Argentina opened up their Copa America campaign with a 1-1 draw vs Chile. The Albicelestes will be hoping for a win against Uruguay on Friday if they want any chance at topping their group. There is no doubt that this is one of the more talented Argentina sides that we have seen in recent years. Lionel Scaloni has quality options in his team that have yet to feature regularly. After a rather poor showing against Chile, it is time for Scaloni to change things up when Argentina faces a tough Uruguayan side. Here is how Argentina should lineup against Uruguay.
Goalkeeper
In goal should be none other than Emiliano Martinez. The Aston Villa player has been nothing short of stupendous for the Premier League side, being included in many fans and pundits Team of the Season. With 15 clean sheets in 38 appearances this season, Martinez was a contender for the Golden Glove while playing for a team that was not in the top six.
Defense
Argentina’s poor defense has been one of the reasons for its failures in the past years. However, this should no longer be the case with the top defensive talents that are now in the squad. Yet, after another poor defensive showing against Chile, fans will wonder win Scaloni will drop Otamendi and play the likes of Lisandro Martinez. Lisandro Martinez was one of the top center-back talents in world football this past season. The Ajax player has caught the eye of major clubs like Barcelona, who are keen on making a move for the Argentine. Despite this, the 23-year-old still does not start for his national team. This must change this tournament if Argentina is to push for the championship.
Partnering Martinez should be no other than Serie A Defender of the Year, Cristian Romero. Romero did not feature in the last game against Chile due to an injury. However, with rumors emerging that he should be fit against Uruguay, Romero needs to be and will probably be starting in the backline.
Tagliafico-Martinez-Romero-MontielÂ
Midfield
One aspect of the team Scaloni does not have to worry about is the midfield. Argentina has one of the most talented midfield partnerships in Paredes, De Paul,\ and Lo Celso. That midfield does not need and should not be touched or changed.
De Paul-Paredes–Lo Celso
Attack
Even with the defending mistakes against Chile, Argentina should have won the game comfortably. With numerous chances created leading to 18 shots, compared to Chile’s five, it all came down to some extremely poor finishing. With good attacking options on the bench, there is one name that stands out the most if a manager needs goals: Sergio Aguero. The newly-signed Barcelona striker only played the last 10 minutes of regulation time against Chile. With a striker as clinical as Luis Suarez on the other end of the pitch, Argentina will need clinical finishers alongside Lionel Messi.
Aguero-Messi-Lautaro
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