2010 FIFA World Cup: The Carlos Tévez Dilemma

Most people outside Argentina would be surprised to find that, of all the players on this national team, the Argentine public's absolute favorite is not Leo Messi, but rather, Carlos Tévez.

Born in the slum neighborhood known as "Fuerte Apache" ("Apache Fort"), and marked by an unfortunate incident in his childhood which left a burn scar on much of his neck, Carlos Tévez is admired for his passion and commitment and is literally considered the "flag-bearer" by many at home.

More than just a fan favorite, "El Apache" is also one of Diego Maradona's personal footballing weaknesses. After all, the two of them do have several things in common. They share the same humble origins, the passion for Boca Juniors, and a genuine love for the albiceleste.

However unlike Maradona, Tévez's performances on the national team have not been the greatest; he's scored only 9 times in a total of 52 matches. 

Carlitos' detractors will argue that although no one can doubt his enormous effort, he's often guilty of "over-anxiousness", which has gotten him foolishly booked or expelled from matches, and kept him from ever seeming fully comfortable on the pitch.

Nonetheless, Diego Maradona seems convinced that this will be Tévez's World Cup, and he will finally leave his mark on the national team. True to his style, Diego is choosing players from his heart, rather than from the tactical handbook.

Thus, the last few weeks have seen Diego gradually resolve that Tévez must be one of the starting 11, and not merely a "super-sub."

Now, the only trouble is: what do you do with a man who literally plays in the same position as wonder-kid Leo Messi? Where does he fit on the field, and who can he replace?

He's been played in a variety of positions throughout recent practice sessions, and although there is still no verdict, these are some of the options:

a) as a winger or attacking mid-fielder on the right side

b) as a link between midfield and the two attackers (Messi and Higuaín)

c) as the second forward, with Messi acting as link between midfield and attack

d) as a third forward in a possible 4-3-3 formation

As of now, the "Tévez dilemma" seems to be the final unresolved issue in Diego's search for his starting lineup. But regardless of whether or not Tévez does eventually start against Nigeria, no one can doubt that he will make enormous efforts to leave his mark on the albiceleste, and on this World Cup.