Tata Martino takes up Argentina coach post ahead of Copa America

Goalkeeper Sergio Romero was targeted as a weak link ahead of the Brazil finals, after making just three league appearances for wealthy Ligue 1 outfit Monaco last term. Romero ultimately acquitted himself well, saving two spot kicks in the semi-final shootout with the Netherlands, but doubts remain.

The lack of options which saw the relatively rusty stopper keep La Albiceleste’s number one jersey will be of concern to Martino, but new Manchester City signing Willy Caballero could provide an alternative option. However, his competitive debut for the Citizens, in which he conceded three goals against Arsenal, is unlikely to be giving Joe Hart sleepless nights.

La Albiceleste also have a host of ageing first-team stars, including centre backs Martin Demichelis and Hugo Campagnaro, and midfield lynchpin Javier Mascherano.

New Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal may help solve Martino’s potential defensive woes for him, though, if Sporting Lisbon starlet Marcos Rojo’s mooted move to Manchester United goes ahead.

Likely to be playing in a highly-organised system, and deployed in both centre half and full back roles, Rojo and Argentina will hopefully reap the rewards from the versatile defender playing at one of Europe’s top clubs.

Extra attacking impetus would not go amiss, with current international outcast Javier Pastore, and even the mercurial midfield maestro Ever Banega, looking for opportunities to impress. Neither were included in Sabella’s World Cup squad, but both possess the passing range to make the difference in tight games.

Midfield runner Angel Di Maria should slot perfectly into Martino’s high-pressing tactics, and was one of his country’s top performers in Brazil. However, if more guile is incorporated into the side, Di Maria could find himself redeployed on the wing.

This would likely disrupt the tried and tested attacking trio of Messi, Sergio Aguero and Gonzalo Higuain, but their combined talents did not bear enough fruit in Brazil. If Messi were to take up a central role, flanked by Aguero and Di Maria, Napoli poacher Higuain may find he is surplus to requirements.

The Copa America would also be the ideal time to blood exciting youngsters such as Erik Lamela and Juan Iturbe, with building for the future integral to success in the next World Cup.

Martino can consider himself lucky to have such an array of attacking options, and there is no doubt the Argentina job is a prime post, but many would not envy the pressure that accompanies the ability to cherry-pick from a golden generation of talent.

To surpass his predecessor, Martino must be bold and brave, and harness the potential of La Albiceleste’s superstars.