Latest News
Messi and Alvarez ‘can trouble any defence’ in World Cup final, warns ex-Nigeria captain Yobo
Former Super Eagles captain Joseph Yobo says Spain’s highly praised defence will face its “toughest test” of the World Cup when they confront Lionel Messi and Julian Alvarez in Sunday’s final against Argentina.
Yobo, speaking as a pundit on Sporty TV, believes the Argentine attacking pair possess the quality and variety to unsettle a Spanish backline that has so far conceded just one goal in the tournament.
The former Nigeria and Everton defender, who played as a centre-back during his career, argued that even Spain’s impressive defensive record may not be enough to contain the South Americans’ forward threat.
“Looking at the way they set-up, as a former centre back, you are playing against two world class strikers. Messi and Alvarez can cause any defense trouble,” he said.
Spain’s youthful side ‘have something to worry about’
Spain have reached the final with a dynamic and relatively young squad, blending emerging talents with established international names. Their tactical discipline and organisation without the ball have been widely praised, with the team repeatedly suppressing opponents’ chances throughout the competition.
Yobo, however, insisted that Argentina’s attack represents a step up in difficulty.
“So, the Spanish team is young. Although they have done well up to this point, they have something to worry about,” he added.
Spain’s run to the showpiece match has been built on controlling possession and pressing high, which has limited the number of clear opportunities conceded. Yet Yobo suggested that the combination of Messi’s invention and Alvarez’s relentless movement offers a kind of challenge Spain have not yet fully faced in this tournament.
Warning against focusing only on Messi
Messi, once again among the World Cup’s leading scorers, has been central to Argentina’s campaign, dictating play from deeper positions and producing decisive moments in the final third.
But Yobo argued that any Spanish plan that concentrates only on the Argentina captain could prove a serious tactical error, with Alvarez adding a constant threat in behind.
“If it is just Messi we understand but Alvarez up there can cause them trouble all day. They would be more concerned,” he concluded.
Alvarez, who plays his club football for Atletico Madrid, has consistently stretched defences with his pace, pressing and sharp movement off the ball, providing a clinical edge to complement Messi’s creativity.
Best defence v in-form attack
Spain arrive at the final boasting the tournament’s best defensive record, with just a single goal conceded on their route to Sunday’s clash. Their centre-backs have looked assured, while the full-backs have largely balanced attacking ambition with defensive responsibility.
Argentina, by contrast, have leaned heavily on their attacking strengths. Messi has driven the team both as captain and chief creator, while Alvarez’s running and finishing have given coach and supporters confidence that chances will be converted.
The final is expected to be a clash of styles: Spain’s control and structure against an Argentina side built around individual brilliance and incisive counter-attacks.
With Yobo insisting that “Messi and Alvarez can cause any defense trouble”, the spotlight will fall firmly on whether Spain’s backline can maintain its near-perfect record on the biggest stage of all when they face two of the tournament’s most dangerous forwards.
