Best possible starting XI for Argentina | Copa America 2021 semi-final

Central Midfielder - Rodrigo De Paul (Udinese)

Rodrigo De Paul

Rodrigo De Paul scored his first goal for Argentina in the Copa America 2021 quarter-final against Ecuador. There is more good news on the way for him if reports are to believed.

De Paul is closing in a move to Atletico Madrid amid intense transfer speculation in recent seasons. The 27-year-old was Udinese's star last season, with his creativity and dribbling from midfield key to his club's performances.

Rodrigo de Paul will be announced as new Atletico Madrid player this month. The deal is 100% done, signed, sealed, delivered for €35m. 🇦🇷#AtletiMedicals scheduled after the Copa America, contract until June 2026.Saúl could leave Atléti this summer - many clubs interested.

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 4, 2021

The former Valencia man will be tasked with providing Argentina some much-needed creativity from midfield in the Copa America 2021 semi-final.

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Central Midfielder - Leandro Paredes (Paris Saint-Germain)

Leandro Paredes

Like Rodrigo De Paul, Leandro Paredes started for Argentina in the Copa America 2021 quarter-final, and it is likely that he will keep his place in the XI for the semi-final too.

Paredes has done well at Paris Saint-Germain, with his quality evident, especially during Champions League games. A good passer, Paredes is also capable of operating as a defensive midfielder. The 27-year old looks to set the tempo of games with his excellent vision and passing prowess.

Per reports coming out of Argentina, don't expect much changes for the semi final. Acuña is tired and if he's not good to go, Tagliafico would start. Still waiting on Cristian Romero. Leandro Paredes remains a favorite of Scaloni. Nicoals Gonzalez ended the game very tired.

— Roy Nemer (@RoyNemer) July 4, 2021

The former Zenit Saint Petersburg man made 16 starts in Ligue 1 last season, scoring one goal and providing two assists. Paredes' influence in midfield could prove to be crucial for Argentina in the Copa America 2021 semi-finals.

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Central Midfielder - Exequiel Palacios (Bayer Leverkusen)

Exequiel Palacios

Exequiel Palacios' career has not gone according to plan so far, with the midfielder barely featuring for Bayer Leverkusen since joining the club in January 2020.

Palacios made just seven starts in the Bundesliga last season for Bayer Leverkusen due to injury. The 22-year-old was highly rated during his River Plate days and was even linked with Real Madrid before he joined the Bundesliga side.

Giovani Lo Celso started in midfield for Argentina in the Copa America 2021 quarter-final, with Palacios an unused substitute. The youngster could get his career back on track with a good performance in the Copa America 2021 semi-final, though.

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Other options: Giovani Lo Celso (Tottenham Hotspur), Nicolas Dominguez (Bologna), Guido Rodriguez (Real Betis)

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