Be careful, 'killer' Higuain!

(Baonghean.vn) - Higuain's chances of participating in the 2018 World Cup with the Argentina national team are still quite slim, although his close friend Messi recently voiced his support. It all depends on Higuain's form and coach Sampaoli's choice.

First of all, it must be admitted that Higuain is a talented striker but not a world-class player. That is why fans have nicknamed him "the small player of the big match". His performances for Real Madrid, Napoli and Juventus have partly proven that.

Higuain is a killer who regularly scores more than 20 goals/season, but always disappears in the decisive matches, the decisive stages of his team. Just look at what Higuain did in last year's Champions League final between Juventus and Real Madrid.

However, that is nothing compared to the disappointments Higuain left behind in the Argentina national team. The recent 3 defeats of the "Tango dancers" in the finals (World Cup 2014, Copa America 2015 and 2016), the culprit is none other than the former Real Madrid striker.

If Higuain had successfully taken advantage of the delicious opportunities he had, the Albicelestes would not have had to endure such a long title drought (the last championship was the 1993 Copa America). Because of that lack of luck, Higuain was considered "the one who kicked away the trophies of the Argentine national team".

Higuain often disappoints in the Argentina national team shirt. Photo: Internet

Despite often causing disappointment, Higuain has always been favored by coaches. Under the reigns of Diego Maradona, Batista, Sabella, Martino, Bauza, the player nicknamed El Pipita still appeared regularly in Argentina's matches. Despite the wave of criticism from Tango fans, a position in the Argentine national team's attack line is almost a default for Higuain, next to Messi.

However, things quickly took a different turn with the arrival of coach Sampaoli. The Juventus player was relegated to second place, no longer an untouchable figure.

Since Sampaoli took over as Argentina's coach, Higuain has never worn the blue and white striped shirt. The former Sevilla coach's drastic decision has received the approval of experts and Argentina fans.

Not to mention the disappointing performances in the national team shirt in the past, Higuain's current form at Juventus is not really impressive. At the beginning of this season, coach Max Allegri had to push the 30-year-old star to the bench. Unable to control his weight, Higuain became much slower.

Coach Sampaoli has not paid any attention to Higuain since taking over. Photo: Internet

Comparing Higuain's performance with his fellow strikers - competitors for a position on the Argentine national team's attack line such as Icardi (Inter Milan), Aguero (Man City), Benedetto (Boca Juniors), the Juventus striker is quite inferior.

If Higuain continues to show such a pale and erratic face, he will never dream of attending the 2018 World Cup with the Argentina national team, despite being a close friend of Messi. If he is not careful, Higuain will have to witness the biggest football festival on the planet held in Russia next summer, on the TV screen.

Messi's recent statement is not simply a suggestion to coach Sampaoli, but also a warning for Higuain to try harder in the near future./.

Thanh Hung