Argentina coach Jorge Sampaoli hopes he can create a lethal partnership between Lionel Messi and Paulo Dybala.
Injuries and suspensions have meant Messi and Dybala have started together just once for Argentina in 2018 World Cup qualifying, the Juventus star sent off in the first half of a 1-0 win over Uruguay in September last year.
"Dybala has a high level and what stands out is his inventiveness," he told a news conference.
"It would be good for him to be complementary with Messi."
"To Mascherano, we have intentions that he plays central defender, like with Barcelona," Sampaoli said.
Argentina are fifth – the play-off spot – in qualifying after winning just six of 14 games.
But Sampaoli believes in their chances of reaching Russia 2018, saying: "We are convinced that we have the resources to qualify."
