The World Cup round of 16 is upon us, meaning it will be a short while before Argentina takes on France in the very first game of the knockout stage. The South American powerhouse secured progression on the final day but set up a tricky tie with Les Bleus.
La Albiceleste has so far struggled in the competition and showed their weaknesses even in the 2-1 win over Nigeria despite upping their performance. As a result, it is rumored Jorge Sampaoli is considering a shakeup in his attack.
Breaking down opponents has not come easy for the two-time champion and thus they could deploy star attacker Lionel Messi in the role he has excelled in at Barcelona: a false nine. Sampaoli final decision on Leo's starting position will reportedly come on the day of their game, which is today.
For La Pulga to play as a false nine, the likes of Sergio Aguero and Gonzalo Higuain would have to be dropped from the lineup. The latter started the clash with the Super Eagles but did not impress while the Man City superstar scored a lovely goal against Iceland but has since drawn blanks.
The men who will support the five-time Ballon d'Or winner in this rumored tactic will be Di Maria and Pavon. The manager's reasoning is that this lineup would offer more movement in the final third, something Argentina lacked in the group stage.
Increasing reports that Sampaoli will start neither Higuaín nor Agüero and instead look to use Cristian Pavón & Di María either side of Messi as a false 9. Seems an odd change to suddenly make at this point pic.twitter.com/ZGCJsckxss
— Peter Coates (@golazoargentino) June 29, 2018
It remains to be seen whether this will be their final plan for the France clash. While the European giant is yet to impress, La Albiceleste knows an exit is inevitable if they continue playing in a similar fashion. Only time will tell whether this rumored shakeup will bring success.
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