FIFA 14 Best Argentina Team
Set in a 4-4-2 formation, here's the best Argentina team available in FIFA 14. The Albiciestes have a lot of options in their attacking department, enough to even keep Carlos Tevez out of their World Cup squad. With Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero, Gonzalo Higuain, Rodrigo Palacio and Ezeqiuel Lavezzi available as attacking options, it is tough to let go any of them. But their defence can sometimes look a bit shaky. Thus in order to keep things safe at the back, a 4-4-2 formation has been approached. Here's a look at the starting XI:
Wilfredo Caballero (Goalkeeper)
This is quite a surprise choice for the Argentina goalkeeper slot. Though Caballero isn't part of Argentina's squad at the on-going World Cup, he finds a place in this list courtesy of his La Liga heroics. The Malaga stopper on 1 October, 2011 had entered the club's record book after keeping his goal clean for 480 minutes. Sergio Romero, Mariano Andujar and Agustin Orion may be preferred for Argentina squad in Brazil, but in FIFA 14 the 33-year-old Caballero (79) has a higher rating than all of them.
Pablo Zabaleta (Right Back)
Manchester City defender Pablo Zabaleta is the ideal choice for the right-back slot. The 29-year-old City veteran has a rating of 82, and is noted for keeping the opposition attack at bay with his tackles. Zabaleta was overlooked by Diego Maradona for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, but this time around in Brazil, he has established himself as the team's first choice right-back.
Ezequiel Garay (Centre Back)
Benfica defender Garay dons the centre-back slot for Argentina. The 27-year-old from Rosario has a potential rating of 86 in the FIFA 14 career mode. At the heart of the Argentine defence, Garay is strong with tackles, marking opposition attackers and also can add up as a deft penalty taker.
Javier Mascherano (Centre Back)
A Champions League winner in 2011 with Barcelona, Mascherano is now featuring in his third World Cup. An Albicieste veteran Mascherano fills in as the team's centre back with ease. The 30-year-old former Argentina skipper is a solid entity at the back, and can also function as a defensive midfielder when the team requires. He is rated 84 on FIFA 14.
Emiliano Insua (Left Back)
Insua is a very talented young defender who plies his trade for La Liga champions Atletico Madrid. The boy from Buenos Aires was a part of the Argentina team that won the FIFA 2007 U20 World Cup. The former Liverpool defender who can aim for long range shots with his powerful left foot has a potential rating of 82 in FIFA 14.
Angel Di Maria (Right Midfield)
At just 26 years of age Di Maria has already earned 48 International caps for the Albiciestes. The scrawny Real Madrid star has been an assured holder of the right midfield slot for Argentina. He is known for his superb ball control, crossing, dribbling and agility on the pitch and has a potential rating of 88 in FIFA 14.
Alberto Costa (Centre Midfield)
Spartak Moscow midfielder Alberto Costa should be at centre midfield for Argentina. The 29-year-old has a potential rating of 83 in FIFA 14. Other than possesing good control over the ball, Costa has an eye for long passes. The former Valencia midfielder can also play for long periods of time, and is also adept at taking penalties.
Enzo Perez (Centre Midfield)
Though a troublesome knee in 2011 had earlier dented Perez's career, the Benfica midfielder has now finally come of age. In the 2012-13 season Perez along with Nemanja Matic had formed a great team in the centre of Benfica's midfield. The 28-year-old also led Benfica to the finals of the 2014 Europa League, where they lost to Sevilla on penalties. The right-footed midfielder has a potential rating of 82 in FIFA 14.
Ezequiel Lavezzi (Left Midfield)
Lavezzi made his Argentina debut against Chile on 18 April 2007. Though a member of Argentina's 2008 Olympics gold-winning team, Lavezzi was not selected in the squad for the 2010 World Cup. Later under Sergio Batista, Lavezzi became a regular in the squad. His sprints from the left wing along with his dribbling and passing skills sees him rated a potential of 86 on FIFA 14.
Sergio Aguero (Striker)
Aguero in his short spell at Manchester City as already established himself as one of the English Premier League's finest strikers. Son-in-law of Diego Maradona, Aguero was instrumental in leading the Citizens to the 2012 and 2014 EPL titles. A menace in the box, Aguero at just 26 years of age has already made 51 appearances for Argentina, netting 21 goals. In FIFA 14, he has a potential rating of 89.
Lionel Messi (Striker)
Messi along with Aguero is the perfect strike pair for Argentina. The fact that this little Argentine is rated highest (94) amongst all players in FIFA 14, speaks volumes about his skills. Be it dribbling, finishing, crossing, accelerating or volleys, Messi is a master in all. The Barcelona star is equally adept at leading the strike force or playing as a second striker. Thus the Argentina skipper is crucial to manager Alejandro Sabella's plans.