With the line-up all but confirmed, who would you start up front for Argentina against Uruguay?
According to the media, the attack will likely be DI MARIA, DYBALA, MESSI; PRATTO. Vote below on how you would line up the attack!
[socialpoll id=”2384653″]
Reports in the media have Paulo DYBALA starting up front for Argentina.
It’s been rumored to be between Ever BANEGA and Paulo DYBALA but all signs point to the Juventus hitman to start alongside Lionel MESSI, Angel DI MARIA and Lucas PRATTO. While this isn’t confirmed, it seems very likely to be the case. Here’s the rumored line-up:
ROMERO; MAS, OTAMENDI, FUNES MORI, ZABALETA; MASCHERANO, BIGLIA; DI MARIA, DYBALA, MESSI; PRATTO.
Javier MASCHERANO and Lucas BIGLIA both spoke on Tuesday.
Javier MASCHERANO and Lucas BIGLIA both spoke at a press conference following the team’s training session. MASCHERANO spoke about BAUZA, Lionel MESSI and more. Here’s what he had to say:
“We want to help BAUZA. We know that the ultimate goal is difficult. It’s not a normal call-up. A lot of things have happened since the Copa America. If BAUZA was named as the coach of the National Team it’s because he’s capable of it. His achievements are a plus for him and it can be a gift.”
“The commitment to the National Team is seen in every call-up. Always thinking about the present and the future. Like we say in private, we have to swallow our pride and keep our heads held high.”
“If your friend, your captain, the best player, tells you he’s not coming anymore, it makes you think about a lot of things. Messi make the right decision: It would have been a sin, something very sad, not to see him playing with Argentina. I had no idea what was going to happen with Leo. After the Copa final, we all got isolated. It would be an injustice if Leo MESSI was deprived of playing with the National Team for any reason.”
“The team’s performance did not warrant MARTINO leaving. He helped us be competitive after the World Cup.”
“The worst thing we can do is look back. We’re right in the middle of it all and we’ve played a lot. The names may change but we will continue to be competitive. I’ve lost many times but I don’t feel unsuccessful. In this country, there’s always people who win.”
“Coming to the National Team is a blessing. Playing here is the highest of the high. It’s made me grow, it’s given me friends.”
Lucas BIGLIA:
“BAUZA told us that he likes to dream and that in his dreams, we’re all there. We all dream of something better. One always likes to be here and to take advantage of being with the National Team.”
The rumors are out and with it, the statting line-up.
The media is speculating on the starting line-up for Edgardo BAUZA’s first match in charge of the Argentina National Team.
ROMERO; MERCADO, OTAMENDI, FUNES MORI, MAS; BIGLIA, MASCHERANO; MESSI, BANEGA/DYBALA, DI MARIA; PRATTO
The two remaining positions appear to be between Pablo ZABALETA and Gabriel MERCADO (though MERCADO looks favorite to start) and between Ever BANEGA and Paulo DYBALA.
El “Patón” Bauza held his first ever practice with the Argentine national team this afternoon. Sergio AGUERO and Javier PASTORE were not present as they are both injured. Bauza has stated that for now nobody else will be called up. The only players missing that will be arriving tomorrow were: Mascherano, Matías Kranevitter, Gabriel Mercado, Mateo Musacchio Ever Banega, Angel Di María and Messi.
Here are some quotes from Bauza:
“I am going to be happy if we get 6 points by winning the 2 WCQs. Now, our main focus is on the Uruguay match first.”
“Marco Ruben is an important striker and I will continue to follow him. He is a player who can get a call up.”
“We are following 60 players. I don’t want to take opportunity away from any player. For these 2 WCQs, we may not call anyone else.”
“I met with Menotti. We talked about football for 4 hours. I want to hang out with Maradona & Bilardo. Such talks enrich you.”
“Reaching a final isn’t easy. It’s no longer just a game. A team has to be balanced & committed to tactics. That’s what ensures win”
“Even 2nd place is failure for because Argentine players are good, not bad. That’s why we’re at the top of the FIFA ranking.”
“I am glad that Zabaleta has played a full 90 minutes. It will help to decide who the 4 defenders will be.”
