Argentina predicted lineup for 2022 FIFA World Cup

The La Albiceleste, come into the Qatar tournament as the most settled and in-form team

Argentina is a World Cup mainstay and they come into the 2022 tournament in Qatar as one of the favourites to take the trophy home. Argentina had a dreary 2018 World Cup, slogging their way into the round of 16, where they were ousted 3-4 by France. Many people are pulling for the 35-year-old to lift the trophy in Qatar, and fans will expect this powerful squad to conquer the world. The South American side has produced some of the World Cup's greatest moments over the years and some of the best players ever seen throughout history.

Goalkeeper - Emiliano Martinez

The Aston Villa goalkepper is the obvious choice for the number one position. He was one of the most crucial players in Argentina’s winning run in the 2021 Copa America. He has a great reflex, good ball distribution, good penalty stopping and all that are needed to be a great goalkeeper. Martinez is known to command great respect over his backline and is known for maintaining constant communication with his defence. He is also adept at organising his backline when it comes to set pieces.

Left Back - Nicolas Tagliafico

Tagliafico offers more offensive contributions and his runs on the overlap and underlap, can be beneficial for Argentina. He is noted for his "lung-busting stamina, excellent technique and continuous enterprise". He is in a good form and is currently the most favourite player to start in this position.

Center Back - Nicolas Otamendi

He is considered to be one of the most influential players in the squad and one of the favourite players of Scaloni. Otamendi's defining characteristic is his strength. He's a powerful athlete capable of outmuscling any forward in the world—an aggressive defender who prides himself on dominating the battle with his opposite number. His presence in the Argentina backline will bring in a lot of quality and experience.

Center Back - Lisandro Martinez

This Argentina side is great due to the collective togetherness rather than just individual talent and Lisandro Martinez encapsulates that.  Martinez has proved critics wrong, and has made up for his lack of height with his expertise in anticipating the flight of the ball, and has made a habit of constantly disrupting and harassing his opponents. His pairing alongside Otamendi will be crucial for Argentina's performance in the World Cup.

Right Back - Nahuel Molina

Molina’s offensive contribution might not be at par with Tagliafico, but he makes up for it with his tackling abilities. He has shown signs of quickly tracking back when his team loses the ball. This aspect will come in handy, especially when Argentina is hit on the counter. 

Defensive Midfielder - Leandro Parades

Paredes comes with experience at the highest level, Being able to play in both a double pivot or as the deepest lying player in a three-man midfield, Paredes is a 'regista' who tends to organize play from deep in his own half. Despite not possessing much pace, this position suits his physical and technical abilities very well as his passing and vision on the field truly compensate for his shortcomings with respect to speed.

Central Midfield - Rodrigo De Paul

De Paul might not be having the best season in club colours, but he has shown to be a completely different player when he dons that Blue and White shirt.  He controls the game really well. De Paul is a key figure in midfield and very often brings the ball out of his own half, although he is probably the most important player for the defence, as his role without the ball is to move across the pitch and intercept rivals running vertically in from deep.

Central Midfield - Enzo Fernandez

Enzo Fernandez is touted to be one of the best midfielders in Argentina. He could make quick short passes, accurate long passes, and lobbed balls. In addition, he is a good dribbler and can move the ball forward either through his passing or dribbling. He has already shown that he is capable of providing assists and scoring goals. His ground and aerial duel numbers are also excellent. It shows that he can be creative and physical to help his team out.

Right Wing - Lionel Messi

He needs no introduction.  Despite being physically unimposing, he possesses significant upper-body strength, which, combined with his low centre of gravity and resulting balance, aids him in withstanding physical challenges from opponents. Apart from Messi’s ability to take players on and score goals, over the years, he has moulded his style of play according to his strengths and has turned into one of the best playmakers in world football. According to him, this will be his last world cup and he will be desperate and determined to win it.

Left Wing - Angel Di Maria

Di María is a quick, strong, tricky and talented winger who is also capable of playing as a more central attacking midfielder or on either side of the pitch. Although he is predominantly a left-footed player. Di María is an agile, creative and highly technical player who possesses excellent dribbling skills and ball control, as well as great pace, stamina, movement, and acceleration. Attributes which allow him to beat players easily in one-on-one situations. He will be very important in the attacking department of the team.

Striker - Lautaro Martinez

Lautaro Martinez, who is in the middle of the front three will need to maintain constant communication with his wingers. He does have the ability to beat his marker and score goals. But his fox-in-the-box approach will also be useful for Argentina. The striker has a very good ariel presence inside the box. He is particularly impressive when attempting to control possession with little time or space. Out of possession as well he positions himself very well and he is capable of pressing really well.