Sergio Agüero Interview - Football Insights & Predictions

Ahead of the International Football Tournament, We caught up with Stake Ambassador and football legend Sergio Agüero to discuss all his exclusive insights and predictions.

Check out our exclusive interview below, and get the latest soccer betting odds and international soccer tournament odds when you join Stake Sportsbook.

Argentina

Messi has already won the Cup, we know you think he’s still the best in the world, but can he repeat his heroics from 2022?

Hopefully it can happen. Leo already said they’re going to try. This is football and anything can happen. But the desire and determination are there.

If it’s not Argentina, which country do you think has the best chance of winning the Cup?

I think there are several teams that will surely be in contention. France, who reached two consecutive finals, are a great team with a very powerful attack. Spain, with one of the best midfields. Brazil, who under Ancelotti have shown their credentials. They are the usual contenders, along with Germany, England and Portugal, and perhaps Morocco, who had a great run in Qatar. We’ll see how each team arrives, whether key players are injured or not, how the knockout matchups unfold. It depends on many factors.

What’s your strongest memory from representing Argentina at the International Football Tournament ?

From my first call-ups, when I was still very young and was selected for the youth teams, I felt a strong sense of belonging to the national team that created a very special feeling. Representing your country is the greatest thing that can happen to you. We went through a lot. It was not an easy path. But in the end we achieved what we had been searching for. After several frustrations, we finally won the 2021 Copa América, and it was a huge relief that allowed the national team to keep growing and achieve even more success.

Personally, it was a source of pride to represent Argentina in three International Tournaments. Each one was different. South Africa was my first International Tournament. Brazil was the one where I unfortunately got injured, but I was still able to be part of the final stages, and despite the defeat against Germany, living through that process was something unique. Then Russia, during a difficult cycle, where I managed to score against Iceland and France.

There are countless memories, but the best thing is the feeling of representing your country. It is a unique feeling.

If you could relive one moment in an Argentina shirt, which moment would it be?

I had incredible moments with the two International Tournaments we won with the U-20 team. Then with the senior team and at the International Tournaments, playing in a final is something that stays with you forever. I experienced that in Brazil and although we didn’t win, I value enormously having reached that stage with such a great team.

Perhaps a great moment was the 2021 Copa América final, which meant so much to us. That was where the connection began between part of a generation that had not won a title and finally got its redemption, together with the younger players who became the foundation for eventually winning an International Tournament and another Copa América.

It was an enormous emotion, a huge relief, and a reward for years of searching.

When people talk about Argentina’s football history in the future, what do you hope your generation is remembered for?

For being a generation that always kept trying, that never gave up despite the setbacks, and that in the end achieved the success it deserved. The best example is Leo, with that desire always present, proving to the whole world that dreams should be pursued until the very end.

What is it actually like playing in the same attack as Lionel Messi? From a striker’s perspective, how does he change the way you move, position yourself, and think during a match?

Leo sees everything on the pitch and knows perfectly what each teammate needs. You just have to stay alert because he sees plays before everyone else. He has that touch that leaves you in a goal-scoring position, and you have to make the most of it.

He’s a football genius. That’s why I always say you have to stay attentive because at any moment he can do something nobody imagined. Playing with Leo is a huge advantage.

From your perspective, how has the role of a striker changed since you first started playing at the top level, and where does someone like Julián Álvarez fit into that evolution?

There are different types of strikers. Some are more penalty-box players, others move around and participate more in the build-up. A lot depends on the system the coach uses. Some coaches prefer the classic goal-scoring number nine, while others want someone who moves across the front line and participates in creating chances.

In recent years, some teams have used the false nine a lot, but again it depends on what the coach wants. What most coaches do want is for the number nine to contribute to pressing, and in that regard Julián is very complete.

He can leave the box to combine with teammates, he scores a lot of goals, has a great shot, and never stops running or pressing. He’s a very complete player who adapts perfectly to different roles, and that makes him a modern striker.

Is Alvarez the perfect fit for Barcelona?

Because of his characteristics, he is a player who adapts perfectly to any system. We saw him at City delivering great performances playing deeper and even out wide in Guardiola’s typical setup. At Atlético, with a different playing structure, he has also produced outstanding performances.

A player like Julián adapts to any top team, and Barcelona is certainly one of them.

International Football Tournament

Who do you think is currently the best striker in the world?

There are many great ones. Besides Leo, Argentina has two outstanding forwards in Julián and Lautaro. There’s no need to say much about their qualities.

