To say things have been a bit rocky of late for one of the giants in world soccer would be a massive understatement. After three consecutive runner-up finishes at the World Cup and two Copa Americas, Argentina find themselves in a place where few international powerhouses have ever been. They can reach their ultimate goal, come near enough to touch it but they just can’t take the final step.
Another pair of recent developments has added to the already grim atmosphere surrounding the country. First, their best player, Lionel Messi, decided that even though he is still only 29-years-old, he won’t be wearing the La Albiceleste jersey anymore.
Second, the man who was supposed to lead them from the sidelines, Gerardo Martino, has also decided to jump ship.
Now what to do? The answer is simple and exciting if you’re a fan of soccer.
Let the kids play.
Here are the three young players who, at the Olympics, can prove they may yet make Argentina shine brighter than Lionel Messi’s generation could.
3 Young Argentina Stars for the 2016 Rio Summer Olympics
#1: Angel Correa
Arguably the second most talented Argentinian player in this generation behind Paulo Dybala, Angel Correa will have to shoulder a heavy load at the Summer Olympic Games.
With the absence of Dybala and the experienced Matias Kranevitter, Correa will be the primary creative inspiration for the Argentinian front line. His skill and speed could prove deadly for the opposition if Correa can perform according to his potential.
Barcelona’s manager Luis Enrique is an admirer of Correa and has said, “[he] has tremendous talent and a romance with the goal when he has confidence.”
#2: Jonathan Calleri
Photo: @fpt_argentina | Twitter
Jonathan Calleri is a pure striker. He’s got power, speed, a strong mentality, skill and an absurd knack for finding ways to score.
Watching this guy play is like traveling through time, picking up traits from several great strikers along the way and throwing them all into a melting pot.
Arguably the most terrifying striker currently playing outside of the major European Leagues, Calleri is sure to make waves around the old continent as soon as he parts ways with Sao Paulo.
For the Olympics, Calleri will be substituting Atletico Madrid’s Luciano Vietto. He should be able to earn a spot in the starting lineup rather quickly.
"I spoke with [Calleri], and he told me he was dying to play for the national team," Argentina’s U-23 coach Julio Olarticoechea said. "Now we just have to wait for the procedures so he can replace Vietto."
#3: Manuel Lanzini
Photo: @westhamutdnews | Twitter
Manuel Lanzini is coming off of a fantastic season for West Ham United in the Premier League. Should he keep the form that earned him a four-year contract with West Ham, Lanzini will be sure to make waves in Brazil.
The 23-year-old midfielder finished the 2015-16 season with six goals and a pair of assists in 26 matches.
Along with Calleri, Lanzini is no stranger to the difficult atmosphere they’ll be playing in at the Olympic games as he spent nearly two seasons playing for Fluminense in Rio.
