World Cup 2022: Argentina’s Under the Radar Players

Having impressed for both River Plate and internationally for Argentina, in the summer of 2018 Alvarez was part of a group of young Argentine players who were invited to travel with the country’s senior squad to the World Cup finals in Russia to take part in training sessions. He already earned nine caps for Argentina and he’s expected to make the cut and play for his country in Qatar.

Alvarez finished as the Primera Division’s top scorer in 2021, having scored 20 goals in 35 appearances, and was also named the South American Footballer of the Year. He earned his first international cap in June 2021 in a World Cup qualifier against Chile. He was also part of the Argentine squad that won the Copa America 2021 held in Brazil. He scored his first international goal for Argentina back in March in the 1-1 draw against Ecuador. It will be very tough for him to fight with Erling Haaland so we might see him playing more in the domestic cups or at the end of the games, so we won’t include him in our soccer picks and parlays.

Nahuel Molina: Atletico Madrid

Nahuel Molina has completed his transfer from Udinese to Atletico Madrid signing a five-year deal after arriving as a request from Diego Simeone. The 24-year-old Argentine is a right-back, but can also play higher up the pitch and should fit in well to the 3-5-2 system that is often used by the Argentinian manager.

Having started out at Boca Juniors, Molina made only nine appearances for his boyhood club before loan spells at Defensa y Justicia and Rosario Central, both in the Argentinian top-flight league, and then moved to Udinese on a free transfer. His achievements are remarkable though, given that at 24 he has already won a Copa América title with his country at the international level. It is with the national team that we can truly get a stronger indication of his skills and talent.

Scaloni has regularly picked Molina ahead of fellow LaLiga talents Gonzalo Montiel, of Sevilla, and Juan Foyth of Villarreal. Molina has excelled as a wing-back, and he would offer a more-symmetrical option opposite Carrasco as well as a more Trippier-like alternative. He will definitely play many games in La Liga this season and he will probably fly with the squad to Qatar.

Lisandro Martinez: Man United

Man United has completed the signing of Lisandro Martinez from Ajax in a deal worth $68m. Argentina international, who can play at center-back, left-back, and central midfield, was also wanted by Arsenal and excelled during his time in Eredivisie.

Three years ago when he signed with Ajax, his first spell in Europe, he struggled to keep up with the rhythm imposed by Erik ten Hag. He soon found his feet becoming one of Ajax’s key defenders. He was nicknamed “The Butcher” because of his aggressive play but he’s very combative and also technically gifted.

He impressed on his debut for the Red Devils but he already got his yellow card in the Premier League so if you’re betting online, he’s one of the players to back to be booked.

Take a Look at These Special Articles for FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022

• 2022 World Cup Under the Radar Players: Mexico
• 2022 World Cup Under the Radar Players: Wales

Argentina World Cup Expectations

South American champions Argentina are the fifth favorite to go all the way and lift the trophy being priced at +800 according to the latest World cup odds and, if Lionel Messi hits form, they will fancy their chances of beating anybody.

They were drawn into Group C together with Mexico, Poland, and Saudi Arabia, which should provide a stern test, but they look well capable of easily qualifying in the group stages. They will kick off their campaign against Saudi Arabia and they are huge favorites to win that clash being priced at -575.