But this International Tournament will be interesting because of the quality of strikers across different national teams. France has Mbappé, Dembélé and Doué. Spain has Lamine. England has Kane, who has had a huge season. Brazil has Vini. Norway has Haaland.

They all have different characteristics but are equally decisive.

With the International Football Tournament around the corner, who’s your pick to win the Golden Boot?

It will depend on how far their national team goes because they’ll have more matches to score in. Hopefully it’s Leo, right?

On the other hand, Mbappé has already shown his credentials as an International goalscorer. Lamine, if he fully recovers. And we shouldn’t forget Harry Kane and Haaland, who are tremendous goalscorers.

Scotland are playing Brazil in their last group game, what do you think could be in store for them in Miami?

We’ll have to see whether it’s a match that decides something or not. Brazil will probably feel at home in Miami and will have tremendous support from the stands.

Is there a country you think is being overlooked that could surprise people at the International Football Tournament?

I think nobody underestimates another national team anymore. Every match is difficult. We experienced that ourselves against Saudi Arabia in Qatar, where we were clearly favorites and still lost.

There is always a team that surprises people. Morocco in Qatar, for example. Or Costa Rica in previous tournaments.

We’ll see what happens this time. From South America, Ecuador is a solid team with a strong defense and will be competitive. The same goes for Paraguay and Colombia.

From Europe, I have expectations for Norway, who have a very interesting generation. We’ll also see how Belgium with De Bruyne and Doku performs.

And among the African nations, Morocco will try to repeat what they achieved in Qatar.

You faced some of the best players and teams on the world stage, who was the toughest opponent you played against, either for their quality, mentality, or how difficult they made the game?

I didn’t mention Germany. The Germans always compete. Sometimes they may not look like favorites, but in the end they are always there.

They are always a great opponent who never gives up and has a strong winning mentality.

England has notoriously struggled to get over the line in major tournaments, why do you think that is, and what needs to change for them to succeed?

I heard Tuchel say that something must have happened for them not to have won a major title in 60 years. But he also said his team will try and that they have the tools to do it. He is a very good coach and will surely bring all his experience to England. A lot will depend on their development during the tournament. If results go their way and they gain confidence, they will be a team to fear.

Would you be scared of playing England in a knockout round, or are they seen as easy?

As I said, there are no easy opponents at an International Tournament. And certainly not England.

I don’t think any national team would want to face them in the knockout stages.

There are rumours that Kylian Mbappé is not showing enough defensive effort for France in training and friendlies. Is there a chance he could upset the team?

It’s difficult to give an opinion from the outside. But it seems strange to me that people are talking about that when we know how important he is for his team and everything he contributes.

And we are talking about Mbappé, who has already scored 12 international goals for France.

Is Cristiano Ronaldo holding back the Portugal team?

That’s something the coach will decide. I don’t see him holding the team back.

Portugal have a formidable midfield with Bruno, Bernardo, Vitinha and João Neves, who can provide Cristiano with everything he needs. And we already know what he is capable of in front of goal.

Is this Portugal’s best team for decades?

I don’t have enough data to compare with teams from much further back. But in recent years, I would say yes.

They have outstanding defenders like Rúben Dias, Nuno Mendes and Cancelo, very complete midfielders like the ones I mentioned, plus Cristiano and Pedro Neto up front.

I see a complete team with excellent depth.

Lamine Yamal is set to be available for Spain’s opening game. Is this his chance to establish he’s the best player in the world?

He has everything needed to be among the very best.

He’s a very young player, but he already showed at the European Championship that big occasions do not weigh on him.

Would it be a great story for Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal to meet in the final?

If that happened, I would be very happy because it would mean Argentina had reached another final and both players had enjoyed a great tournament.

As for your question, Leo has a 21-year career with the Argentine national team. He has already completed the journey, and that is why he is the greatest of all.

Lamine is only taking his first steps. With great success, that’s true, but he will have to confirm it over the years. He has everything needed to do so.

His story is only beginning.

Lots of people will be hoping Portugal play Argentina in the final. If Portugal win, people will start saying Ronaldo is the GOAT. What do you think of that?

It’s not worth getting into those kinds of debates. That discussion was settled a long time ago.

Neymar is back in the Brazil squad. Do you expect him to have a big role?

I was very happy to see Ney called up again. A player like him couldn’t be left out.

