The Albiceleste captain has revealed how the mantle is passed on ahead of his country's friendly clash with Luis Aragonés' side on Wednesday.

Ayala sees it as his responsibility to ensure that the new players in the Argentinian squad recognise the importance of playing for the national team.

"I do not mean any disrespect to Spain, but the fact is that we have a stronger passion.

"It was something that the older players ensured that the younger players have when we joined the squad and now we are trying to pass that on to the new generation."

After hearing his club team-mate Joaquín state that the Spanish set-up was chaotic and a shambles, Ayala chose his words carefully.

"I do not have any strong opinions because it is not my country," he said. "But if he says that, then it will be because of what he has seen."

Ayala did, however, signal that he did not believe that Joaquín should have publicly criticised Spain and should have adhered to a few unwritten rulesamong the players.

"In football there are a few codes of conduct and sometimes it is better not to speak out," he concluded.

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