Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni has explained the selection dilemma between Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez and Manchester City’s Julian Alvarez.
The Albiceleste coach gave his thoughts on the two strikers in a press conference, as reported by FCInterNews.
At this summer’s Copa America, Argentina will have a couple of real candidates to start in attack.
One is Inter captain Martinez. The 26-year-old has made 56 appearances for his national team already, scoring 22 goals in the process.
Martinez went into the last international tournament for Argentina, the World Cup in Qatar, as the starter in attack.
However, poor form from the Inter player meant that Manchester City striker Alvarez took the starting place from him.
It was Alvarez who started for the Albiceleste for the remainder of the tournament. This included in the final, which the team won on penalties.
Nevertheless, Martinez also had his say with some telling contributions off the bench.
Scaloni On Lautaro Vs Alvarez Selection Dilemma For Argentina
It is not clear whether Martinez or Alvarez will be the first-choice starter at the Copa America this summer.
Both of the pair have had their chances to start in friendlies since the World Cup.
And it is also fair to say that, whichever of the two strikers does not start most of Argentina’s matches will still have plenty of opportunities to play as a substitute.
The team’s coach Scaloni said that “I don’t know if Julian has had his playing time drop off at City.”
“He’s played his share of matches, for a team who have always fought at the highest level,” he continued.
“Lautaro was the top scorer in Serie A,” Scaloni went on.
“That’s good. It’s very positive for us.”
As far as who he plans to start in attack, Scaloni said that “We’ll see. One match at a time.”
“That’s what we always do,” the coach added. “Decide what’s best for the team.”
“We’re happy that both of them are in form, particularly physically, to go into the Copa America.”
