Argentine NT: News, Stats & Players [R]

Not sure what this is supposed to tell me. Nico had a better overall performance than Messi did in the Copa final

 

Yeah, do agree that Nico should be more humble and that's on Scaloni really.

Didn't see the game, but I heard the Leverkeusen had a bad 1st half and changes needed to be made.

Anselmino would be my 3rd choice CB with Romero and Lisandro. The amount of talent and maturity that the lad has is incredible to see.

 

He's still by far the worst performer outside an injured Messi. All the later subs had more significant impact and contribution within few minutes of play. In all 4 trophies we won, he literally has no goal and no assist, no contribution on shootout either.

The only notable thing from him was celebrating with Lautaro and Dybala when they scored in Copa final and Finalissima.

If we need an extra cover at the back, particularly on that left side, then just bring Barco. Nico G cant defend well and never really help on the attack either.

 

He has not been the worst performer in that Copa final. Far from it. I would suggest to rewatch the match.

Barco is much more suited in the middle, his physicality limits him on the wings where pace is needed. There is a reason why he didn't make it at Brighton and Sevilla as a LB/LM.

 

I want this kid in the World Cup squad. He’s easily our best third option at centerback. Forget Senesi, Quarta, Otamendi and the rest of the crappy defenders. He’s the next best thing we have at RCB/CB. It’s frustrating that Chelsea sent him on loan to Strasbourg just when he was getting solid minutes and playing Champions League football with Dortmund. Hopefully it’s not too late for him for a WC spot

 

Biggest problem with Nico is that he is ********ing stupid. Constantly makes the wrong decisions, year after year after year. Every single time Leo is there for the cutback, the idiot just smashes in a random, usually terrible, cross. Reminds me of Adama Traore; one would think after 10 years being a professional that these guys would learn something from their past experiences.

 

In case everyone forgot, he was also red carded last year when we played Uruguay.

 

I think Nico Gonzalez is a good option as a LB but not against teams who have players like Yamal, if for some reason Tagliafico couldn't play I prefer Licha as LB and Otamendi/Senesi or anybody as CB with Cuti.
I would still go with Tagliafico as the only natural LB.

 

You summed him up well! Zero football IQ. You don’t know what you get with him. He had for once a good match right before the break and yesterday he goes back to being a brain dead. Cant have players like that

 

nico has been abysmal this year and he's been benched
he taken two stupid red cards

With him you're always playing a man down and walking on egg shells

 

I agree that we may need to consider Licha as a back up LB (if Valentin Gomez cannot make it),. Tagliafico is bound to be injured or suspended due to yellow card accumulations. Besides Gomez, none of the backup option convince me which is very scary.

Alternative that we may need to consider is to go for a back 3 if Tagliafico gets injured/suspended. I prefer that than having Acuna at LB.

 

Lautaro returned from injury and scored a brace, including goal in 1st minute. He now has 200 goals at club level and officially became Inter 3rd all time goalscorer, surpassing Boninsegna.

 

It would a shame if Barco doesnt make it. He did impressed in our last game so he might have the case to be selected . A back 3 is much better option than having Nico G as an LB cause there will be NO game in WC where Nico G ability as an LB would be good enough. If Nico Paz starts instead of RDP, our midfields should be mobile enough to gives a defensive cover when needed.

 

What a hit Paredes 🚀 pic.twitter.com/MMspVZmdvg

— Boca in English | Podcast (@CABJ_English) April 8, 2026

Nice goal by Paredes tonight

 

Needs to do it more often. I remember him scoring a launcher against stubborn Indonesia defending. Also Messi 3rd goal against Bolivia in 2022 came after his long range blocked by the goalie. He's long range passing is actually the best in the team excluding Messi. Definetely still a valueable midfielder as a sub.

 

Yeah I honestly don't get the negativity against Paredes. Sure, he can be a bit hot headed sometimes, but his attitude is great (didn't complain when he was rightfully dropped during the WC), a very reliable player for penalty shootout, and can come in as a sub and control the tempo of the game too. Has one of the best passing range in the world too. An incredible squad player for the national team.

 

Julian scored great FK in 2-0 win againts 10 men Barca. He has equalled Lautaro and Crespo as Argentine with most CL goal in 1 season (9), excluding Messi obviously.

 

this sport is brutual

when you're not doing anything like julian the fans question you, the fans are getting pissed with mac allister last season they loved him. What's going on with mac allister this season? Isn't he healed, is he not fit? Is being a dad messing up his mentality, has he hit a physical peak?

Unless you're brazilian on real madrid, you can go 32 games without scoring and the fans won't say anything

nico played awful when he was subbed, scaloni was watching the game from the stands

 

Absolute brilliance from Julián Álvarez 😮‍💨🔥 pic.twitter.com/SeyR3AjDrg

— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) April 8, 2026

 

Enzo has went through similar thing last year, Julian went like 15 games without scoring, now he's been scoring again almost every week. I do notice Enzo and Julian just had a baby during those bad run. Lautaro failed to score for 18 months with NT at one point but then he scored 11 goals in 2024 .

We just need our players to arrive at WC without carrying an injury (like Lautaro in 2022) and not being overplayed at club level.

 

The goal also put him as Atletico madrid all time top scorer in 1 season , beating Diego Costa (8). Overall Julian has 9 goals + 4 assists.

On other notes, Musso made some great saves throughout the game.

 

Personally, I'd rather have Atletico knocked out of the CL. I do not want our players to play extra games. I'd prefer both Barcelona and Real Madrid to play more games, since they have Gallegos, Brazucas and players who represent France. Unfortunately, it appears both will be bounced out of the competition. But I guess, we should never underestimate the Cholo choke.

 

Atletico madrid also have CDR final later this month. Lautaro will play against Nico Paz in a few days in Coppa Italia semi. Inter still needs to win about 3-5 matches to secure the league. A bit worrying as Lautaro just returned from injury.

 

I think for ATM specifically, as long as ATM makes 4th, Simeone will probably rest the players in La Liga games to be fresh for the CL similar to how he rested Alvarez vs Barca over the past weekend.

 

Paredes assist for Lautaro


Paredes (should have been an assist) for Nico G