Argentine NT: News, Stats & Players [R]

I do think we're conflating a bit between looking at the age of guys and looking for guys in better form. It just so happens to be many of them are much younger, but if we had some guys closer to 30 who were lighting it up I'd want to see them too, but all of the ones worth looking at are already on the team so...

 

but, we still need to pay attention to every single 18 year old kid from Primera, you know... they might be the future of the NT and more exciting to watch!

 

After Valentin Gomez been performing well at LB recently with Betis, I think I'm ok with cancelling the Nico G. as LB experiment. Was hoping that Nico G. played as a LB at Atletico (but now this creates a problem that Almada is now a sub for Atletico) so that he gets more experience as a LB - similar to the way that Acuna started as a LW but converted to a LB. V. Gomez still needs to be called up and tested though - hopefully that is the case in March 2026.

I still think that Nico G. has a role in this squad when used correctly. The role that he played in the Copa 2024 Final is the best way to use him. An impact sub who run ragged of the tired defense with his speed, intensity and work rate.

 

I can speak only for myself, but I believe our midfield and left backs are the weakest areas right now. The players I’ve criticized aren’t necessarily old. Its not so much about age but mileage, motivation, and hunger. Midfield is an extremely demanding position and someone like RDP doesnt have the same legs anymore, especially with his high intensity, highwork rate style. That’s why we’re seeing a decline in his passing and overall performance.

I also think it’s tactical suicide to stay committed to the same players who won the World Cup. No one should be guaranteed a spot except Messi and everyone else needs competition to motivate young players and keep veterans sharp. I understand personal relationships can influence decisions, but sticking to the same formula is a big mistake.

 

As a Norwegian, it’s crazy to see how well the national team is playing after years and years of disappointments. It will be the first time Norway plays in the World Cup since 1998. They’re a real dark horse in Europe right now if you don’t count the usual favorites. Norway has youth, experience, and hunger and I truly believe they will do well in 2026.

 

I think Norway will do well in the WC.

Welcome back to the WC!

 

I agree with you.

For me, RDP still has a place in the squad, but he should not be the starter in the national team. Think that spot belongs to Equi who Scaloni was going to call up in the November friendly but got unfortunately injured.

As long as Valentin Gomez is performing well at Left back for Real Betis, I'm sure Scaloni will call him up in March. The game vs FC Barcelona on Dec. 6 will be great to see his level. Can't ask for a more difficult player to deal with 1-1 than Lamine Yamal.

 

As of today, the Group of death for Argentina

Argentina
Morocco
Norway
Saudi Arabia

 

Meanwhile in recent WC teams like Germany and Spain has been beaten by Mexico, S.Korea and Japan ... Those teams never beat us in WC. Spain even lost to Russia.

 

Erm, we lost to Saudi Arabia.

 

As I have mentioned and others as well, Scaloni early on would experiment and tweak things. I am starting to fall into the category where Scaloni only really tweaks lineups when players are injured. He also did well adjusting to teams and etc. But now, we are returning to the Bauza era where we know exactly who is going to play, no matter if their form has dropped or not. Kinda disappointing. He perhaps fell forwards with luck with Julian and Enzo. His time management and subbing are awful. I think what we can hope for is Scaloni to wake-up or players start dropping like flies.

 

Yeah I would rate those other teams higher than Saudi tbh

 

Thanks bro!

 

There is an alternate reality where Armani doesnt get covid and he starts 2021 copa. Lo celso, Gonzalez, and JCorrea don't get injured and Enzo would not even make the list. Julian 4th option off the bench. Our greatest luck were those injuries

 

In alternate universe, Abondanzierri doesnt get injured in 2006 and Pekerman throws in Messi and Saviola. In 2002 Bielsa picked Saviola and started Crespo. In 2010 we have Sabella right after he won Libertadores in 2009, instead of having Diego. In 2018, RDP and Paredes are there while Dybala started and we beat France on penalties.

That means we possibly have 4 WC, despite losing 2022.

