Team Focus: Can Argentina’s defense stand up and deliver?

There is no doubts about the attacking depth Argentina have in their squad, but can their defenders stand up?

There have been lots of speculation over how will Argentina cope with their defensive options in International tournaments. In the past year, Argentina called up 21 defenders in space of eight games, which clearly shows the transition phase they are going through at the back.

Only one player from the 2010 squad have been called up for this term being Martin Demicheles. The Argentine has a solid season with Manchester City but still large part of the World Football called that a surprising inclusion. He appeared for the Manchester club 35 times this season and holds 37 caps for the national team.

The other defenders who have been named in the Argentina Squad all had a great season as an individual player. Ezequiel Garay, former Real Madrid defender currently plays for Portugal club Benfica FC. He played 48 games this season for the club and had impressive time in the opposite end as well, bagging eight goals. Having capped 18 times already with the national team, he will be the main man for Argentina this season.

Marcos Rojo is another player from the Portuguese League plying his trade for Sporting Lisbon. The left footed defender plays as a center back for the club but is equally comfortable in the left side as well. 28 games for the team this season means he can step up and deliver if the teams comes calling.

Pablo Zabaleta was integral part of the Manchester City team that won the English Premier League title. With 37 caps to his name already, he will be guarding the right side of the defense and provide some attacking option when needed too. 48 games in total for the club this season and in good touch means Sabella has a lot of expectation from 29 year old.

Hugo Campagnaro is another name chosen by manager Sabella to guard the defense of Argentina. The 33-year old Argentine has been capped 13 times since his debut 2 years ago. With just 23 appearance this term for under performing Inter Milan side, he has a lot to offer if he wants to be in the lineup.

With 36 appearance for his club this season and a strong performance at the back, Federico Fernandez has established himself as Napoli’s first name on the sheet. After arriving from Spanish club Getafe he has been playing good football for the Italian side. The 25-year old centre back has already won 25 caps in three year term since his debut in 2011 and will be vying for a place in the heart of the defense.

Standing 1.88m tall, the 33-year old Jose Maria Basanta has been captained the Mexican side Monterrey in the league. Despite his team finishing 11th in the league, he was named one of the League’s Most Valuable Players. He also holds the Mexican citizenship but plays for Argentina in the international football. He has already won 8 caps for the National Side.