23 for 2010 – Argentina: World Cup Squad analysis pt.1 (Keepers & Defenders)

Note: The players that I have selected are not necessarily the 23 that I would take to the World Cup, rather it is an attempt by me to predict who Maradona is likely to pick.

How do you begin to predict the Argentina squad for the 2010 World Cup? Who knows what goes on inside Maradona’s head? Maradona used 37 players in his 8 South American qualifying matches, and many more in friendlies. In the last 12 months alone Maradona has called up a whopping 79 players, some of which were admittedly for friendlies in which Maradona selected Argentina-based players only.

Taking this into account, it is near impossible to say with any certainty who will make the Argentina squad. Many of the players I have selected have hardly featured under Maradona, but I believe it would be foolish for him not to take them.

Maradona also has a penchant for selecting Argentina-based players. I have selected only one such player to make the final 23, but Maradona is highly likely to take more. For Part I, a look at possible goalkeepers and defenders:

Goalkeepers

Sergio Romero
Juan Pablo Carrizo
Mariano Andujar

For all of Argentina’s world class players, they have struggled for many years to find a suitable goalkeeper. Young AZ Alkmaar goalkeeper Sergio Romero is the current number one, he played in the last three qualifying matches and the most recent friendlies against Spain and Germany. 23 year old Romero first came to international prominence as the goalkeeper in Argentina’s victorious 2007 FIFA under-20 World Cup team (a team that included Sergio Aguero and Angel Di Maria).

Juan Pablo Carrizo was Maradona’s original first choice goalkeeper and played in Maradona’s first two qualifying matches in charge. However, the second of those two matches was the infamous 6-1 defeat to Bolivia and he was subsequently dropped to the bench. Carrizo began his career at River Plate but moved to Lazio in the summer of 2008. He began the season as first choice but after some poor performances was dropped and replaced by Uruguay goalkeeper Fernando Muslera. He is currently on loan at La Liga strugglers Real Zaragoza.

Carrizo’s replacement in the national team was Mariano Andujar, who played in the next three matches but was then dropped after the 3-1 defeat to Brazil. Andujar was Estudiantes’ goalkeeper in the victorious 2006 Apertura championship. Estudiantes also won the 2009 Copa Libertadores, where Andujar set a tournament record of 800 minutes without conceding a goal. He moved to Italy to play for Catania before Etudiantes played in the Club World Cup.

Defenders

Martin Demichellis
Gabriel Heinze
Nicolas Otamendi
Nicolas Burdisso
Walter Samuel
Gabriel Milito
Javier Zanetti

Bayern Munich defender Martin Demichellis is certain to be in the team. Bayern’s run to the final of the Champions League has strengthened Demichellis’ claim as Argentina’s leading defender. Gabriel Heinze is another certainty for the first team. The former Manchester United left back has been in outstanding form for Marseille, helping them to the Ligue 1 league title.

Nicolas Otamendi is a highly rated young centre back in Argentina and currently plays for Velez Sarsfield. Maradona has shown great faith in the youngster and originally called him up for a friendly after he had only played 11 senior matches for his club. Although a centre back by trade, Maradona has used him as a right back and looks likely to do so again at the World Cup.

Nicolas Burdisso has not featured much under Maradona but was used as a substitute in the friendly against Germany and has been a regular for AS Roma this season. Though unlikely, he may yet win the Serie A title. Walter Samuel is another defender who has been mysteriously overlooked by Maradona but has been outstanding for Inter, in particular in their run to the Champions League final. He started the recent friendly against Germany and looks likely to sneak into the squad.

Gabriel Milito has suffered with a knee injury for over 18 months but has recently regained fitness and has been an increasingly prominent member of the Barcelona team. His ability to also play at left back should see him make the final squad.

And although Maradona has hinted that he may not go the World Cup, Javier Zanetti should make the final squad. His experience, leadership and versatility should see him go as the final defensive option. Inter Milan’s run to the final of the Champions League has surely helped his chances too.

Click here for Part II, a look at the midfielders and strikers Maradona will be considering taking to South Africa.

(pic courtesy of the excellent Ryu Voelkel on Flickr)

23 for 2010, Argentina, Maradona, Squad Analysis, World Cup 2010