall, a bit disappointing but glad Icardi and Dybala got their goals. Hopefully, this gets them going.

 

Simeone actually has been pretty usefull so far in NT everytime he played. He run tireless like Lavezzi and could possibly given similar task.

 

I am glad the matches were played away from BsAs. For one, people would actually show up and support the side. Second, I think this could help this young team grow, to have support and love from the fans.

But I agree, I really enjoy the side, there are certain players that should not start or even be called up and others who earned a call back.

Both of our goals practically came from quick counters, which is what I suspected seeing the game unfold early on.

 

We look clueless for large part of the game but its 4-0 over the two legs, cant deny its great result. Icardi and Dybala finally scores, and they did at the same game.

What I'm afraid the most would be Meza becoming the next Biglia, he'd be there even if he does nothing other than being there.

 

Something we forgot how to do since Sabella's left.

Btw, who assisted Icardi's goal, Lamela?

 

If that is Scaloni's plan then we'll need speedy players on the flank. We have players who can unleash a ball to start a counter and we have players that can finish them. Icardi for example ran his ass off, he even presses the goal keeper nearly every time. He never stops running.

Scaloni still needs to figure out what he's going to do with the forward lines i.e., which partnership is going to go with. But if also depends if Messi and co. are returning.

Yeah.

 

Yes Lamela.

 

True but I think Simeone did just that on that counter move which Dybala scored. The first goal was a simple quick one-two which we also did alot during Sabella's time.

We might not have Di Maria type of player now but Simeone can do similar task as Lavezzi does. Icardi should always have another forward playing behind him to create space and drag the defenders. Having Acuna trying to cross the ball all day is a waste of energy.

 

This is the only thing....we still have the likes of Meza and Acuna to bring nothing.

Also, don’t feel comfortable with Funes Mori. Pereyra had a very stupid and unnecessary push as well inside our penalty area.

Lamela’s through ball between the lines for Icardi is what we have really missed, though, lately. Even though he didn’t have a good game, those are the sort of passes we need.

Gio’s beautiful run and assist really shows that he can be useful.

 

Yes, that push by Pereyra could cost us a game in Copa , especially at KO stage. Its a type of foul that Rojo loved to do. However, the defender had headed the ball out when he made a contact, but that's still could have been a foul in any other day.

 

Granted the competition hasn't been the highest but Simeone, Dybala, Icardi, Cervi, Pity, Lo Celso, Lautaro, Pereyra and Pezzella all have scored their first international goals under Scaloni.

 

Some interesting quotes here:

Mauro Icardi on the Argentina national team:

"I've lived the Argentina national team before and there wasn't as much companionship, as much friendship."

"Now, the pressure of our old team mates which made three finals is off our shoulders."

Full quotes. https://t.co/eJRyMtJRFF

— Roy Nemer (@RoyNemer) November 21, 2018

 

That article pretty much using google translation for Icardi's words, hurts my brain a bit but I get what he's saying. Its well known secret that Spain & Italy wants him to play for them but Icardi still choose to play for Argentina even after being snubbed twice from playing at WC, so its very clear he'll always be an Albiceleste.

 

What Icardi is saying is from his experience.. I know this will probably rub some people the wrong way (somebody like Seba Dominguez already stated that he didn't agree with Icardi) .But Icardi also stated he wants Messi to return, so there's that.

I believe we have to continue with these core of players. If you look around, you'll see most fans are fully behind these group of players. People see the joy and hunger from these players. We could've been so much better without Meza and Acuña, which I really hope Scaloni addresses in the near future.

If Messi and Kun return, do we take Dybala, Icardi, Lautaro, Simeone, Messi and Kun to the CA? Somebody will surely be left out and who starts? Will Icardi and Dybala look at their fingernails from the bench if Messi and Kun return and start?

Does ADM make another appearance?

Scaloni did something that was great, which was keep Romero at home, i.e. the bench.

