The battle for the number nine spot
The debate is once again heating up across Argentina: Julian or Lautaro? Just as we saw during the 2022 World Cup and the 2024 Copa America, Lionel Scaloni finds himself at a crossroads. While Lionel Messi’s place in the starting eleven remains untouchable—especially after his stunning hat-trick in the opening fixture—the identity of his strike partner is far from settled.
This is a high-end dilemma for the coach. In Lautaro Martinez and Julian Alvarez, he possesses two of the most valuable center-forwards in the world. While market values don’t tell the whole story, they reflect the immense quality available: the Inter star is valued at €85 million, while the Atletico Madrid man reaches €100 million amidst a whirlwind of transfer speculation.
Comparing profiles: the bull versus the spider
Despite both standing just over 1.70m and sharing a predatory instinct, these two attackers offer very different tactical solutions. Martinez, often called El Toro, started the opening game and brings a physical presence that belies his height. He is superior in the air, frequently scoring with his head—a feat Alvarez has yet to achieve this season. His ability to hold the ball up and his efficiency in counter-attacks make him a constant threat in the box, capable of spectacular finishes like his famous bicycle kick against Peru. Defensively, his work rate and ability to engage in duels provide a different level of utility for Scaloni.
On the other hand, Julian Alvarez, known as La Araña, is a more fluid dribbler. His technical skill allows him to carry the ball forward and link play, evidenced by his eight assists this season. While he lacks Martinez‘s aerial dominance, he compensates with a lethal shooting range from both feet and the ability to navigate tight spaces. He is a more creative force, often involving his teammates more than the Inter captain.
The weight of statistics and history
The relationship between Martinez and the World Cup has been complicated; he has yet to find the net in eight appearances in the tournament. The hierarchy shifted during the 2022 group stages. After Martinez failed to score against Saudi Arabia and Mexico, Alvarez stepped in against Poland and never looked back. With four goals in the final five matches of that tournament, the former Manchester City player cemented his status as the preferred choice.
However, the numbers since June 2024 tell a different story. Martinez has been more prolific for the Albiceleste, netting 13 times in 1180 minutes, compared to Alvarez‘s seven goals in 1600 minutes. Despite these stats, Alvarez remained the primary choice until a recent calf injury sustained during the Champions League semi-finals with Atletico slowed his momentum.
Transfer distractions and the road ahead
The question now is whether Alvarez is ready to reclaim his starting spot this Monday against Austria. He played 35 minutes against Algeria, marking his first appearance since early May. Scaloni has insisted his striker is fit, but the player is currently the protagonist of a major transfer saga in Spain.
With a contract at Atletico Madrid until 2030, Alvarez is reportedly seeking an exit, with Barcelona, Arsenal, and PSG all monitoring the situation. Rumors suggest he no longer wishes to play under Diego Simeone. As Argentina moves deeper into the tournament, the noise surrounding his future at the club level will only intensify, adding another layer of pressure to Scaloni‘s tactical decision.
