Diego Maradona Stays: The Future Of Argentina

Diego Maradona has a new 4-year contract. He's been called a cheerleader, a petulant child and what-not, but he's still a good footballing brain. The Cup's over, and this man will be picking the 11 for a while now. So, cut the name-calling, let the cup go, and move on. At least no one had to see him naked.

What lies in the future?

Diego, having seen the failure of his his team's (4-1-3-3) formation, is not likely to repeat this tactical gaffe. He has been bludgeoned for that and now has a taste of how football has changed from the 80's.

Maradona was sending out his teams, Messi had Mascherano in the midfield, two wingers on the sides, and Tevez and Higuain in front. Messi should not have to drop that deep into midfield to distribute the ball.

There needs to be at least one creative midfield player to perform this role and enable them to retain possession in the attacking half of the pitch, as well as some defensive awareness. How much can Mascherano do? He was probably their best player in the Cup, but Germany and even  Mexico showed he wasn't enough.

Argentinian talents abound in European Football. If a new side is to be built, which it will, there is no dearth of players who can step on board. Players like Fernando Gago and Javier Pastore are ready to step into the side and Argentina could do much worse than have them at the core. 

Romero is a decent keeper, but not experienced enough. Abbondanzieri should be recalled. So should Gabi Milito. Garay is another good defender.

Heinze's not going to be around very long (perhaps no longer than the 2011 Copa America) and Clemente Rodriguez should be a decent option at left-back. I hope Maradona settles on a first-string defensive line so they can play a few matches together before the next Cup. 

Two flair players I would love to see involved in the national set-up are Napoli's Lavezzi and River's Diego Buonanotte. Buonanotte is inconsistent, but extremely talented. Maradona's motivation might be able to make him take the step up.

How's this for a 23-man squad for the Copa America?

GK - Abbondanzieri, Romero, Andujar

DF - Zanetti, Zabaleta, Otamendi, Samuel, G. Milito, Garay, Heinze, C.Rodriguez

MF - Mascherano, Gago, Pastore, Banega, Bollatti, Messi, Buonanotte, Di Maria

FW - Higuain, Tevez, Kun Aguero, D. Milito, Lavezzi

A winning squad? What do you think?