Argentina 2010 World Cup Roster: Who Will Make the Final Cut?

The moment is getting closer and millions of Argentinians and soccer fans around the world are expecting to know the list of players picked by Diego Maradona.

Maradona could call any Argentinian player around the world. Most of them are capable to perform well and they give all their heart and talent. It's not about the capacity of the players, it's about how Maradona could use them on the field.

Walter Samuel, Martin Demichelis, Clemente Rodriguez, and Nicolas Otamendi should have their visas to Africa and all the vaccines needed to hang out in that continent. And of course, Martin Palermo as he is one the players already announced by Diego to be on the roster for South Africa  2010. For many fans, like it or not, Palermo could help the offense as a pivot.

Esteban Cambiasso is a secure option for Diego, and between Esteban, Messi, and Tevez, mixing the experience of Juan Veron, Argentina is able to score goals and be at least a hard rival. Mascherano is another midfielder expected to be called. His seasons playing for Liverpool had given him more strength to cover lots of space in the center of the field.

A big surprise will be Pablo Aimar. Maradona needs his talent to produce more offensive chances. He could be the Iniesta for Messi. Aimar is in great shape and there's another experienced creative card of Diego, hidden in his left foot.

Another fact is the lack of presence in defense of Gabriel Heinze, his mistakes are always a problem for "la zaga albiceleste" and Maradona should forget about him. Just pay attention when he tries to clear the ball inside his area.

Now we have to wait until the roster is available. Surprises? We won't see more than one and even if you don't like his decisions, he will have more than one option for each position.

My list of 23:

Goalkeepers

Mariano Andujar
Sergio Romero
Juan Pablo Carrizo

Defenders

Martin Demichelis
Walter Samuel
Gabriel Heinze
Nicolas Otamendi
Clemente Rodriguez
Nicolas Burdisso
Javier Zanneti

Midfielders
Javier Mascherano
Juan Sebastian Verón
Angel Di Maria
Mario Bolatti
Esteban Cambiasso
Pablo Aimar
Maxi Rodriguez
Jonas Gutierrez

Forwards

Carlos Tevez
Martin Palermo
Gonzalo Higuain
Lionel Messi
Diego Milito