Diego Maradona stays - What does the future hold?

Diego has a new 4-year contract. He's going to be around. He's been called a cheerleader, a petulant child and whatnot but, really, is a good footballing brain. The Cups over, and this man will be picking the XI for a while now. So, one needs to cut the name-calling, let the cup go, and move on. At least no-one had to see him naked.

What lies in the future? Diego, having seen the failure of his his team's (4-1-3-3?) formation is not likely to repeat his tactical gaffe against Germany, for which he has been bludgeoned adequately, and now has a taste of how football has changed from the 80's, first hand.

The way Maradona was sending out his teams, Messi had Mascherano behind him, two wingers on his sides and Tevez and Higuain in front. Messi clearly should NOT have to drop that deep into midfield merely to distribute the ball. There needs to be at least one creative midfield player to perform this role and enable them to retain possession in the attacking half of the pitch, as well as have some defensive awareness. How much can Mascherano do? He was probably their best player in the Cup, but Germany and even to an extent Mexico showed he was'nt enough.

Argentinian talents abound in European Football. If a new side is to be built, which it will,there is no dearth of players who can step on board. Players like Fernando Gago and Javier Pastore are ready to step into the side and we could do much worse than have them at the core of our side.

Romero is a decent 'keeper, but no way experienced enough. Abbondanzieri should be recalled. So should Gabi Milito. Garay is another good defender. Out with Demichelis.

Heinze's not going to be around very long (perhaps no longer than the 2011 Copa America) and Clemente Rodriguez should be a decent option at left-back. I hope Maradona settles on a first-string defensive line so that they can play a few matches together before the next Cup.

Two flair players I would love to see being involved in the national set-up are Napoli's Lavezzi and River's little playmaker Diego Buonanotte, who is inconsistent but no doubt extremely talented, and Maradona's motivation might be able to make him take the step up.

How's this for a 23-man squad for the Copa America?

GK - Abbondanzieri, Romero, Andujar

DF - Zanetti, Zabaleta, Otamendi, Samuel, G. Milito, Garay, Heinze, C.Rodriguez

MF - Mascherano, Gago, Pastore, Banega, Bollatti, Messi, Buonanotte, Di Maria

FW - Higuain, Tevez, Kun Aguero, D. Milito, Lavezzi



A winning squad? What d'you think?