Nobody doubts his quality, and he has a very special charisma that will be very useful for Brazil. I think he can contribute a lot.

Will Endrick be the main striker?

I think Endrick is an interesting player. He is powerful and scores goals.

We’ll have to see what role Ancelotti gives him within the team.

Could you see Endrick getting a big move to the Premier League?

From what I’ve read, he is returning to Real Madrid. I don’t know whether there is a chance of him moving to the Premier League.

Will this be Brazil’s best International Football Tournament run in a long time now they have Carlo Ancelotti?

He is Brazil’s first non-Brazilian coach, so it is something new.

Given his profile, Ancelotti can bring balance to the team, along with excellent dressing-room management, as he has shown throughout his career.

It is true that managing a national team is different from managing a club. But he has enormous experience, and it will be interesting to see what happens.

Manchester City

What did you make of Pep Guardiola’s sudden exit from Manchester City?

There had already been talk that he might leave before the end of his contract. He still had one season remaining. But just like great players, great coaches earn the right to decide how long they want to stay.

I think it was a very orderly departure after such a long and successful cycle. Pep’s time at City has been brilliant, and he deserves the recognition and tribute he has received.

Rumours are that he’s interested in managing the England team after falling in love with the country’s football. Could you see him taking over from Thomas Tuchel eventually?

With Pep, you never know. We’ll see what he decides for his future.

If not, where will Guardiola go next?

As I said, it will depend on what he wants. I imagine he’ll want to rest a little after so many years of coaching.

But he’s someone who is always restless, always looking for more, and who likes challenges. We’ll see what surprise he has for us next.

How well will Erling Haaland do at the International Football Tournament? If he takes Norway to the knockouts, does he become an instant legend of the tournament?

A lot will depend on how his national team performs. I’ve always said football is a team game and that everyone is needed to achieve success.

Haaland is a tremendous goalscorer with an incredible scoring ratio. If he can maintain that consistency and his national team achieves success, he will surely become a legend for the Norwegian people.

As with Lamine, he is still young and has a long road ahead of him.

What are your thoughts on Enrique Riquelme’s comments about Erling Haaland? Are Real Madrid disrespectful in that way?

I haven’t followed that issue very closely. I read that there were many promises being made during an electoral campaign.

In that context, a lot of things are said that are not always true.

Should Man City get their legal team involved?

I don’t think the matter deserves too much comment. If there is something City needs to do, they will do it.

Rayan Cherki is reportedly starting from the bench. Should he be one of the main starters for France?

I really like Cherki. In France’s last two friendlies, he started one and came off the bench in the other.

We’ll have to see how Deschamps sets up the team. France have many options in midfield. Olise is playing at a very high level and I think he will be one of the revelations of the tournament.

It would be interesting to see them playing together from the start.

Premier League

Can Arsenal dominate the Premier League like Man City have done for the last few years? Who will compete with them?

That’s not something easy to sustain, but they have a young and well-balanced squad.

They have lifted the burden of not winning the Premier League, and I think we’ll see a very competitive Arsenal, just as they have been over recent years, only now with the confidence of being champions and with more experience.

They will certainly be in the fight. The Premier League is the most competitive league in the world, and there are many teams that will challenge for the title.

Who do Arsenal need to sign to establish their dominance? Is there anyone in particular? Rafael Leão? Khvicha Kvaratskhelia?

Arteta will know the answer to that. Over the last few years he has carefully adjusted the squad through new signings and has built a very solid team.

I suppose it will depend on any departures they may have, but he has consistently strengthened the areas where the team needed it most.

I think it will be the same next season.

Man United are competing with Man City to sign Elliot Anderson. How important would he be for either club?

From what I’ve read, City are currently leading the race for Anderson.

He’s a very complete box-to-box player who wins the ball back and helps create play. He covers a lot of ground and, with Bernardo’s departure, although they have different characteristics, he could play a very important role in the team if the transfer is completed.

Cole Palmer isn’t going to the International Football Tournament and won’t be in the Champions League yet again. Is it time for him to leave Chelsea? He misses Manchester. Could you see him joining Man United?

These are situations that happen in football. Those two circumstances occurred at the same time.

Palmer had a fantastic first season at Chelsea, and in this most recent one injuries didn’t help him. Neither did the team’s inconsistent performances.

But now Xabi Alonso is arriving, and he likes players with Palmer’s profile.

He has everything needed to regain his level and establish himself at Chelsea.