 

I never understood why he didn't join Girona. These players make some of the most baffling transfers imaginable. Some of the people advising them need to find a new a career.

 

Looks like they've confirmed 26 man rosters for the World Cup.

 

"There's a flip side to that coin. What if you do got me boxed in and I gotta put you down?"

 

Where did you read this?

 

National teams to take 26 players to the 2026 World Cup. https://t.co/h9tkbEqmRC pic.twitter.com/G0qqlvvUXx

— Roy Nemer (@RoyNemer) November 18, 2025

 

2 of the biggest issues for the national team of the LB + RB positions, there are some options and I listed the age that they will arrive at the WC.

LB
- Tagliafico (Lyon) - 33 yrs.
- Valentin Gomez (Betis) - 22 yrs.
- Facundo Medina (Marseille) - 27 yrs.
- Soler (Bournemouth) - 21 yrs.
- Francisco Ortega (Olympiakos) - 27 yrs.
- Bernabei (Internacional) - 25 yrs.
- Acuna (River Plate) - 34 yrs.
- Nico G. (ATM) - 28 yrs.

RB
- Molina (ATM) - 28 yrs
- Juan Foyth (Villareal) - 28 yrs.
- Montiel (River Plate) - 29 yrs.
- Kevin MacAllister (Union SG) - 28 yrs.
- Pablo Maffeo (Mallorca) - 28 yrs.
- Agustin Giay (Palmeiras) - 22 yrs.

Now Scaloni wants around 3 players who can play in each position (2 players in their natural position + 1 player who could potentially play in that position). The players that I highlighted in bold are the ones that I'm pretty sure Scaloni will take to the WC.

For RB, we just have to hope that Molina moves to another club in January and that Montiel doesn't get injured. For LB, I would prefer Valentin Gomez as the 2nd option LB and preferably Nico G. would be the 3rd choice LB for emergency cases. Please no Acuna. Barco cannot be considered as a LB anymore. He lacks the physical profile to play in that position.

Any other players that I might be missing or someone else to consider?

 

Speaking in an interview with Sportmediaset, here is what Soule had to say:

“I remain calm and hope it can arrive as a reward for all the good performances at Roma. I am a little disappointed, but not worried. The moment will arrive if I keep doing well with Roma. All I can do is keep working, try to be decisive in every match, until the call-up becomes a logical consequence.

“I can confirm that Italy is not an option for me. I am from Argentina, and I would like to represent my country.”

 

So, there is a faction of supporters back home are tired of Tapia's shit. Murals are being defaced because of the corruption that is associated with Tapia. People are saying that Tapia tries to hide behind the Seleccion and Messi with his pictures and etc. But that well is going to be running dry and for many, it has ran its course.

Siguen los murales escrachados de la Selección Argentina con mensajes para "Chiqui" Tapia y Toviggino. https://t.co/vfh8rotyRf pic.twitter.com/rstW9C0LIL

— De Primera (@DePrimeraa) November 18, 2025

Many of this have mentioned several times, Messi and members of the national team need to stir clear from that bozo. He is no good. Are they blind to this or tone-deaf? Now before people say "Oh, this is like the Estudiantes fans making comments about Messi after the CwC..." Tapia is a poison to our country and sport. The players need to tell that clown to get lost. He's no good. You cannot associate yourself with corruption.

 

Foyth is primarily a centreback at this stage of his career, though he can fill in at rightback. I think it could work if Scaloni uses him as a right centreback in a back three when we have possession, allowing the leftback to push higher. But using him as a right wingback wouldn’t be effective. He’s limited going forward and the risk of injury would only increase. As long as he’s deployed as an RCB in possession, I’m completely on board with Foyth being part of the setup.

I agree though, we have not developemnt enough good right and left backs. The midfield is also another issue. We have too many stationary midfielders. We lack energy and workrate. We miss a defensive midfielder,a guy like Caicedo who will shield the defence and win you the ball. Paredes is the closest thing to that right now and that says a lot.