And finally, we have to see if Palacios is really off to Madrid during the winter and if Pity is going to the... M...L...S...

 

Messi was 18 when he scored the first goal in 6th game, 3rd start.

 

Doesn’t really matter who scored when....I am glad that both Icardi and Dybala got the monkey off their backs.

God-willing, they score bucketloads more for us.

On Argentine TV, they are saying Messi will be making his comeback in March now.

Not sure if true, but that is when the business end of Champions League starts — so it doesn’t make sense.

Anyhow, I liked Milan05’s lineup — but I do know that Messi is probably going to walk straight back in the line-up. So which of Dybala or Icardi goes to the bench?

Also, does anyone know why Aguero has not been called up yet? Afaik, he never said he was unavailable. Perhaps just to try out our new generation, I guess.

Anyhow, I am excited after a very long time about our TEAM — not just individuals, but TEAM.

And obviously I love Messi, so God-willing 2019 is his year to lift his first trophy for us.

 

Based on recent Scolani starting line up, I think if Messi and Aguero does return, Dybala most likely would be starting from the bench. He'd have Aguero or Messi playing behind Icardi. I dont really rate Simeone for his goalscoring ability but he's one of those forward who can run tirelessly and drop deep like Lavezzi.

If you compare playing style, obviously Aguero and Martinez are most similar, and its kinda hard to decide because Kun is still top 5 best forward on the planet right now and he;s in fact had a great World cup.

I dont think there would be much problem for Messi if he does return on March friendlies. He usually dont run that much in friendly matches. I remember when we played Saudi Arabia, Messi literally just walked the whole game. He already skipped 6 friendlies, and I dont think he'd play full minutes when he return.

I really hope Romero will not return to starting line up. Based on recent matches, him, Meza and Acuna shouldnt be on the squad list .If Chile and Brazil can win Copa by playing ugly football, I dont see why this Argentina team cant go all the way despite not playing great football, yet.

 

Acuña should be on the list.

 

I’ve always believed that Mascherano was the reason why Icardi was getting snubbed, not Messi. I have seen pictures of Messi and Icardi together and they seem to get along fine.

We don’t have another left back apart from Tagliafico, so Acuna will probably make the squad.

There is Santiago Arzamendia but it looks like he’s decided to play for Paraguay. However, he doesn’t have an international appearance yet so he can still play for Argentina if he wants. I hope Scaloni can change his mind. Argentina aren’t exactly stacked on fullbacks.

 

Based, what I've seen in these six friendlies and also the potential, what which was left out for this time, today I'd pick these 23 players for Copa:
Goalkeepers:
Armani
Romero
Andrada
Defenders:
Saravia
Montiel
Pezzella
Foyth
Mammana
Otamendi
Tagliafico
Acuna (Lis. Martinez)
Midfielders:
Ascacibar
Paredes
Palacios
Lo Celso
Banega (De Paul)
Forwards:
Lamela
Messi
Pavon
Dybala
Aguero
Icardi
Lautaro
Starting line up (4-3-3): Armani; Saravia, Foyth, Pezzella, Tagliafico; Paredes, Palacios, Lo Celso; Messi, Dybala, Aguero.
Seeing them winning in final to Brazucas 3:0

 

Kinda funny how many young and talented players we have in the midfield.

 

Also, I liked Kanneman very much.
About Lanzini I'm not sure, if he'll be in form for Copa.
And I thought about Pity, but It'll be too many left footet attackers (Messi, Dybala, Lamela and him). so I see him as Lamela's back up more.
But the great thing for future is, that in U20 we have many talanted kids, such as Almendra, Garre, Colidio, Barco, Balerdi, etc. and for 2022 WC Argentina can have minimum 4 classy players on each position.

 

Scaloni needs to drop Romero immediately to avoid any group friction after his response to Icardi.

Agree or disagree with Icardi, this is his generation’s time.