Leandro Paredes
CM
Deep-Lying Playmaker
Jun 29, 1994 (32)
Right
5'11"
165 lb
Contributes at both ends
Paredes recorded two shots (zero on goal) in Tuesday's 3-2 win versus Egypt.
Analysis: Paredes registered three tackles (two won), two shots and one clearance across his 90 minutes in Tuesday's 3-2 win over Egypt, completing 115 passes as the deepest midfielder in an Argentina lineup that was repeatedly exposed on the counter-attack by Egypt's devastating transitions through Mohamed Salah and Haissem Hassan throughout the first half. The midfielder's screening role was compromised by Egypt's direct transitional play but he remained composed in possession, and his full 90-minute performance in his first knockout start of the tournament gives coach Lionel Scaloni a reliable option to build around heading into the Switzerland quarterfinal.
Records six clearances
Paredes generated one shot (one on goal) in Friday's 3-2 win versus Cape Verde.
Analysis: Paredes entered from the bench just ahead of extra time and would see some decent work, although most of it was in the defense despite his midfield role. He would record a shot on target in the attack, but mainly contributed with his one tackle won, an interception and six clearances in the defense. He will likely remain in a rotational role moving forward, as he only started in their group stage finale when plenty of starters were rested.
Controls midfield in victory
Paredes generated one cross (one accurate) and one corner in Saturday's 3-1 win against Jordan.
Analysis: Paredes delivered a commanding midfield performance in Saturday's 3-1 win over Jordan, registering one cross (one accurate) and one interception while completing 153 passes, the most of any player on the pitch from either side, as the deepest midfielder in a rotated Argentine lineup. The midfielder confirmed his fitness over a full 90 minutes after a muscle strain that had limited him to brief substitute appearances in the second group stage match, and his availability gives coach Lionel Scaloni a fully fit option in central midfield heading into the Cape Verde fixture.
Makes return appearance
Paredes recorded no stats in Monday's 2-0 win versus Austria. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 92nd minute.
Analysis: Paredes came off the bench in the closing stages of Monday's 2-0 win over Austria, entering the pitch with eight minutes remaining to complete his first competitive appearance since the muscle strain that had threatened his involvement at the start of the tournament, completing eight passes in a brief cameo designed purely to give him valuable game time after his injury layoff. The Roma midfielder operates primarily as a substitute option in coach Lionel Scaloni's squad, but with Argentina already qualified for the knockout rounds as group winners, the final group game against Jordan represents an ideal opportunity for him to start and build the match sharpness he will need if called upon in the more demanding knockout fixtures ahead. His composure in possession, ability to dictate tempo from deep and experience at the highest level make him a reliable midfield option, and a full performance against Jordan would go a long way toward confirming his readiness to contribute meaningfully in the rounds ahead.
Returns to training
Paredes (hamstring) is back in training, Gaston Edul reports.
Analysis: Paredes is back in full training Saturday after overcoming a hamstring injury. Every sign points towards Paredes being back on the bench for the opener against Algeria. It's a game that Argentina expect to dominate so it's likely the large contingent of injured players aren't rushed back into big minutes for this match.
Making progress
Paredes (hamstring) took part in training Thursday after continuing his rehabilitation from a minor strain, TyC Sports reports.
Analysis: Paredes is expected to be ready to play in the World Cup opener versus Algeria, though his role will likely be limited to a substitute appearance even if he reaches full fitness. He'll continue to be assessed in the final training sessions before the match as he aims to bounce back to contention. The midfielder, who brings experience and ball-distributing quality to the national team, could operate as a backup option behind Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernandez and Alexis Mac Allister as soon as he's healthy.
Joining group training soon
Paredes (hamstring) has made progress in his recovery despite training separately from the squad for a few days, and he was mentioned by coach Lionel Scaloni on Monday. "Paredes is also doing well; he will be able to rejoin the group in the coming days".
Analysis: Paredes is expected to feature in Argentina's opening World Cup matchup against Algeria if he continues to regain fitness, even though he may be used as a substitute. In that case, he'll offer an alternative to Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernandez and Alexis Mac Allister in midfield. While he doesn't have a massive attacking upside, Paredes will look to make an impact through his experience and ball-distributing quality.
