Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni is strongly considering replacing Rodrigo de Paul in his starting XI for the World Cup semi-final against England. The match takes place in Atlanta on Wednesday night, with the winners advancing to face France or Spain in the final on Sunday.
De Paul's role in question
De Paul, who has started all but one of Argentina's matches this summer, has earned a reputation as Lionel Messi's protector on the pitch. However, reports from TYC Sports and ESPN Argentina claim Scaloni is giving strong consideration to naming the midfielder on the bench. The 32-year-old was substituted late on against Switzerland and just after the hour mark against Egypt.
De Paul spoke to the media on Monday but did not comment on the reports. '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 looking forward to tomorrow.'
Possible replacements
According to reports in Argentina, 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 Scaloni's first change. Simeone could offer a more direct replacement on the right-hand side, though his only starting appearance was in the dead rubber group match against Jordan.
TYC Sports also reports that Nahuel Molina may start at right-back over Gonzalo Montiel, and Julian Alvarez is expected to start ahead of Lautaro Martinez. The outlet published a 'probable starting XI': Emiliano Martinez; Nahuel Molina or Gonzalo Montiel, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Nicolas Tagliafico; Rodrigo De Paul or Giuliano Simeone or Nicolas Gonzalez, Leandro Paredes, Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernandez; Lionel Messi, Julian Alvarez.
Match significance
The semi-final is one of international football's most intense rivalries. De Paul has been a key player throughout Scaloni's tenure, taking up a role on the right of midfield. The decision to drop him would be a significant tactical shift.
