Still, that endless running proof to be the missing element from the NT for many years. We always lack combative midfielders who's willing to cover spaces , doing the dirty work & also making up for Messi lack of running . One of main reason we lost those 3 finals aswell. Teams like Brazil , Germany & even Chile were able to beat us back then because they got that kind of players. Didnt RDP helped to setup both goals in recent Copa semi? Its pretty useless to have bunch of technical players like Roman, Aimar & Veron but getting stomped by Brazil physical play like in 2007.
I don't want to have this conversation with messi, but he's been causing interceptions more often as he gets older. We'll see where he's at in the next 4 wcq's. He's getting beat more often as well. Where once he could control the ball effortlessly, awkard passes get past him when a pacey young national team player from the other end puts pressure on him.
Read that Carboni got injured. Almada was tested as part of the 4-man midfield. Team is getting ready to fly out to Venezuela through Barranquilla. No issues so far with Milton. As always, I ask here if there is any way to watch this game other than Fanatiz? If any of you know any links, please post here; much appreciated. Seconding SupaMario’s sentiment: all you FL folks, wish you complete safety.
If you don't mind pirate pages, Futbol Libre or Pelota Libre are good options God no, not Almada. The olympics should have been the last thing he did with Argentina.
Pezzella was also tested as a starter... I think this is the classic "decoy XI" Scaloni always shows in the last training session before the match. Remember how before Colombia Barco was going to start and then he wasn't even in bench? Can't fool me after 6 years.
If it is Pazzella and Otamendi at CB, who plays LB? Must be Licha. That explains the offensive minded midfield 4 of RDP - Enzo - Lo Celso - Almada. Almost a 4-2-2-2. Will be very narrow if Licha at LB. Too narrow...
Scaloni would have lost his GOD DAMN mind if he starts Pezzella and Otamendi. Both of these clowns need to be dropped and yet they may start? Does he want to start the slowest CB duo in history? He is gradually turning into one of these managers who relies more on seniority over merit or being an experimental manager(Experimental in a good way). I might have to seriously fight Scaloni.
I'm getting concerned about him& his selections. Soler should be given the spot at LB. Not Licha. And it is more than high time someone else is found to partner Romero & establish a depth of 2 more CBs just in case Romero is injured. Almada has been doing well with Botofago so no complaints there. But again Rulli gets the spot. He's prone to blunders. Is it because he is first off the cab rank after the now retired Armani ? For me Benitez as he is playing regularly or even Gazzaniga after his best Emi Martinez impressions last week for Girona. Musso's decision to join Simeone Madrid is mystifying. Diego poor call about RDP. If you have issues with a player you do the talking in private.
I think that Licha at LB is because Scaloni doesn't think much of the prospect at LB. At least, he might be thinking that Licha at LB, and another option at CB to match with Romero. Which is not crazy.
Not exactly the width I was looking for. I forgot Tagli was back this round. Love the guy, but he's better against top teams.
I've been calm throughout this qualifier so far even when we lost to Colombia, but then I saw Pezzella & Otamendi starting... I have to re read the article few times to make sure I'm not misreading the sentence.
He did well againts Bolivia at high altitude. However he'd be 34 in next WC... I dont mind mid 30s attacking players if they're in good form, but defender? Being a late sub at best.
I think until Varela moves to Liverpool or Soler gets snapped up by a large club in Europe they won't get picked which is bloody stupid. They have all the necessary qualities to succeed as internationals. Any scout worth their salt could tell you that. He did but I would never judge a player on just the one appearance. It could have been nerves trying to do too much. His club form like Gazzaniga's is excellent. I'd always go with form. I am seriously getting concerned about Scaloni. I'm sure Placente himself a reliable left back could tell Scaloni about how good Soler is & for his age. Couldn't agree more. 21 months until the next Mundial and we have these two still hanging around. We need to be building depth & alternates for that CB position. Obviously Romero is nailed on for 2026 (injuries God forbid permitting) & it's finding three others. Licha probably once he recovers his form. But Senesi, Balerdi, Medina have barely played any competitive football. They need to be doing so now. As I said I'd even bring Anselmino along for the experience and you never know how it pans out next season he could be a young reserve for the Mundial. He's certain on a level of maturity greater than most defenders of his age. WAKE UP SCALONI !! Complacency is the mother of all F ups.
I don't have power so not sure I'll be able to watch the game, but wtf Scaloni. Pezzela and Otamendi might be good enough to get by in these two games but it's a wasted opportunity.
Exactly. Criticizing your compatriots in public while he's about to play for the NT? He even mention RDP winning the WC, is he jealous? He never seems enthusiastic with our victory like the other older lads (Zanetti, Cambiasso, Sorin, Batistuta, Goycho, etc). Paredes & Lo Celso has never been very consistent players at club level, yet they're still very crucial even in recent Copa. Checkout the Copa thread, we criticized Lo Celso & Paredes previous performance & then they made us ate our words. Club form dont always reflect NT form. We all know some players will turn it up for the NT or they simply gelled better with the NT.
He's doing well attacking wise. No surprise there. But is still prone to positioning errors. He needs to brush up on that part of his game. He is still diving in because he is catching up to players rather than reading their runs or position & still doesn't do the basics in his half. Simple clearances. And he keeps wandering into midfield rather than keeping his width. He's still more akin to a winger being asked to play left back than a natural attacking left back like Soler who also knows his defensive responsibilities.