Scaloni confirms Paredes to play against Egypt in World Cup Round of 16

Argentina's head coach, Lionel Scaloni, has confirmed that midfielder Leandro Paredes will be available and will start in the World Cup Round of 16 match against Egypt on Tuesday. Scaloni made the announcement during a press conference at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.

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Yes, Leandro is available. He is going to play.

Scaloni explained that Paredes joined the World Cup carrying an injury sustained in Boca Juniors' last Copa Libertadores match. He praised the player's effort in recovering and emphasized his consistent presence in the lineup when fit. "It's simple. There's no other reading. The times Leandro has given indications of being well, even when he wasn't 100%, he has played. Leandro has always played," Scaloni stated.

During Paredes' absence, Alexis Mac Allister effectively filled the midfield role, whom Scaloni described as "the ideal substitute." With Paredes' return, the coaching staff gains a significant option for the midfield in this decisive knockout stage.

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It's simple. There's no other reading. The times Leandro has given indications of being well, even when he wasn't 100%, he has played. Leandro has always played.

Scaloni further elaborated on Paredes' contributions, highlighting his ability to provide "balance" to the team. He noted that when Paredes is on the field, the team's play becomes more fluid, with better distribution and more vertical passes reaching attackers. "He is a player we know. I'm not going to explain here what he is. With him on the field, the team moves differently. He has been the number five in most matches. When the ball goes through him, it's distributed well, the team feels comfortable, and we manage to reach players at other heights with a more vertical pass. For us, he is a fundamental player," the coach said.

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He is a player we know. I'm not going to explain here what he is. With him on the field, the team moves differently. He has been the number five in most matches. When the ball goes through him, it's distributed well, the team feels comfortable, and we manage to reach players at other heights with a more vertical pass. For us, he is a fundamental player.

Shifting focus to Egypt, Scaloni analyzed their playing style, noting that they do not typically adopt a deep defensive posture and possess a distinct attacking approach. "Egypt doesn't play very deep. They are a team structured differently. They attack quite differently," he observed. Scaloni acknowledged that opponents' tactics can vary, as seen with Cabo Verde's approach against Saudi Arabia and Spain, and stressed Argentina's readiness to adapt. "We are prepared for anything. We tell the players: 'This is what we see, they do this.' Many times, against us, they change. That can happen. We have to counteract it. In principle, they don't defend deep and have players to attack," he emphasized.

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Egypt doesn't play very deep. They are a team structured differently. They attack quite differently.