Is Rodrigo De Paul playing tonight in Argentina's World Cup clash vs Switzerland? | OneFootball

With the semifinals just around the corner and France and Spain set to battle for a place in the final, the other semifinal matchup is still to be decided.

On one side are England and Norway, while on the other, two Inter Miami players will represent Argentina against Switzerland.

Given Argentina's current path, one would expect the same team to face the Europeans. However, if one thing is clear, Rodrigo De Paul was subbed off multiple times during the World Cup.

This leaves De Paul’s presence in Argentina’s starting lineup against Switzerland tonight uncertain.

Is Rodrigo De Paul playing tonight in Argentina's decisive match against Switzerland?

The truth is that De Paul is not having the World Cup everyone expected. His level has been far below what even he expected.

For that reason, Lionel Scaloni decided to substitute him several times before other midfielders, a situation that had never happened to the Inter Miami player before.

But before we discuss Rodrigo De Paul’s performance in the World Cup, let's set the record straight. Lionel Scaloni will utilize the same formation he has been using, a 4-4-2, with Motorcito as a right midfielder.

So yes, Rodrigo De Paul is expected to start tonight against Switzerland in Argentina’s pursuit of reaching another tournament’s semifinal.

Now that we've disguised the real reason why we are here, let’s talk about the real reason why Rodrigo De Paul hasn’t had the impact he expected at this World Cup.

First of all, he is playing in an uncomfortable position. Yes, I said it. It is because of the coach. De Paul in the Argentina national team is known for his play through the middle, and his line-breaking passes from midfield.

By pushing him out wide, you not only limit his movement when attacking and defending, but you also take him out of almost every situation in which your team has possession.

For that very reason, his performances in the last few matches have largely gone unnoticed. The only time he showed some rebellion was against Algeria, when, out of frustration, he drifted back into the middle to play a line-breaking pass that Lionel Messi later turned into the goal that broke the tie.

That’s why De Paul looked frustrated after being substituted against Egypt; even he knows that he hasn’t lived up to expectations at this tournament.

Although he isn’t having the best tournament, he is a fundamental piece in Scaloni’s tactical picture against every team.