Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni will drop Inter Milan skipper Lautaro Martinez to the bench for their 2024 Copa America semi-final tie against Canada.
As reported by TyC Sports via FCInterNews, Scaloni is considering demoting his leading goalscorer to the bench. Manchester City stalwart Julian Alvarez could regain his place up top.
La Albiceleste’s bid to defend the title is on the line following a nerve-shredding quarter-final victory against Ecuador.
And Scaloni is ready to ring some changes to his starting line-up.
Martinez started the tournament as a backup striker.
Alvarez had initially joined forces with Angel Di Maria and Lionel Messi in Scaloni’s star-studded frontline.
The trio started Argentina’s curtain-raising Group A fixture against Canada but couldn’t find the back of the net in the opening 45 minutes.
Alvarez broke the deadlock early in the second half before Martinez sealed the Canucks fate in the game’s dying embers.
However, the Inter talisman has been brutal at the 2024 Copa America, soaking up the limelight as La Albiceleste’s most prolific player.
The 26-year-old was responsible for four of Argentina’s five goals in the group stages.
Therefore, it’s somewhat confusing that Scaloni thinks of reinstating Alvarez.
That’s especially because Lautaro Martinez has spearheaded his formidable attacking department with authority.
Argentina Boss Lionel Scaloni Contemplates Shifting Inter Milan Striker Latuaro Martinez to The Bench Vs Canada
Martinez has been superb in the latter stages of play, with three of his four 2024 Copa America goals arriving beyond the 85th minute.
With Argentina still waiting for Messi to make his say in the United States, Scaloni could be playing a dangerous game.
The long-serving Inter superstar has been the only regular source of goals for Argentina.
With that in mind, it makes a little sense to nail him to the bench in a high-stakes game.
The only reasonable explanation could be Scaloni’s decision to revert to his favourite 4-3-3 set-up.
Martinez has thrived in a 4-4-2. But a player of his calibre would undoubtedly excel in any formation.
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/inter-milan-captain-benched-2024-192400204.html
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Publish date : 2024-07-09 03:00:00
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