Giovani Lo Celso: The rising Argentine midfield general 

Lionel Messi and Argentina are one of the favourites to win this year's FIFA World Cup in Russia. The Albicelestes have been desperately looking for a complete midfielder over recent years, but have seemed to unearth one in promising young talent Lo Celso.

The 22-year-old has emerged as one of their best, having impressed for Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain since completing a £10m switch two summers ago. Naturally, he's expected to be part of Jorge Sampaoli's tactics going forward ahead of the tournament next month.

The former Rosario youngster initially had a slow start in Paris, but injuries to important first-team players ensured departing boss Unai Emery granted him an opportunity to showcase his ability. That's precisely what he did. He has made 47 appearances across all competitions this term and established himself as a regular among stars in PSG's midfield - 32 in France's top tier - with four goals and five assists to go alongside them.

His rise at the Parc des Princes over the last few months has been a remarkable one. He is not a player known for powerful physique nor blessed with blistering speed, but has a good range of pass, technique and the capability to play from deep and supply forward balls in midfield makes him an important player in their current system.

Lo Celso created 18 chances and maintained an impressive pass accuracy of 91% in Ligue 1 this term

So, how does he fit for Argentina?

Lo Celso has usually been part of a midfield trio and will be expected to do the same under Sampaoli as Argentina look to do one better than their runners-up medal in 2014: win at all costs in Russia.

His fine club form was duly rewarded with a maiden senior national team call-up in November last year, playing against Nigeria and Spain in friendlies. More attack-minded players including Messi long for players like Lo Celso, who essentially simplify their job.

Alejandro Sabella's defensive-heavy midfield options - Javier Mascherano, Lucas Biglia and Fernando Gago - were evident for all to see four years ago. However now, players like Lo Celso and West Ham's Manuel Lanzini provide more balance in midfield, reducing Messi's workload while doing so.

After losing in three consecutive finals, Argentina are preparing for tough competition in Russia. Their squad has promised so much in recent years but opponents took advantage of their weak midfield and they failed to deliver during the moments which mattered most.

This time around though, things are expected to be different. Sampaoli is set to back his experienced players with younger blood like the aforementioned pair to partner up along with Biglia, Ever Banega and more to surpass expectations and secure an unlikely triumph in the upcoming tournament.