World Cup 2010 / Feizal Rahman / 29 June 2009 / 2 Comments

The sight of Argentina struggling to qualify for a World Cup is a rare one but under the leadership of Diego Maradona that's precisely the situation they're in. Assuming they make it however, no-one will be wanting to face the likes of Messi and Aguero, says Feizal Rahman.

With no managerial experience at any level, the surprise appointment of Diego Maradona as head coach of Argentina was widely considered to be bold, if not foolish. With only four wins in their first ten World Cup qualifiers, the Albiceleste were not performing to the levels expected of a nation with such a rich reputation. Yet, they have managed only two wins since the arrival of Maradona and suffered two defeats, including a 6-1 humiliation at altitude in Bolivia.

Their remaining qualifying fixtures are by no means certainties either, with tricky trips to Paraguay and Uruguay following a September encounter with table-topping Brazil in Buenos Aires. With four automatic places and one play-off spot up for grabs in the CONMEBOL region, it would be unthinkable for the South American giants to miss out on qualification.

But, guided by the man who single-handedly led his country to World Cup glory in 1986, there may be no better motivator for what is a hugely talented group of players. We'll take a look at four individuals who will be key to the success of the side in South Africa next year - should they get there - and who, by their very presence, make Argentina [6.8] third favourites to win the tournament.

Sergio Aguero

The diminutive Aguero was the youngest player to debut in the Argentine first division at 15 years old, breaking the record of Maradona himself. From there on, the parallels with the legend were obvious as Aguero first set alight the Argentinean league with his prodigious talent before a big money move to Spain. Only 17 when he joined Atletico Madrid, Aguero has been able to mature in the high pressure cauldron of La Liga and also gain exposure in the Champions League. Despite regularly profiling his exceptional attributes, Aguero has had to play second fiddle in the Atletico attack - first to Fernando Torres before he joined Liverpool and then to Uruguay's Diego Forlan, who scored almost twice as many league goals as him last season.

Now 21, the coming season will be a crucial one for 'El Kun' as he looks to fulfil all the hope and expectation that he was burdened with at such a young age. His relationship with the national team boss extends off the pitch as Aguero is engaged to Maradona's daughter, with whom he has a child. Under the counsel of his virtual father-in-law, Aguero perhaps has the best mentor he can hope for and he may now be turning to him for advice on his club future. Linked with a move to the Premier League in recent weeks, Aguero is seen at one of the hottest properties in world football and a move now could be of great benefit to the player.

Despite qualifying for the Champions League with Atletico ([65.0] to win in 2009/10), his opportunity for silverware is hugely limited as Barcelona and Real Madrid surge further ahead of the pack - and with both Chelsea and Manchester United rumoured to be ready to bid up to £50m for the player, he may find his future lies elsewhere. Similar to in stature, if perhaps more clinical with his finishing, Aguero will be seen by Manchester United as a like for like replacement for Carlos Tevez, though given his history with South Americans, Sir Alex Ferguson may want to think twice before outlaying such a huge amount of money. But should he miss out and the player goes on to great things at the World Cup next year, then that £50m may end up looking like a bargain.

Lionel Messi

Like Aguero, Lionel Messi has had to wear the label of 'Next Maradona' with him since childhood but after a lengthy list of previous incumbents who failed to come anywhere near the levels of greatness (Juan Roman Riquelme, Ariel Ortega, Pablo Aimar, Javier Saviola, Andres D'Alessandro etc.), the Barcelona attacker may finally be the one who comes closest. Hailed by the man himself as his 'successor', Messi is the first to replicate the mesmerizing ball control and effortless weaving between opposition defenders that was the Maradona trademark.

Yet, it has been his stunning goals for Barcelona that have set him apart from the pretenders and these not in short supply either. His 38 La Liga, Copa Del Rey and Champions League goals led Barcelona to an unprecedented Spanish treble and firmly established Messi as one of the world's finest players. In a personal duel with Cristiano Ronaldo in the Champions League final, the Portuguese had to settle for a rare second best as Messi crowned a convincing win with the killer goal.

One expects the levels to be raised even higher next season though, with Ronaldo set to wear the white of rivals Real Madrid and La Liga fans will surely be salivating at the prospect of these two trying to outperform each other every week. With Portugal looking precarious in their own World Cup qualification ([1.45] to qualify, [38.0] to win tournament), Messi may have the biggest stage possible all to himself and the perfect opportunity to cast aside the comparisons to Maradona and create a legend of his own making.

Javier Mascherano

Juxtaposed with the sublime elegance of Messi is the terrier-like Mascherano. The latest in a long line of Argentinean hardmen, the combative midfielder plays a no-nonsense game with the sole intention of breaking up opposition play and allowing the more talented players around him the time and space on the ball. Tenacious in the tackle, though also intelligent in the pass, Mascherano has been a key player for his country at various levels and more recently for Liverpool in the Premier League ([4.2] to win title in 2009/10).

The consistency with which he has performed his duties have not gone unnoticed and the 25-year-old has been linked with moves away from Anfield to Barcelona and Real Madrid. Despite insistence from manager Rafa Benitez that the player is not for sale at any price, there have been public calls from compatriot Lionel Messi for Mascherano to join him at the Nou Camp and given Liverpool's financial situation, a substantial bid could force the Spaniard's hand.

It was Mascherano's passion and determination that made Maradona instantly appoint him as national captain when he became head coach and these leadership qualities will be vital if Argentina are to qualify and go on to make a challenge in South Africa next year.

Nicolas Burdisso

Primarily a centre-back, Burdisso's versatility enables him to be comfortable anywhere along a defensive line. Like Mascherano, his physical presence and tough tackling complement the subtleties of those in front of him, though his aggressiveness can sometimes land him in trouble with the player no stranger to a referee's book.

Able to hone his defensive skills with Inter in Serie A, Burdisso is now one of the most experienced defenders in the Argentinean squad but was, however, out of favour with manager Jose Mourinho last season. Linked with a swap deal involving Ricardo Carvalho and/or Deco, the defender may be headed for Chelsea next season and a consistent run in the Premier League and Champions League (Chelsea [3.6] to win the former, [8.4] the latter) would be of benefit to the player and his country come next June. For as long as they they concede fewer than they score, then Argentina will be well on their way to a third World Cup victory.