Argentina’s practice session on Wednesday produced a possibly glimpse into the mind of Diego Maradona. Although a frightening place in which Jonás Gutiérrez is worthy of a place in the team at right back, there were also one or two more lucid thoughts flitting about. In a kickabout against Sergio Batista’s Under 17 side, this starting XI is unlikely to be the one used on Saturday, and I won’t be reporting the teams used in Argentina’s training sessions for the rest of the week, but see if you can guess who’s up front. No, not him…
A possible starting lineup for Argentina against Peru:
S. Romero
J. Gutiérrez —- R. Schiavi —- G. Heinze —- E. Insúa
E. Pérez —- J. Mascherano —- A. Di María
P. Aimar
L. Messi —- G. Higuaín
The inclusion of Gabriel Heinze at centre back along with Gutiérrez as a lateral is hardly the most encouraging statement about the defenders at Argentina’s disposal, but Ángel Di María returns after a three-match suspension and that, surely, is a decision that’ll continue into the competitive matches. Pablo Aimar’s inclusion as the enganche was widely touted and Lionel Messi had already voiced his approval at the idea, but the biggest about-turn has to be Gonzalo Higuaín’s inclusion in the starting lineup. And in the same lineup as Heinze!
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Sam, What’s your view of who show be on the squad? I was thinking the other day and trying to come up with my 23 (only 2 keepers and i’ll take my chances with injury):
Starters: Romero; Zabaleta, Garay, Forlín, Papa; Cambiasso, Mascherano, Lucho Gonzalez; Aimar; Messi y Milito
Bench: Andújar; Otamendi, Insúa; Maxi Rodríguez; Di María; Tévez; Higuaín
Others: Agüero, Enzo Pérez, Verón, Cata Díaz, Angeleri (when he’s back from injury)
Not sure on Verón, and to be frank, not sold on the defense either … wish we could field 5 forwards, like in the old days ;)
.. and 5 minutes later I don’t like the team anymore and I think maybe we could use Burdisso in there … and there’s always Riquelme, who SHOULD be a starter, but you never know what you’re gonna get in terms of football or attitude ..
The only ones I’m sure about are the ones I don’t want to see in the World Cup: Heinze, Coloccini, Gutiérrez, Palermo, Schiavi … you know, for a minute I was getting worried he was gonna call up Guillermo Barros Schelotto. Oh, and one last name who should NOT be in South Africa next year: Diego Maradona.
Diego, i’ll support argentina no matter whichever 37 year old colleague of yours u choose! But albiceleste will miss garay,diaz,papa,gonzalez,samuel,zanetti,riquelme,cambiasso,maxi,datolo,lucho,ibagaza,crespo,lisandro,lavezzi,zarate …… Be warned & pick right people. Btw, messi is a playmaking winger – not a striker.