Diego Maradona is a lucky man. For most of the mangers who will be in South Africa this summer, the decision to ignore players such as Esteban Cambia so andJavier Zanetti, would be nothing short of madne s. Yet while these omi sions have certainly raised eye brows, such is the strength of the players at Maradonas disposal that he has still managed to compile a team packed with stars, which must be considered amongst the favourites for the competition.This blog will focus onfour of these stars, whose performances may well be crucial if La Albiceleste are to get their hands onthe World Cup.Walter SamuelMaradona has certainly made some strange decisions since taking charge of La Albiceleste, but the decision to recall the Inter Milan defender, who had not featured
Merlin Olsen Jersey for the national team since 2006,isnot one of them. Known as the wall, Samuel was arguably the finest centre back in Europe this season and formed a key component of Inters treble winningside. One only has to look athis domination of both Didier Drogba and Zlatan Ibrahimovic to appreciate just how rock solid the wall really is.Samuels selection is all the more important when one considers the defenderslikely to be playing alongside him. Martin Demichelis is aMaradona favourite and will almost certainly start, despite looking far from secure for Bayern Munich. The same can be said of Gabriel Heinze who is likely to start on the left.The right back position will be given to either the inexperienced Nicolas Otamendi or Newcastle winger Jonas Gutierrez. Thus with some rather unconvincingpartners the wall willneed to stand strong or
Connor Barwin Jersey Argentinasback linemay well crumble.Javier MascheranoMascherano and ten others, is how Maradona described his favoured starting eleven shortly after taking charge of Argentina.He certainly made good on these claims, quickly awarding the defensive midfielder the captaincy. Mascherano is undoubtedly one the best players in his position, po se sing a work rate and
Tyrunn Walker Jersey knack for breaking up play that few can match.Furthermore the 25 year old alwayssacraficeshim selffor the team and is described by Maradona as, closest to the idea I have about the Argentinian shirt sweat for it, sacrifice for it.However, this pa sion can often spill out into ill discipline and the defensive midfielders habitof collecting red and yellow cards may be a worry throughout the tournament.Juan Sebastian VeronSome of you might be surprised to hear that the former Manchester United midfielder is still playing. In which case you will be even more surprised to hear that he is still a regular starter for La Albiceleste. At 35 years of age the decision to recall Veron may appear baffling. However following Juan Roman Riqulmes clash with Maradona, which lead to the play makers international retirement, Veron was sounded out as the most ably equipped replacement.The vetranhas certainly retained the technical ability and range of pa sing to play at World
Cam Akers Jersey Cup level andwas a key member of the Estudianties side which won the 2009 Copa Libertadores. However whether the 35 year old has the stamina and fitne s to dictate a game for 90 minutes remains unclear. With no like for like replacement in the squad, Veron is likely to prove crucial to Argentinas fortunes, for better or worse.Lionel Me siWhat can one say about Lionel Me si that hasnt already been said?The Barcelona forward is simply the best player on the planet right now, and his mere presence will strike fear into the hearts of all 31 opposing nations. However while his quality can not be doubted, Me si hasoften failed to replicate his Barcelona form when on international duty.For example his record of 13goals in44 games paleswhen compared to88 in 144 for Barca.However many pundits have attributed this to Maradonas use of a 4-4-2 system which leaves Me si to farfrom the goal and vulnerable to tactical fouls.Following his four goal demolition of Arsenal, it was suggested by many that the 22 year might well be the greatest footballer that ever lived. However
Kurt Warner Jersey , only by achieving World Cup glory can Me si truly be held in the same esteem as Pele and Maradona. With the latter now his manager, motivation will be plentiful and if they can find a system which maximizes the Barcelona forwards attributes, Argentina could take the world by storm.
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