Argentina's Copa America squad analysed

Argentina coach Alfio "Coco" Basile has picked the following 22-man squad for the upcoming Copa America:

Goalkeepers: Roberto Abbondanzieri (Getafe, SPA), Juan Pablo Carrizo (River Plate, ARG), Agustin Orion (San Lorenzo, ARG)

Defenders: Roberto Ayala (Valencia, SPA), Javier Zanetti (Inter Milan, ITA), Hugo Ibarra (Boca Juniors, ARG), Gabriel Milito (Real Zaragoza, SPA), Gabriel Heinze (Manchester United, ENG), Daniel Diaz (Boca Juniors, ARG), Nicolas Burdisso (Inter Milan, ITA)

Midfielders: Luis Gonzalez (Porto, POR), Javier Mascherano (Liverpool, ENG), Esteban Cambiasso (Inter Milan, ITA), Fernando Gago (Real Madrid, SPA), Pablo Aimar (Real Zaragoza, SPA), Juan Sebastian Veron (Estudiantes, ARG), Juan Roman Riquelme (Boca Juniors, ARG)

Forwards: Lionel Messi (Barcelona, SPA), Hernan Crespo (Inter Milan, ITA), Diego Milito (Real Zaragoza, SPA), Carlos Tevez (West Ham United, ENG), Rodrigo Palacio (Boca Juniors, ARG)

My thoughts on the squad:

In goals, young Oscar Ustari is missing due to injury, so he has been replaced by Orion - goalkeeper for Argentina's champions San Lorenzo. One footballer's misfortune is another footballer's opportunity. I'm not sure why Atletico Madrid's Leo Franco was not picked, even if he may not be the greatest keeper in the universe. On the whole, I wonder if Basile really needed 3 keepers. I personally prefer picking just 2 keepers, in order to free up an extra outfield spot.

In defence, my only reservation is the lack of cover for left-back. Heinze is the only recognised left-back. Even that, some argue that he's not a genuine left-back as they feel he's more of a centre-back. Perhaps Basile should have also picked Pinola, Clemente Rodriguez or Osmar Ferreyra (who can also play left midfield). I'm happy to see Daniel Diaz in the squad, as he is a regular for South American champions Boca Juniors. Basile coached them before his appointment as Argentina's coach, so obviously he would know what Diaz can offer the national team. The selection of Ayala, Burdisso & Gabriel Milito are expected.

In midfield, it's good to see Riquelme back. He still has a lot to bring to the national team. Veron's selection owe to his good form for Estudiantes in the Argentinian league, so he's back in the national team for the first time in a number of years. Many people blame him for Argentina's premature exist at WC2002, so Veron has plenty to prove. There does not appear to be a specialist flank midfielder (i.e. one who plays left midfield or right midfield), as the midfielders all seem to be central midfielders, although Veron & Gonzalez can play on the right right, & maybe Cambiasso can play on the left. Nevertheless, the midfield does ooze all-round quality & creativity. I hope Gago gets considerable playing time. Maxi Rodriguez is the one big absentee in midfield (he's a "specialist" right midfielder) - apparently, he only just recovered from injury but decided it's best to rest for the sake of his career.

In attack, many will look out for wonder kid Leo Messi. The tournament is Messi's chance to show the world again his sublime talents. No surprise with the selection of Crespo, Tevez & Palacio. I'm glad to see Diego Milito (brother of defender Gabriel) in the squad. Milito has scored 40 goals in 80 games for Zaragoza. That includes 4 goals in one match against Real Madrid last year (How often does anyone score that many in one game against Real Madrid, with their keeper Casillas being one of the world's best?). Milito has been underused for Argentina - not sure when he made his Argentina debut, but he's only played 10 games for Argentina (although still managed to grab 5 goals during that time). Atletico Madrid teenage striker Sergio Aguero (even younger than Messi) is missing as he will be taking part in the World Youth Cup in Canada. I would have preferred Aguero to play in Copa America, as that gives an opportunity to another youngter to play in the World Youth Cup.

Overall, it's an impressive looking squad, with lots of quality & considerable experience. Good to see 7 home-based players in the squad. Aside from the absences of Maxi Rodriguez & Aguerro (for reasons discussed above), I regret the omission of Spanish-based Zabaleta, Saviola & D'Alessandro, as well as home-based players such as Belluschi, Neri Cardozo & Pavone. I can name quite a few others. But these omissions serve to highlight the depth of talent at Argentina's disposal. You simply can't fit everyone in. Nevertheless, with the players who did get selected, I wish them the very best & hopefully they will be able to win the Copa America for Argentina.