Expected to feature in opener
Paredes (hamstring) is still training separately from the rest of the Argentina squad but is expected to be ready for the World Cup opener against Algeria on June 16, according to Miamiherald.
Analysis: Paredes had previously been confirmed as not suffering a muscle tear as initially feared, and the expectation of his availability for the opener is a positive sign for coach Lionel Scaloni heading into the tournament. The veteran midfielder brings a level of experience and defensive midfield quality that gives Argentina an additional option in the center of the park alongside Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernandez and Alexis Mac Allister, with competition for midfield spots intense in a squad of this quality. His composure in possession, ability to protect the backline and leadership within the group make him a valuable asset even in a rotational capacity, and Scaloni will be relieved to have him available heading into what promises to be a demanding tournament campaign for the defending world champions.
Spotted in team training
Paredes (hamstring) was spotted in full team training on Friday with the Argentina squad, confirming his recovery from the contracture that had raised some concern in the buildup to the tournament, the federation posted.
Analysis: Paredes had been confirmed as not suffering a muscle tear as initially feared, and his appearance in collective training is the clearest sign yet that he will be available for Argentina's World Cup opener against Algeria on June 16. His place in the starting lineup is not guaranteed given the competition from Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernandez and Alexis Mac Allister for midfield spots, but his fitness is no longer a concern for coach Lionel Scaloni heading into the tournament.
Muscle cramp only, WC not at risk
Paredes (hamstring) does not have a muscle tear as initially feared and is instead dealing with a contracture causing some discomfort, with his World Cup participation not at risk and a chance of featuring in one of the pre-tournament friendlies against Honduras or Iceland, according to Gaston Edul of TYC Sports.
Analysis: Paredes arrived in Kansas on Sunday ahead of Argentina's first training session of the week, and while he will report slightly below full fitness, the updated diagnosis is a significant relief for coach Lionel Scaloni and the defending world champions. The midfielder is likely to accumulate some minutes in one of the two friendlies to regain match sharpness ahead of Argentina's World Cup opener against Algeria on June 16, though his place in the starting lineup is not guaranteed given the competition from Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernandez and Alexis Mac Allister for places in the midfield.
Fitness concern ahead of World Cup
Paredes (hamstring) suffered a hamstring injury during Boca Juniors' Copa Libertadores group stage match against Universidad Catolica, putting his availability for Argentina's pre-World Cup friendlies in doubt, according to Martin Arevalo of ESPN.
Analysis: Paredes had been showing signs of discomfort in the back of his leg during the warmup before the match but decided to take the field in an attempt to help Boca secure qualification to the round of 16, a gamble that ultimately worsened his condition. The world champion midfielder had been named in Lionel Scaloni's 26-man World Cup squad and was expected to join the group for the friendlies against Honduras on June 6 and Iceland on June 9, though his participation in both matches is now uncertain following the results of further testing. The immediate concern for Argentina is how he will respond to treatment over the coming days, with his availability for the opening World Cup fixture against Algeria on June 16 also being closely monitored. Manager Lionel Scaloni will need to assess whether Paredes can recover in time to play a meaningful role in the tournament or whether adjustments to the squad may be necessary.
Dealing with hamstring overload
Paredes is set to undergo tests after experiencing discomfort in his right hamstring before Boca Juniors' Copa Libertadores elimination against Universidad Catolica, with the results expected to be decisive in planning his preparation ahead of Argentina's World Cup opener against Algeria on June 16, according to A24.
Analysis: Paredes revealed he had been managing the hamstring overload throughout the week but refused to miss the Boca match out of pride and commitment to his club, playing the full 90 minutes despite being visibly limited in his influence. The midfielder admitted his coach had asked him to be honest about his condition and step off the pitch, but he insisted on staying on. The first indications suggest the issue is not considered extremely serious, giving Argentina cautious optimism about having their midfield captain available from the very first game of the tournament, though the clinical examinations will be crucial in determining his training load ahead of the trip to the United States.
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