Thread: The new Argentina .

After years of disappointments for 'los albicelestes' they finally have something to look forward to. They finally seem to have a new rejuvenated squad and a coach who is not afraid to use them, no matter the opposition.

From 2006 till 2016 they lost 4 (!) major finals, with a generation who before won the World Cup u-20 and the Olympics. A generation that contains players like Lionel Messi, Angel Di María and Sergio Agüero among others. Especially the first one suffered these losses dearly.

The undisputed star of Argentinean football was sick of it and almost accepted not winning anything with his beloved Argentina. Then after pleas from the entire country he finally made his return back in 2018.

That tournament was a horror tournament but it brought something positive. The tournament showed Argentina absolutely had to shake up things if they wanted to stay competitive even with Messi. At that moment it was when Lionel Scaloni was appointed as new coach.

Lionel and Lionel, that almost had to be a success.The new coach experimented first without Messi, because the Barça star took some time off, but he knew he still could very much use the best player in the world. Messi returned to the squad and they played the Copa America 2019.

In the beginning it seemed the same old Argentina, lethargic, boring, waiting for a Messi moment (who was probably having his poorest tournament thus far) and even advancing seemed hard. Until the later stages of that Copa the team suddenly clicked and looked very good.

At the end Argentina got eliminated by the future winners Brazil, but the image they showed in that tournament were that of a NON Messi dependent team, who can make use of young, skilled, especially hungry and motivated players. Argentina could leave the tournament with dignity.

Lionel Scaloni created a system in which Messi and Paolo Dybala could intertwine, something deemed impossible before by several coaches like Sampaoli, Bauza and Martino. Another big thing was acknowledging the weak (creativeless) midfield to support Messi.

A modern view of playing the game with dynamism in the midfield, pressing when losing the ball and continuously building from the back. Refreshing and much needed to keep getting the best out of Messi. Scaloni build the project FOR Messi and not just around him.

Lionel Scaloni then took the next step in "getting rid" of some stars of the Messi generation who, despite their enormous quality, had no place in this modern setup from Scaloni. Players like Gonzalo Higuain, Enzo Perez, Javier Mascherano and Lucas Biglia.

Fast forward one year later, after facing the horrible corona virus and therefore not getting a Copa America 2020. Argentina has a completely refreshed squad, with so many good, different (young) hungry players, of course accompanied by their 33-year old captain.

Lionel Scaloni again took a tough decision in leaving out Di Maria, another one of the Messi generation who is no longer seen as a crucial option. It might be something that could backfire, but in his defence: Di Maria always was injured when he was needed the most.

Anyway, tonight the new Argentina starts their journey towards the last dance for Messi in Qatar, with his new young supporting cast. Ready and hungry to finally win a trophy, after the last one won in 1986. Lets take a look at every line to see what options they have.

On goal they have the option E. Martinez, who had an amazing run at Arsenal after the corona virus struck and then made a big move to Aston Villa. Also they have the trustworthy Armani who always does the job for Boca. Goalkeeper was never their problem but it is still important.

Defensively they still could be stronger, but the way they defend has already gotten way better. There is more press when losing the ball and also they are better with ball, then without ball so Argentina's intention always is to build than to defend.

However, some players like Otamendi and Acuña are known for losing their concentration and being error prone, still something they should look at. Very good options are the young Martinez Quarta, including Lisandro Martinez and of course his teammate Nicolas Tagliafico.

Then off to the line which had the most problems during the "succesfull" years, in which they made finals: the midfield. Scaloni has many options there, who have the ability to change the game or completely change the system.

Rodrigo de Paul is one of the very good options. One of the best players in the Serie A, has said " to wanting to give his all to make Messi have success" and has all the modern tools to thrive in a footballing system.

But besides him you have names who have already shown their prowess for Argentina, names like Leando Paredes, Lo Celso and Guido Rodriguez. Papu Gomez is another very good option, another star of the Serie A, who has been impressing for over years and finally got his reward now.

The most important thing is that dynamism and MUCH needed creativity has been added to the normally pretty dull Argentina midfield. Just look at this 2018 selection squad picture and tell me you would be happy as Messi having to link up with those players? (bar Banega)

Last but definitely not least is the attacking line. Messi himself of course is the first option but his good linkup with Lautaro Martinez is already very refreshing. Sergio Aguero and Higuain, despite being elite strikers at the time, they simply lacked chemistry with Leo 1/2

on pitch or missed huge chances at enormous frustrating moments like World Cup or Copa America finals. Lautaro has the ability to link up with Messi, finishes easily, has an aerial presence and simply always gives 150% on the pitch. Commitment is not an issue, the most important.

Besides this we already mentioned the new Messi x Dybala click, something that makes Argentina twice as strong. But there is another joker up front, who might become the next star for Argentina. I'm talking about Lucas Ocampos, Sevilla's flashy winger.

The Argentinian has completely shown himself in the last season in his debut year for Sevilla and seems so dangerous when coming from the left or right side, but also without ball the way he keeps running and pressing like a demon. Something essential for Scaloni's football.

Altogether, this Argentina seems refreshed, both in coaching and in players, ready to either have their last dance or to realize their youth dream to have success with their beloved country. I myself am very ready to witness it all again.

In football nothing is guaranteed but with Messi you have to believe always and even more so if the coach and players are this dedicated to making it work. Vamos Argentina, vamos Scaloni, vamos Messi!