5 realistic candidates who could lead the line for Argentina

In the world of international football, teams do not have the luxury of selling surplus players and recruit players in positions which are lacking in depth. For example, Argentina is a national team that has world-class strikers but does not have the defence to complement its exceptional attack force.

The Albiceleste have an impressive frontline including the likes of Sergio Aguero, Paulo Dybala, and arguably the greatest footballer of all time in Lionel Messi. For a team filled with world-class attacking talent, it's a shame that their best defender is Nicolas Otamendi and the Argentine national team could very well face similar issues for the foreseeable future.

Despite having numerous world-class strikers at their disposal, the Argentine national team has heavily underperformed in recent major tournaments. The Albiceleste are probably the perfect example of the fact that no matter how much quality you have, it does not necessarily guarantee success.

Here, we take a look at five potential players who can lead the line for Argentina at the upcoming Copa America 2020.

Dario Benedetto

Currently plying his trade with Ligue 1 highfliers Olympique de Marseille who are currently 2nd in Ligue 1, Dario Benedetto is a complete striker with an eye for goal. He is a poacher by style but also knows a thing or two about playing as a winger or second striker to use his excellent technical skills and helps his team in the build-up play.

Marseille forked out €14 million for the Argentine forward when he signed from Boca Juniors last summer, and it's safe to say it was a shrewd piece of business.

Having scored 7 goals in his first 18 Ligue 1 appearances, Benedetto has finally made his way into one of Europe's top 5 leagues for the first time in his career, and at the age of 29, he still has some time on his side.

Although he has only 5 international caps to his name till now, he could very well add a few more in years to come.

Also read: 5 Potential candidates for England's stacked right-back position | Euro 2020 Watch

Paulo Dybala

A quick, creative, elegant and agile player with excellent dribbling ability, Paulo Dybala also has a powerful and accurate shot in his arsenal. The Argentine maestro has already formed up an incredible partnership with Cristiano Ronaldo at Juventus since the latter moved to Serie A two years ago.

His playing style has drawn comparisons with compatriot Lionel Messi at times. Dybala is a versatile forward who is capable of playing in many positions such as centre-forward, wide-playmaker, false-nine, and more.

The fact that his playing style is too similar to Lionel Messi has somewhat halted his path into the Argentine national team, but once the Argentina and Barcelona legend retires, Dybala could be the man for the job in the future.

Mauro Icardi

Mauro Icardi is a sort of player who often goes missing for the most of a game but on the occasions when he touches the ball, he makes it a touch of gold. The former Inter Milan captain possesses exceptional tactical intelligence, movement, and positioning ability.

He is a deadly striker who is comfortable scoring with his head and both feet. Although he is not particularly the fastest or strongest forward, he contributes relatively lesser in the buildup but he makes up for that with his excellent movement, positioning, and clinical finishing. In terms of purely the ability to perform as a poacher in front of goal, few strikers are better than the former Sampdoria man.

At 26, the Argentine is currently plying his trade with Ligue 1 leaders PSG and could be leading the Albiceleste in their hunt for continental and international glory.

Also read: Top 5 Atlético Madrid academy graduates

Lautaro Martinez

The current Inter no.10 is a complete forward and has lately turned it up on the European stage. Lautaro Martinez is a striker capable of helping the team in the buildup due to his respectable eye for a pass and is capable of providing assists to his teammates. While playing as a second striker at Inter Milan, the Argentine has formed up an extraordinary duo with former Manchester United forward Romelu Lukaku.

At a tender age of 22, he is already earning plaudits from all across Europe and is being linked with many of Europe's elite clubs including the likes of Manchester City, Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, and more.

Martinez has already racked up 17 senior caps with Argentina and is already considered one of the stars of the next generation of world-class strikers. To top it up, he could potentially filling the boots of the man next on this list (at both club and international level).

Sergio Aguero

Manchester City v Arsenal FC - Premier League

The most high profile name on this list is Manchester City legend Sergio Aguero. One of the very best in the world, Aguero has already scored 41 goals in 97 appearances for the Albiceleste.

As for club level, Sergio is Manchester City's all-time record goalscorer (252 and counting). Arguably the Premier League's best-ever foreign import, the Argentine has it all. He can score goals, provide assists, can help in the buildup, and despite his short height, still manages to score quite a few with his head too.

He joined Manchester City in 2011 and helped them win their first-ever Premier League title in his first season at the club. Scorer of undeniably the greatest goal in Manchester City's history (THAT title-winning goal against Queens Park Rangers), he is one of the greatest strikers of his generation. At the age of 31, he can still lead the line for Argentina for a few more years.

Also read: Top 5 Manchester City academy graduates