Argentina is desperate to bring on young players to create more competition in the existing squad which has lacked motivation especially in the Copa Ameria
Over a period of time, Argentina has lost its supremacy over South American football and has lost all the major tournaments in which they have taken part. Regardless, of the 2014 World Cup final which they lost against Germany.
Their record in the American Competitions has not been satisfactory as Messi and Co. have never won a Copa America. The last time Argentina won the tournament was in 1993. In 2015 and 2016, they proceeded to the final, only to lose to Chile in a penalty shoot-out on both occasions, even though they have never once lost to Chile over regular time in tournament history (28 matches).
Three Young Starlets Who Can Turnaround Destiny For Argentina At Copa America 2021
DEFENCE
23-year-old Lisandro Martinez is pushing for a first-team spot in the delicate defense of Argentina who has struggled to find the replacement after the retirement of Javier Mascherano. They require a strong ball-playing defender who can cover the ground easily and who has the ability to read the game like Mascherano.
Martinez featured in Ajax’s squad 42 times in the previous season and has made a total of 83 appearances in all competitions for the Dutch Champions. he has found the net 5 times over the course of the season. He can also play as a Left-back and Defensive Midfield where he can show his versatility and mold himself according to the requirement of the team.
He will push Otamendi for a spot in the starting 11 and looks comfortable to play at the highest level. He can certainly help Argentina defensively with his strong sense of mind and can hopefully take them to Copa America glory.
MIDFIELD
25-year-old Giovani Lo Celso is another player to look out for in the Argentine squad. He made his International debut on 11 November 2017, in a 1–0 victory over Russia. He possesses strong intellect helping him to unlock the defenses very swiftly. He creates spaces to receive the pass in tight spaces and has good close control enabling him to dribble past defenders with ease.
His combination with Paredes and De Paul makes this Midfield trio one to look out for in this season’s Copa America.
He has made 25 appearances in all competitions for the senior side and has found the back of the net on 2 occasions.
FORWARD
23-year-old Lautaro Martinez has established himself as one of the most lethal strikers in Europe this season. He was instrumental in Antonio Conte’s squad who won the Italian league after such a long drought. He found the net 19 times in 47 appearances playing alongside Romelo Lukaku. He has earned 24 Caps for Argentina in which he found the net 11 times.
He is emerging as one of the hottest properties in the transfer market with all the major clubs looking to get him on their payroll. He is destined to follow the footsteps of great Argentine striker like Gonzalo Higuain, Sergio Aguero, and Diego Maradona.
These 3 players will play a huge role in this Copa America and will be hopeful of guiding Argentina to the trophy which they have craved for such a long time.
Also Read: Copa America 2021 Betting Odds And Tips, Top Favourites To Win The Tournament