FIFA World Cup 2018: 3 lesser-known Argentina players who could impress 

#3 Nicolas Tagliafico - Fullback

The left-back is likely to feature in Sampaoli's starting XI

Nicolas Tagliafico - the name might not ring a bell for many. But he has arguably been Argentina’s best option at left-back for a while now.

He established himself as one of the finest players in Argentina after a transfer to Independiente in 2015.

He was central to Independiente’s success over the past year as his exploits on the left flank as well as in the central defence prompted Ajax to make a move for the Argentinian in January.

The 25-year-old made his debut for the Argentina national team in a 1-0 away win against Colombia last year and has only gone from strength to strength since.

He has often been likened to Argentina’s record cap holder Javier Zanetti because of his unceasing stamina, excellent footwork and continuous ventures down the flank.

What sets him apart from the rest of his ilk is his ability to switch between defence and attack in no time.

Tagliafico is likely to start in Russia after impressing Jorge Sampaoli in recent friendlies and can prove to be the impact player that the South American side so lacks at the back over the past years.