Predicting Argentina's 2015 Copa America Starting XI
There is no time to rest for the Argentina national team. Even with the memory of a trip to the World Cup final in Brazil still fresh, thoughts now must shift to the next challenge.
In little more than six months time new coach Gerardo Martino and his charges will travel to Chile for the 2015 Copa America, one of the world's oldest and most prestigious international football competitions. Having bombed out at the quarter-final stage last time round, the pressure will be on the Albiceleste to take their first title since 1993.
Martino has a strong base of players but will also look to impose his own philosophy and tactics on a talented team. That means several places in the starting XI will be up for grabs, depending on who shines in Argentina colours in the time leading up to the Chile test.
When the nation finally takes the field, the line-up could be rather different from that which played in Brazil 2014.
Goalkeeper
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The fight for Argentina's No. 1 jersey in Chile is likely to be a two-horse race. Right now Sergio Romero remains the undisputed starter, and the Sampdoria stopper enjoyed a quiet game against Croatia with only a goal he could do little to stop blotting his copybook.
Competition for Chiquito loomed from the bench, however. Martino took the decision to recall Willy Caballero to the international game, and it would be no surprise if, in an effort to rotate his ranks, the keeper picks up a long-overdue first cap against Portugal.
The fight will be fierce for the goalkeeper spot, but Romero's experience at international level and excellent World Cup is likely to weigh heavy as he holds on to his place between the posts.
Defence
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Of all the positions in the Argentina team, the composition of the back line is perhaps the place with most doubt surrounding it. At this point, one can imagine that Manchester City right-back Pablo Zabaleta will be assured of a starting spot, as would a fully-fit Ezequiel Garay as Argentina's most accomplished central defender.
Away from those two places, however, there are plenty of contenders. The likes of Martin Demichelis, Santiago Vergini, Federico Fazio and Federico Fernandez have all received chances to assert themselves in the middle and failed to take them. Nicolas Otamendi and Mateo Musacchio are other options in an area where the Albiceleste still look fragile.
Cristian Ansaldi's excellent performance against Croatia, meanwhile, puts pressure on the injured Marcos Rojo to maintain his place at left-back. Perhaps the answer to Martino's equation lies in a little lateral thinking.
Placing Ansaldi out wide to take advantage of his impeccable attacking skills, and moving the Manchester United player alongside Garay would ensure a dynamic defence comfortable with the ball at feet. If tried prior to the tournament it could be a masterstroke from the coach.
Midfield
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The Argentine engine room more or less picks itself. The chosen role for Angel Di Maria, however, will go a long way to deciding how the three men in the middle of the pitch line up.
While Fideo was used almost exclusively as an attacking midfielder in the Alejandro Sabella era, Martino has shown he considers the Manchester United man as more effective in an advanced role. This could mean that the winger starts up front, leaving the way clear for Javier Pastore or Erik Lamela to take over as the creative force in the middle.
Ex-captain Javier Mascherano will, of course, be present, providing he does not suffer any injury setbacks,. So the big question will be who accompanies the Barcelona star anchoring the midfield. Lucas Biglia is perhaps best-placed at this point, although the likes of Fernando Gago, Ever Banega, Enzo Perez and even a fully fit Matias Kranevitter could be knocking on the door come July 2015.
Attack
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As always, there is fierce competition to make the Argentine starting attack. With just three places up for grabs and some of the world's finest players fighting for them, the Albiceleste's embarrassment of riches up front creates a welcome dilemma for Martino.
With Di Maria likely to occupy one of those places wide on the left, the coach must select two out of four world-class strikers: Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero, Gonzalo Higuain and Carlos Tevez.
Tevez made his long-awaited international return off the bench against Croatia, but it is hard to see the Juventus man as a regular starter in the Copa America. He will most likely be used as an impact substitute behind Messi and Aguero, with Pipita taking a similar role as a more physical centre-forward option.
With regards to the positions each will take on the field, Wednesday's friendly gave an interesting insight. Messi lit up Upton Park in his old Barcelona role wide on the right, and it is not hard to imagine the captain doing a similar job in Chile with El Kun sticking to a more central role.
Argentina's Predicted Copa America First XI
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Romero
Zabaleta Garay Rojo Ansaldi
Biglia Mascherano Lamela
Messi Aguero Di Maria
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