Rodrigo De Paul commented on training with Lionel Messi and the Argentina national team at the World Cup.
De Paul spoke in an interview with Pollo Alvarez where he commented on his form before the World Cup and playing alongside Lionel Messi at Inter Miami. In the same interview, the Argentine also commented on training with Messi. Here is what he had to say:
“We’re killing ourselves to arrive in the best physical shape, we do double training sessions, apart from the club. I record everything to make it look like a little movie.
“He doesn’t like it but I tell him: ‘Look if it happens for us, little guy, we make a little documentary and win an Oscar. I motivate him, I pump him up to the max.”
He also commented on the Argentina national team and wanting to win the World Cup:
“You don’t live without thinking about the World Cup Every time it feels closer, those thoughts pop into your head way more often. You live with that. right? With the fears, the uncertainty, the joy that takes you to a World Cup.
“For my part, I’m really pumped and full of excitement I think the national team is going to be a protagonist again. It’s really tough, but I see in my teammates a conviction and a hunger for it to keep happening.
“We won a Copa America and went for the second. We won the Finalissima and we were itching to compete against Spain, we were texting each other when it seemed like it wasn’t happening. And the same with this World Cup, the team is super ready to give everything it’s got.”
The 26-player squad will probably consist of 3 GKs, 9 defenders, 6 midfielders, and 8 forwards. Regarding De Paul, he has regressed a lot and we have no idea how he’ll fare against stronger teams in the World Cup. In the 2022 WC he was amazing. In the World Cup final, he didn’t put a foot wrong. He covered the right flank behind Messi brilliantly through out the WC.
However, I doubt he should start alongside Mac Allister and Enzo. Scaloni likes to field a balanced team, so the third starting midfielder spot is up for grabs.
Enzo, Mac Allister, De Paul, Paredes, and Palacios are 100% going. The sixth spot will have huge competition. Lo Celso, Barco, and Buendía will probably fight for that final place, and Scaloni and the coaching staff will have to pick someone who is playing at the highest level.
Barco can also play LB, while Buendía can play both as an attacking mid and CM. He can also come off the bench if we need someone who can attack without losing balance in midfield. Locelso may missout again.
Palacios, when fit, is the best option to replace De Paul in the starting lineup. Also Don’t get fooled by Chelsea’s and Liverpool’s form right now. Poor midfield cost Madrid back to back seasons which is why they are after both Mac Allister and Enzo. Both are amazing in controlling the tempo of the game and can adjust their game to help attack and defense when needed.
Without a proper midfield balance, both attack and defense become vulnerable, so Scaloni has to make some tough calls.
I would want 7 midfielders to go… Barco and Buendia both. But then we will have shortage in either defence or attack. Lets see
I would also honestly take 7 midfielders instead of 8 forwards. It an 8-game tournament in a month, midfield depth matters way more. Moreover , Scaloni likes to only start with only three attacking players anyways.
One of Scaloni’s favorite who still doesn’t convince me at all is Almada. Scaloni keeps backing him, but even Paulo Dybala would offer far more creativity, threat and end product. Almada has shown immaturity in futballing IQ and incompetence in the final third. He flopped hard at Atletico and their fans want him gone.
If we go with 7 forwards my choices would be Messi, Julian, Lautaro. N.Gonzlez, Nico Paz, G.Simeone and M.Soulé.
Then I would add Buendia as the 7th midfielder since he can also play higher up and is a solid finisher. Plus Barco gives way more flexibility than Acuna because he can cover both LB and CM.
👍👍
he has no business in the starling line up. he is staying close to Messi so that he can play and he knows well he is not in shape Argentina is screwed if De paul plays a lot