5 things Argentina need to do to get back to the top

Argentina went home after getting knocked out in the round of 16 in the FIFA World Cup, against the eventual champions France, failing to achieve their dream yet again. Only this time, it looked like it was never meant to be. The last three tournaments before this world cup, Argentina came close, failing at the last hurdle.

This time, they barely managed to make it to the World Cup (Making it only thanks to a Lionel Messi special against Ecuador), and miserably scraped through the group stages, before their luck ran out against the mighty Frenchmen.

It would be safe to say, that Argentina has been pathetic for the last 2 years. They had one of the worst qualifying campaigns in their history, and they had the world’s best player during that time. What isn’t working then? Argentina certainly has got quality. They are one of the most talented teams in the world.

However, they have multiple managers changed in such short tenures, with Sampoali being the latest one, lasting less than a year. Currently, Argentina is in a crisis. However, this could be the turning point. After a disappointing world cup, it’s time to start everything, right from scratch. This an opportunity. Here are the factors, which will shape Argentina's future, and possibly build them back into a force to reckon.

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#5 A Long-Term Manager

Diego Simeone will be a great fit for Argentina

In the last two years, Argentina has had three different managers. Moreover, each manager had a distinct mentality and tactics, which meant Argentina didn’t have a team which had a defining style and strategy to implement. One of the key factory that would Influence Argentina's future, would be looking for a manager who would be able to steer the Argentine ship for a longer time, possibly until the next world cup, and display trust in the manager.

A great choice for that could be the current Atletico Madrid Diego Simeone- however, it would be difficult to lure him away from the goals and objectives he has set for himself at Atletico. Diego Sets up a defensive fortress in his teams, as seen with Atletico Madrid. Argentina has the quality upfront- they are lacking in the defensive side of the game.

If Diego comes in, he'll set up a system, which is rock solid and safe at the back, much like his Atletico. This could work excellently for Argentina, as their defence lacks pace. So, a system which promotes a defensive mindset and a low backline will help Argentina stay tight at the back, and catch the opponents off-guard through quick counterattacks.

Aside from Tactics, Diego will bring a certain calmness to the team, as we've seen Diego work with rather controversial players like Diego Costa, and make them love him and his team. A team which works well together and trusts their manager is what Argentina require. Moreover, throughout his career, his comments on Leo seems like this man knows to bring out the best on Leo.

Whoever the new manager is, Argentina needs to make sure they choose a person who’ll be committed to the goals. There will be a couple of Copa Americas in the next two years, and this would be a great opportunity for Argentina to build a core squad and adopt a style which they can rely on. A reliable manager is key for this to be possible.

#4 Revamping the core team

Argentina should look to Build a Young Team

When the next world cup arrives, the key players in the current Argentina National team would become very old, and possibly would've called time on their careers. This is why, it is crucial for Argentina to plan for the future, and look to create a young team, with the exception of some obviously experienced players who will be crucial to the squad.

A young team would bring in a new mentality and will be hungry for glory, much in contrast with the old team which will be dejected after having lost three finals in a row.

Paulo Dybala, Mauro Icardi, and Christian Pavon could be the youngsters Argentina needs to build a team around, to make a strong and competitive team. Argentina has a fresh supply line of youngsters, so the AFA should keep an eye out for youngsters who haven’t had the opportunity to prove their worth.

For Instance, Luciano Vietto is a young striker who, if given a chance, may turn out to good enough for Argentina. If Argentina wants to win the World Cup, they should be looking out for the future, even if it means sacrificing players like Di Maria and Gonzalo, who are crucial players in the current Argentina set up.

#3 A defensive reboot

Argentina's defence has waned

One of the important reasons Argentina reached the finals of the Copa Americas and the FIFA world cup in recent years, is the solidity of Argentina’s defence.

However, Argentina’s defence has been an important reason for Argentina’s failure in the last couple of years. This was widely exposed against France when the defence simply couldn’t contain the French attack and could've easily let in more than 4 goals. The current defence has become slow.

It’s time for a reboot, and that's precisely what Argentina should be doing- Build a young defence, as they’ll have gained enough experience for the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, by playing in the next 2 Copa Americas.

Besides, if Simeone comes in and prepares to set up a defensive gameplan, the pace would really help add to the the physical supremacy of his teams at the back. A defence which is pacy and strong would work very well for Argentina.

#2 Dealing with the Lionel Messi dilemma

How to Maximise Lionel Messi's Impact?

When the next World Cup arrives, Lionel Messi will be 35 years old. This may look bad, but it could be a blessing in disguise. Currently, Argentina looks for Messi to solve their problems, when in possession.

This simply doesn't work since Lionel Messi is usually guarded by opponent players, and Argentina aren't prepared to think differently. This was noticeable in the match against France, as even Sampoali said that Argentina’s game plan was to get the ball to Lionel Messi, higher up the field.

Surely Argentina won't expect a 35-year-old Lionel Messi to solve their problems, and look for things which don't always involve Leo. Moreover, Leo would’ve certainly dropped deep, and is likely to become a complete midfielder as he ages.

Lionel Messi is perhaps the most creative player in the world, and Argentina could use it well by playing Leo permanently in the Midfield. Argentina shouldn’t wait for Leo to get old, and start deploying Leo as a permanent midfielder in their matches, to prepare for the future.

This way they could use his creative skills to feed the attack- which is the next factor, and one more than capable of being world class.

The Argentine Attack

Mauro Icardi could Spearhead a New and Young Argentine Attack

Higuain, Di Maria, Aguero. An Attack which many would consider terrifying. Yet, these three fail to perform for Argentina. A reason could be that since they don't get to play their natural style, and constantly look for Leo, their performances were hampered.

Anyway, These three world-class players won't be available in 2022, as these three, maybe not Di Maria, wouldn't be dropping deep like Lionel Messi. Does that mean Argentina will have a problem with their Attack?

The answer is a colossal No. Paulo Dybala, Mauro Icardi, and Christian Pavon can form an attacking trident, which could be sensational if the three players live up to their potential. With Lionel Messi in the midfield, creating chances, the attack could flourish.

Moreover, they wouldn't be looking for Messi, as Messi will no longer have the job to put the ball into the back of the net. Argentina Could have a sensational lineup up front if they prepare it from now.

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Basically, what Argentina Simply needs to do is visualize the future and treat it as the present. They need to prepare a team they’ll want in the Future so that their dream team has gained experience and has built a great chemistry. Because that’s what Argentina require. A team with chemistry.