Maradona's List for WCQ

Diego Maradona has released the list of players for Argentina's upcoming qualifiers against Colombia and Ecuador. A few strange decisions were made by El Diez. Here is what I didn't think was awesome:

1, The inclusion of 2 players, GK Federico Vilar and MF Cristian Gimenez currently playing at Mexican clubs. Considering the options available playing at elite European clubs, and the wealth of options from the domestic league which is clearly stronger than Mexico's, this is confusing. Who knows if this pair will see time in the two games or not. Gimenez probably has a better shot as Vilar looks to be the third choice keeper behind JP Carrizo and Mariano Andujar. Not a huge deal, but I think the two spots could have been used better.

2, Rolfe Montenegro and JS Veron are in the squad again. These guys had great moments in their careers, particularly Veron, but their prime is clearly in the past. It would be one thing to bring them in for experience and leadership in a young, naive squad. But that is not the case here.

3, The list does not include an elite 10 in the classic sense. Since his falling out with Riquelme I have thought Maradona better off without him and I am okay with this aspect of the roster. Without replacing Riquelme I am guessing Maradona will come out in a 4-3-3 which I think maximizes the strengths of this group.

4, The strikers are: Messi, Kun Aguero, Tevez, Diego Milito, Licha Lopez, and Gonzalo Bergessio. It is hard to argue with the first four of these. Argentina are overwhelmed with talent at the striker position. There are names left off the list that could start at most other national teams. What caught my eye was the inclusion of Gonzalo Bergessio at the expense of Real Madrid's Gonzalo Higuain. Higuain is 5th on the goal scoring table in La Liga, leading a team packed with superstars having scored 20 league goals. And although Lopez deserves his spot on the team I think Mauro Zarate merits a look in the near future.

A few surprises but all in all a pretty good list. I love international football and look forward to these games.
-AM