With a goal every three games at international level and even more assists, it is hard to work out why Gallardo has not been a more regular feature of the international set-up since making his debut.

He first played for Argentina as an 18-year-old in 1994, two years after making his River Plate debut, but has since failed to find his mark.

More often than not he has come on as a replacement to add his attacking style of play to Argentina's midfield.

And three seasons of regular first-team football at Monaco have merely strengthened the creative edge to his play.

But with players like Veron, Lopez, Ortega and Gonzalez around him, it is hard to see where he can fit into the team.