DOHA: Argentina’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup are entering a crucial phase, and one name generating increasing interest is young midfielder Nico Paz. While his impressive season in Serie A has earned widespread recognition, his potential value to Lionel Scaloni’s squad extends far beyond statistics and headlines.
The 20-year-old may offer Argentina a unique solution to one of the toughest challenges in tournament football.
More Than Just a Reward for a Strong Season
World Cups are not designed to provide experience to promising youngsters. Every squad place is earned through necessity, and every selection is made with a specific tactical purpose in mind.
Paz has enjoyed a breakthrough campaign with Como, establishing himself as one of Italy’s brightest young talents. His performances have reportedly convinced Real Madrid to bring him back into their plans, highlighting the belief in his long-term potential.
However, Argentina’s interest is not simply based on form. Scaloni appears to see something far more valuable in the midfielder’s profile.
The Problem Every World Cup Contender Must Solve
As international tournaments progress, matches become increasingly difficult to control.
Opponents defend deeper, space becomes limited and mistakes carry greater consequences. The knockout stages are often decided by a single moment of brilliance rather than sustained dominance.
Teams frequently encounter compact defensive blocks that deny room in central areas. Breaking those structures requires players capable of creating solutions where none appear to exist.
That is where Paz stands out.
A Master of Creating Space
At first glance, Paz looks like a traditional attacking midfielder. In reality, his greatest strength lies in his ability to manipulate space.
He thrives in crowded situations, receiving possession under pressure and instantly transforming difficult scenarios into attacking opportunities. Through subtle body movements, quick turns and intelligent positioning, he can open passing lanes that seemed unavailable seconds earlier.
The best attacking players do not simply find space—they create it. Paz belongs firmly in that category.
Comfortable Under Pressure
One of the most striking aspects of Paz’s game is his willingness to operate in uncomfortable areas of the pitch.
Rather than avoiding defenders, he actively seeks possession in congested zones. He welcomes pressure and possesses the technical quality to escape it.
His ability to receive on the half-turn, spin away from opponents and accelerate attacks gives Argentina a weapon that could prove decisive against disciplined defensive teams.
In tournament football, a single turn or progressive pass can completely alter the course of a match.
A Perfect Fit for Scaloni’s System
Argentina’s recent success has never been solely about collecting the biggest names. Scaloni has built a squad based on balance, chemistry and clearly defined roles.
Paz offers something different from Argentina’s other attacking options.
He is not a conventional winger, nor is he a classic No. 10. Instead, he operates between the lines, linking midfield and attack while connecting phases of play.
With Lionel Messi’s minutes carefully managed and Julian Alvarez constantly looking to exploit space behind defenders, Argentina need players capable of receiving possession in tight areas and progressing attacks.
Paz’s skill set appears tailor-made for that role.
Following a Familiar Argentine Blueprint
In some respects, Paz could perform a function similar to the one Angel Di Maria provided during Argentina’s most successful era.
The comparison is not about style or status. Instead, it concerns tactical value.
Like Di Maria at his peak, Paz offers balance, intelligence and the ability to influence games in subtle but significant ways. He can connect teammates, disrupt defensive structures and provide solutions when matches become tense and congested.
A Potential Difference-Maker in 2026
Argentina may not be taking Nico Paz to the World Cup simply because he is one of the country’s brightest young talents.
They may be selecting him because he possesses a rare quality that becomes increasingly valuable as tournaments progress—the ability to create order from chaos.
In a competition where margins are razor-thin and moments define legacies, that skill could make all the difference. If Argentina are to defend their world title, Nico Paz might prove to be one of the most important pieces in Scaloni’s puzzle.
