Renovation in the square: Enzo Fernández, Mac Allister and Julián Álvarez, the new faces of the national team who shine at the World Cup

The Argentine national team had arrived at Qatar 2022 with a consolidated team that came practically out of memory, a compact group and very clear ideas. Who would have imagined that in the middle of World Cup competition three of the youngest would break into the starting lineup and never leave? It finally happened with Enzo Fernández, Alexis MacAllister Y Giuliano Alvareztrio who solved the initial problems and finished setting up the structure on the pitch. I am the replacement for the replacement. The boxy renovation of the era of Lionel Scaloniwho respond with football and goals.

Everyone talks about it. There are words of praise from his teammates and coaching staff. They have come to the Middle East as alternatives for change. In fact, all three started from the bench in that fateful opening match against Saudi Arabia. But they made the most of every opportunity and the coach decided to start them in their last two games, against Poland and Australia. And they are the team’s goalscorers, after Lionel Messi.

Scaloni was the father of Argentina’s tabula rasa. After the frustrating experience of Russia 2018, by Claudio Tapia’s decision, he was entrusted with a difficult task: to renew the face of the national team after the end of a group of players who gave their all and who had already emptied of the farewells of several references such as Javier Mascherano, Lucas Biglia and Gonzalo Higuaín.

Winds of change were coming, and the Pujato-born DT fulfilled that mission of selecting new footballers, trying them out, and deciding who was up to sweating the national team jersey. The end result was the team that was forged in the 2019 Copa América (they finished third) and which was crowned two years later at the Maracana.

However, the coaching staff did not stand still there. The eyes of Scaloni, Pablo Aimar, Walter Samuel and Roberto Ayala are always open to keep seeing players who can add value to what already exists.

It was then that both Alvarez, who was already in the delegation of the American champions, and Fernández and Mac Allister entered the list of 26 for this World Cup. Benfica’s was the last to earn a place, in fact.

It was said ad nauseam that Scaloni did not ally with anyone but Messi. And it is a great truth. Because, while respecting the already consolidated base of the group and in internal harmony, it pairs other names that are in the same line and enhances what is there.

He doesn’t hesitate to drop heavyweights from his cycle if necessary to include fresh blood if it’s to the team’s advantage. Leandro Paredes was not at his level and has seen him from the bench since the second game. Lautaro Martínez was also not well and went out.

First, the coach tried Guido Rodríguez as a central midfielder, even if he didn’t convince with Mexico. That’s where Enzo Fernández (21) earned his place. The former River player had arrived in Qatar with just three games for the national team (the last friendlies: Honduras, Jamaica and the United Arab Emirates). His level in Europe and his quick adaptation attracted attention and got him a direct ticket to Doha.

He came off the bench with Arabia and Mexico, where he scored a great goal to make it 2-0. He was already with Poland from the start and gave assistance to Julián Alvarez for the second which secured the classification in the second round. He gives him a precise first step and a fluid distribution in midfield. Enzo now has seven presentations and a total of 333 minutes.

Alexis Mac Allister (23) was another who had to suffer a bit to find out whether or not he was in the final list. However, his high level at Brighton and the good feeling he has left on call-ups in preparation tours have tipped the scales, coupled with the fact that he can occupy various positions in midfield.

Here he won the vacant position as third midfielder due to the notable loss of Giovani Lo Celso, after Scaloni had made his first bet on Alejandro Gómez. He entered the home circuit well and also scored the 1-0 with Poland. He already has a total of 11 games and one goal.

More expert of the three is Julian (22). The Manchester City striker already has 16 introductions and five cries painted like albiceleste. Scaloni was taking it very little by little. Many have been asking for it for a long time. But in front he had Lautaro Martínez, top scorer of the cycle behind Messi.

Alvarez gives the attacker another dynamic, with speed and mobility across the entire front of the attack. And, obviously, a goal: he has already scored two, with Poland and Australia. He is in a state of grace and will continue in initial formation.

In the middle of the World Cup, the three become fundamental pieces of the Scaloneta. To them can be added Lisandro Martínez (24), the fifth defender who was imposing himself with his solvency and who aims to stay with a place in the back row. He started against Mexico and then came on to put together a five-man line-up that isn’t ruled out for Friday’s crossing with the Netherlands.

Argentina’s replacement was not in Scaloni’s first casting. The search never stops. Thiago Almada (19) is another clear case that DT and his collaborators are betting on the future, which has already arrived. It is the squared renewal of the Selection.

Doha, Qatar. Special delivery.