Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni is strongly considering replacing one of his key men in his starting XI to take on England in their World Cup semi-final.
La Albiceleste take on the Three Lions in Atlanta on Wednesday night in one of international football’s most intense rivalries with the winners to take on France or Spain in the final on Sunday.
Rodrigo de Paul has started all but one of his country’s matches so far this summer, sitting out of the final group match against Jordan.
The Inter Miami midfielder has earned the title of Lionel Messi’s bodyguard, picking up a reputation for being the legendary no10’s protector on the pitch when the two play together.
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But reports in Argentina claim Scaloni is giving strong consideration to naming the midfielder on the bench on Wednesday night.
TYC Sports and ESPN Argentina are among the outlets reporting De Paul could drop to the bench having been replaced in his side’s last two matches, late on against Switzerland and just after the hour mark against Egypt.
The 32-year-old has been a key player throughout Scaloni’s time in charge, taking up a role on the right of midfield.
Reports in Argentina claim Nico Gonzalez or Giuliano Simeone are the two likely candidates to come in.
Gonzalez has performed well off the bench during the World Cup and has often been the head coach’s first change in games.
Simeone could offer a more direct replacement on the right-hand side of the pitch. However, the Atletico Madrid star’s only starting appearance in the World Cup was in that dead rubber game at the end of the group stages against Jordan.
TYC Sports report the only other question mark over the side is whether Nahuel Molina starts at right-back over Gonzalo Montiel.
The outlet also names a ‘probable starting XI’ to face England which includes Julian Alvarez starting ahead of Lautaro Martinez.
‘Probable’ Argentina XI to face England
Emiliano Martínez; Nahuel Molina or Gonzalo Montiel, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martínez, Nicolás Tagliafico; Rodrigo De Paul or Giuliano Simeone or Nicolás González, Leandro Paredes, Alexis Mac Allsiter, Enzo Fernández; Lionel Messi, Julián Álvarez.
via TYC Sports
De Paul spoke to the media on Monday but did not comment on reports that his place in the side could be in jeopardy.
‘Everyone knows that I love these kinds of matches, they motivate me . They have a special element that awakens a lot of feelings in me,’ De Paul said.
‘I’m experiencing this with great joy; it’s a team I’ve never faced before. I’m experiencing it with a lot of excitement, a lot of anticipation. I’m really looking forward to tomorrow.’