Former Roma and Argentina striker Abel Balbo believes that Inter’s Lautaro Martinez has lost his place in the national team because Julian Alvarez is a better option.
Martinez began the 2022 World Cup campaign as the Albiceleste’s first choice option in attack, alongside Lionel Messi and Angel Di Maria, but a string of disappointing performances and a failure to score has seen Manchester City’s Alvarez replace him.
With 21-year-old Alvarez netting four goals, Balbo suggested that Martinez and Roma forward Paulo Dybala had simply been surpassed by a better player, in an interview published in today’s newspaper edition of Libero.
“Julian is a star player, much stronger than Lautaro and Dybala. Unfortunately for those two, someone has appeared on the scene who is better than them,” the 56-year-old claimed.
“Alvarez is only 21 but has the personality and grit of a veteran. He is an extraordinary striker, with the quality of a thoroughbred bomber combined with a midfield spirit of sacrifice for the team.”
Balbo continued to praise Alvarez and felt that Italian clubs had missed an opportunity to sign him from River Plate, whilst offering words of encouragement to Martinez.
“I certainly expected this because Julian is an extraordinary player, and has been for five years. I was sure he would also do wonders at the World Cup,” Balbo continued.
“He has been dominating in Argentina for some time: I don’t understand how Italian teams continue to sleep on the market, they could have got him a year ago for €15 million.
“Lautaro lacks nothing. He needs a goal to gain confidence. He suffered psychologically from the blow of Julian’s explosion, who devoured him in the World Cup. Lautaro Martinez remains a great striker and will have a good career, but Julian is superior.”
With Argentina reaching the World Cup final, Balbo offered a prediction before the game and felt that it could be settled by a defender.
“I expect Argentina’s success. We haven’t won a World Cup for a long time. It would be really nice to do it, both for the Argentine people and to crown the career of an extraordinary champion like Messi, who deserves to have a World Cup in his trophy cabinet.
“It will be a tight final against a very difficult rival. France are very strong with a lot of quality, physical strength and experience in all departments. Argentina can win as a team. We have to focus on more determination, grit and competitive nastiness. This is the right moment to take the World Cup.
“I’m betting on a goal by a defender from a set piece. I think it will be Otamendi, who is having an extraordinary World Cup and all he needs is a goal,” he concluded.
Balbo represented Argentina from 1989 until 1998 and scored 11 goals in 37 appearances.
