While Didier Deschamps has had a clear starting lineup locked from the start of the tournament, his counterpart and World Cup finalist Lionel Scaloni had a tougher ride.
The Argentine coach had to tinker with his lineups both in terms of form and personnel to find the ideal recipe.
Even ahead of Sunday’s grand final, the Albiceleste’s starting lineup remains unclear, with two options reportedly on the table.
According to olé Via Ilbianconero, Leandro Paredes’ starting position in the World Cup final could well depend on the formation that Scaloni adopts.
If Argentina maintains the 4-4-2 formation in the semi-final against Croatia, the Juventus midfielder could earn his place alongside Enzo Fernández. In this case, Rodrigo De Paul and Alexis Mac Allister would probably operate on the wings in support of the two forwards, Lionel Messi and Julián Álvarez.
But if Scaloni opts for a 3-5-2 formation, then the source expects the coach to drop Paredes in favor of Lisandro Martinez. In this case, the Man United defender would act as the third centre-back along with Cristian Romero and Nicolás Otamendi.
The Bianconeri man had started Argentina’s opening match which ended in a shock defeat to Saudi Arabia. He was dropped afterwards, before returning to the starting lineup in the semi-final.
