Even a quick glance at an Argentina squad list would be enough to see that La Albiceleste has an embarrassment of attacking riches. From Aguero to Tevez via Gonzalo Higuaín, not least forgetting the world’s best player Lionel Messi.

Argentina have so much firepower upfront, that most onlookers are confounded when players such as Luciano Vietto, Mauro Icardi or Paulo Dybala have been left out of Gerardo “Tata” Martino’s recent teams.

However, the superfluity in attack is unfortunately not matched in other areas of the pitch, with most analysts indicating that a key deficiency for Argentina lies in the midfield area. Indeed, Martino himself alluded to this point in his most recent interviews as he builds to this summers Copa America in Chile.

In the same pre-squad announcements “El Tata” may have also hinted upon who he feels could be the solution to his problems, citing CA Independiente’s Federico Mancuello as the “best possible version” of the inside midfielder his country is searching for. Thus the question is posed: Will Super Mancuello be the man come to Argentina’s rescue?

Argentina’s equivalent to Frank Lampard

Federico Mancuello does not fit the prototype Argentine player mould in many ways.Verging on 26 years of age, Mancuello is not the typical fresh-faced prodigious youngster with a rapid rise to stardom. The Independiente midfielder has had to take the long way around to the top of the domestic game since making his debut at 19 years of age for his beloved boyhood club.

Indeed, it took the unexpected arrival of the current Los Diablos Rojos boss Jorge Almiron, and a tactical shift from the left-wing to a central midfield position, for Mancuello’s story to truly begin.

Seven months on and Super Mancuello (as he’s been affectionately dubbed by commentators and fans alike) sits at the very top-tier of the domestic game in Argentina.

As a set-piece specialist, goal-scoring midfielder capable of running beyond the forwards, his tireless work ethic set him aside from the archetypal Argentine enganche. Therein perhaps a more accurate comparison lies away from a Riquelme or an Aimar, and more towards the mould of the former Chelsea and current Manchester City midfielder Frank Lampard.

It’s precisely these qualities that have surely drawn the eye of Gerardo Martino, keen to add some variety to his team. Perhaps seeing Mancuello as an ideal middle ground between the more defensive minded Javier Mascherano and Lucas Biglia, and the recognised flair of Javier Pastore, Ever Banega and Co.

Having been called up for La Albiceleste’s March friendlies against El Salvador and Ecuador, Federico Mancuello will have his first chance to stake his claim for a spot in the Argentina midfield ahead of this summers showcase event.

And with no kryptonite in sight, it seems as if it may well be Super Mancuello’s time to shine!