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Right-back - Gonzalo Montiel (Sevilla)
Strong performances at the Copa America this summer for Argentina saw Gonzalo Montiel join Sevilla from River Plate for nearly £10 million.
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Sevilla are renowned for spotting young talents and developing them, and Montiel could be the next in line. The 24-year old is a tenacious defender who is technically solid and is a good passer. Montiel might not be the most glamorous of players, but few can match his determination and work ethic.
Montiel could compete with Udinese's Nahuel Molina for the right-back spot. Montiel is the current preferred option, but Molina is a good operator as well. So Montiel will have to be at his very best to keep the Udinese man out of the Argentina XI.
Centre-back - Cristian Romero (Tottenham Hotspur)
One of the best centre-backs in Serie A last season, Cristian Romero joined Tottenham Hotspur from Atalanta this summer.
He is currently on a loan deal, but that could be made permanent next year for a reported fee of £42 million. At Atalanta, Romero was renowned for his aggressive and dynamic style of defending. The 23-year old often flew out from his defensive position. He is comfortable with the ball at his feet, but he thrives defensively.
Romero's importance for Argentina cannot be understated. The former Genoa man has become a key part of his nation's backline. Romero is still finding his feet in the Premier League. But his quality is undeniable, and he looks set to be a regular feature for Argentina for the next few years.
Centre-back - Nicolas Otamendi (Benfica)
One of Argentina's most experienced players, Nicolas Otamendi has enjoyed an excellent career at the highest level.
The centre-back is best known for his spell with Manchester City, where he won two Premier League titles, among other honours. Otamendi, like Romero, is aggressive, and his style of play is chaotic at times. However, he gets the job done more often than not, and he has matured well.
The 33-year-old is now at Benfica, where he is a first-choice centre-back. Otamendi is a proven winner for both club and country, so his experience and know-how are huge assets for Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni.
Left-back - Nicolas Tagliafico (Ajax)
A transfer rumour mill favourite, Nicolas Tagliafico has been linked with a move away from Ajax for some time now.
Tagliafico has been linked with Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain and West Ham United over the years. The former Banfield man did not enjoy the best of seasons with Ajax last time around. But he was part of the Argentina team that won Copa America 2021 this summer.
Tagliafico is competing with Sevilla's Marcos Acuna for the left-back spot. The 29-year-old's stock has fallen in recent months, and he looks set to leave Ajax soon. Some strong performances during the international break could help Tagliafico's confidence and attract suitors.
Other options: German Pezzella (Real Betis), Juan Foyth (Villarreal), Lucas Martinez Quarta (Fiorentina), Nahuel Molina (Udinese), Lisandro Martinez (Ajax), Marcos Acuna (Sevilla), Facundo Medina (Lens).
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