Team Focus: Agüero Injury Could Prove a Positive for Argentina

Argentina were pre-tournament favourites with many ahead of the World Cup in neighbouring Brazil reason for one reason. Their firepower.

While the doubts over Lionel Messi's ability to step up on the biggest stage possible at international level have certainly been allayed, it's been somewhat of a one man show, up front at least. It was the attacking trident of Messi, Sergio Agüero and Gonzalo Higuaín that was supposed to give Alejandro Sabella's side the edge, but that much hasn't really come to pass.

While an injury to a player of Agüero's quality would usually be viewed as a hammer blow, it could yet prove to be a blessing for the South Americans. The Manchester City forward's muscle injury, sustained in the 3-2 win over Nigeria, may enforce a change of shape and a rethink could be exactly what is needed.

Though Argentina were one of only four teams to win all of their opening three matches, none of those victories came by more than a single goal in a group they were expected to dominate. Four of their 6 goals came courtesy of superb Lionel Messi strikes, one from left-back Marcos Rojo and a Sead Kolasinac own goal set the ball rolling in their opener with Bosnia & Herzegovina.

In their 6 combined appearances Agüero and Higuaín have mustered 10 shots; a tally matched by the defensive pairing of Rojo and Ezequiel Garay. While the Napoli striker has registered a respectable 5 key passes, Agüero has laid on just one chance for a teammate. Neither have completed a dribble to this point.

Compare these figures with Messi's numbers and it's clear that the Barca-man is completely running the show. Messi had 14 shots, made 10 key passes and completed a huge 17 dribbles in the group stages. The only player coming anywhere near those figures is Ángel Di María, who continues to impress despite a deeper starting position than he is accustomed to at club level.

Up to this stage Higuaín and Agüero's somewhat inadequate displays have not been punished by inferior opposition. The pair have the lowest ratings from WhoScored.com of all Argentina players to have started a game thus far (Agüero 6.25, Higuaín 6.31). Indeed, of the 41 forwards to have appeared in each of their nations' group stage matches and started in at least two of those, both Agüero and Higuaín rank amongst the bottom 4 according to WhoScored's ratings.

While Sabella's men will rightly be favourites against an emerging Switzerland side in the round of 16, a number of the starting line-up will need to up their game if they are to progress as expected.

Agüero's injury may well allow them to do that. While Di María's performances in a midfield three have been admirable he is unquestionably better further upfield. A change in formation could see the Real Madrid flyer move to a familiar left-sided role with Ezequiel Lavezzi coming in on the right. Messi would fill the number 10 role - as he did against both Iran and Nigeria - behind Higuaín, who plays best a penalty box finisher; 16 of his 17 Serie A goals last season came inside 18-yards.

It's an attacking front four but with Gago and Mascherano doing the dirty work there's cover in place if either full-back were to bomb on. Meanwhile, playing with more width in advanced areas may be key against a Swiss side whose full-backs do like to support the attacks. Their willingness to get forward may well be dampened with players of Di Maria and Lavezzi's pace and trickery to concern them. If Rodriguez or Lichtsteiner were to get caught upfield, the Argentina wingers have the perfect tools with which to counter.

Up to now teams have understandably sat deep against them. La Albiceleste have averaged more possession than any other team in the tournament (65.6%). It’s something that hasn’t really played in their favour, taking a moment of Messi magic to do the trick at times. In a strange way, against more capable opposition, Argentina should be better equipped to cope in the latter stages. They can utilize the strengths of their best players once gaps begin to appear between defence and midfield.

One thing for sure is that Sabella’s side have disappointed to now, with the likes of Agüero and Higuaín perhaps most culpable. Don’t be surprised, however, to see Argentina go from strength-to-strength in the knockout stages, with a change in thinking up front at the crux of any change in fortunes.

How far will Argentina get in the 2014 World Cup? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below