Argentina’s attacking dilemma: will Scaloni choose Julian Alvarez or Lautaro Martinez?

“Julian or Lautaro?” is the question on everyone’s lips in Argentina. Just as he did during the 2022 World Cup and the 2024 Copa America, Lionel Scaloni must decide between Alvarez and Martinez to lead the line. With Lionel Messi’s spot in the starting eleven beyond any doubt—especially after his clinical hat-trick in the opening fixture—the debate focuses solely on who will partner the captain.

It is a luxury problem for the manager. Both the Inter Milan star and the Atletico Madrid forward are ranked among the top five strikers globally in terms of market value. While Martinez is valued at approximately €85 million, Alvarez commands a staggering €100 million tag, fueled in part by the ongoing transfer saga surrounding his future.

Contrasting profiles: the bull versus the spider

Despite both standing just over 1.70 meters tall, Martinez and Alvarez offer vastly different tactical advantages to the squad.

Martinez, often referred to as “El Toro” (The Bull), is 28 years old and provides a significant physical presence. He is particularly effective in the air, frequently scoring with his head—a feat he achieved five times this season, whereas Alvarez failed to register a single header. This makes him a constant threat during set-pieces. His ability to hold the ball up and make direct runs into space makes him a lethal weapon on the counter-attack, and his acrobatic finishing, like his bicycle kick against Pérou, highlights his predatory instincts in the box.

Defensively, Martinez offers a higher work rate and more aggression in duels compared to his 26-year-old teammate.

On the other hand, Alvarez, known as “La Araña” (The Spider), excels in technical ball progression. His superior dribbling allows him to drive the team forward, a style that contrasts with Martinez’s preference for receiving the ball in deep channels. While Alvarez is a more creative force—notching eight assists this season—his lack of an aerial presence is a factor the coaching staff must weigh carefully. However, he compensates with his ability to strike from distance with either foot and his composure in congested spaces.

Statistical breakdown: the goal-scoring race

The relationship between Martinez and the World Cup has been statistically challenging; he has yet to find the back of the net in eight appearances on the world stage. The hierarchy between the two forwards shifted dramatically during the 2022 group stages.

After Martinez failed to score in the opening matches against Arabie saoudite and Mexique, Alvarez stepped in against Pologne and never looked back. He finished that tournament with four goals in five games, including a brace in the semi-final against Croatie. Despite this, Martinez has been more prolific in recent months. Since the start of the 2024 Copa America, Martinez has netted 13 goals in 1,180 minutes for the national team, while Alvarez has managed seven goals in 1,600 minutes.

Fitness concerns and the transfer spotlight

The debate has been reignited following a somewhat subdued performance in the first game. Alvarez had been the established number one recently, but a calf injury sustained during the Champions League semi-finals with Atletico limited his participation. His 35-minute cameo against Algérie was his first taste of competitive action since early May. Scaloni has insisted that Alvarez is now fully fit and ready to start.

The question remains whether he will be reinstated for the clash against Autriche this Monday. Beyond the pitch, the manager must also manage the noise surrounding Alvarez’s future. Currently under contract with Atletico until 2030, the striker is reportedly seeking a move away, with rumors linking him to Barcelona, Arsenal, and PSG. Reports suggest he no longer wishes to play under Simeone, and while Atletico recently mocked a €100 million offer on social media, the saga is expected to dominate the summer headlines.