Maradona: A magician or a mad man?

CNN IBN

New Delhi, 10 June 2010: It’s not just the players who will be the cynosure of all eyes this time in South Africa. The enigmatic Diego Maradona will be in the thick of action and keeping his history in mind, the Argentina coach may just hog all the limelight and even sideline the genius Lionel Messi.

India’s number one football analyst Novy Kapadia feels Mardona’s impulsive decisions, which some have termed as eccentricity, make Argentina one of the most unpredictable teams in the World Cup; if that will be an advantage for them is to be seen.

"Diego Maradona is as unpredictable as coach as he was as a player. He makes the most amazing and impulsive choices. He has had a long standing feud with playmaker Juan Román Riquelme.

"Maradona always wants the attention on himself, so somebody like Riquelme, who is a midfield genius, refused to play with him. Maradona also does not have a settled playing eleven. He has some of the best attacking players in his lineup but he still does not know how to use them," said Novy Kapadia on CNN-IBN’s special show A Beautiful Game.

Kapadia feels Maradona will be the biggest question mark for Argentina.

"He has to curb his impulsive behaviour and it would be good if he brings someone like Carlos Pilano as technical supporting staff, who can calm him down. Argentina is a great team but the biggest danger is Maradona. Is he in the right frame of mind," asks Kapadia.

However, Kapadia also said that the Argentina players will be the ones to look out for.

"Messi supported by Diego Milito and Carlos Tevez could form the most effective forward line. Milto is the most in-form striker at the moment. Sergio Aguero, son-in-law of Maradona, may not get a chance because of other strikers. If Argentina click, then they can be the most exciting team in this World Cup and can go all the way. Maradona should play Angel Di Maria, who could be the possible young star of this World Cup," opined Kapadia.

He also felt that Argentina’s defence will be their biggest drawback.

"Barring their forward line, their defence is weak, and if one of the defenders misses out, then they don’t have the same experience to replace them. They have to rely on attack," he added.

Indian Bollywood star, John Abraham, who also features on the show A beautiful Game said Maradona will be the most keenly watched man during the World Cup.

"It is very interesting to see Maradona’s expressions from the sidelines. Till Maradona is unpredictable, it is good for the Argentina. If he gets predictable, it may not be good for the side," he said.

"I think Messi is going to fire and there will be a lot of teams, which would try and neutralise him. Messi, by far, is the best player in the world at present," added Abraham.