World Cup 2018 Tactics: 5 Possible Options for Argentina

#1 Two False Nines: 4-2-4

Dybala and Messi operating as false nines together? Why not?

You’ve heard about the false nine- Messi has himself previously flourished in the role while playing for Barcelona. However, have you ever thought about playing two ‘false’ nines simultaneously? It could be an interesting experiment for Sampaoli to consider in the game against Nigeria. They could line up as the following:

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As one can see, the two ‘false nines’ would be Messi and Dybala, who could use their creative talents to generate chances for each other or the two overlapping wingers: Salvio and Di Maria. It would be a fearless attacking formation- the type that Argentina need in a must-win game (a draw would see them eliminated).

It would also solve the problem of Messi and Dybala playing together (drifting back into the same positions). When one would come to create in attacking midfield, the other could stay forward as the actual ‘No.9’ to finish off any possible chance. After all, both players are among the best finishers in the game right now. In addition, the lack of a traditional No.9 would open up space for them to flourish.

In addition similarly to 4-4-2, Salvio would be in his natural right-midfield position. While some may claim the formation is too attacking, the lack of threat posed by Nigeria’s fullbacks means that Argentina don’t really need their wingers to track back.

Instead, Nigeria’s threat is mainly through their wingers who would be neutralized by Tagalfico, Mercado along with the defensive midfield pivot of Mascherano and Biglia. Overall, this formation would be a modern (and less extreme) version of ‘Dutch total football’ where every player could take over the role of any other player.

Perhaps this is just utopian thinking- it seems absurd to exclude a traditional No.9 when you desperately need a win especially when you have two of the best in the world (Aguero and Higuain). Moreover, there is no link between the defensive midfield pivot and the false nines- one of whom would have to constantly drop back (this is where Banega would be useful but Biglia is needed for defensive purposes).

Nonetheless, if I was Sampaoli, I would try this formation- if only because it could one last final gamble. If it doesn’t work, Sampaoli will remain the most hated man in Argentina (you can’t drop lower than rock bottom). However, if it works, Sampaoli will restore his reputation as a tactical genius.

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