Nicolás Tagliafico
#3 · Defender · age 33
86
WC26 rating
- Recent form
- 57
- Career peak
- 66
- League level
- 88
- Competition pedigree
- 88
- International pedigree
- 90
- Longevity
- 70
Independent rating — league strength (Opta-anchored) × competition tier × position-normalized output. Not affiliated with EA or FIFA.
Career by season
Source: sofascore · fetched 2026-05-29
Tagliafico and Acuña are interchangeable at left-back, with Scaloni picking between them based on whether the match calls for defensive solidity or attacking overlap. Against Group J opponents who will sit deep, expect Acuña to start more often for his crossing, with Tagliafico likely featuring in any knockout match where Argentina expect to defend more.
Strengths
- Defensive positioning and one-on-one work against direct wingers
- Aerial duels for a smaller full-back — exceptional spring
- Tactical discipline — stays in shape rather than chasing overlaps
Recent form
Lyon regular through 2025-26; eased back from a minor March knock and finished the season strongly.
Studied law at the University of Buenos Aires during his early Independiente years and remains an avid reader of legal philosophy.