Cristian Pavon may not sound familiar to most soccer fans, but his performances for Boca Juniors have certainly attracted attention from European clubs. The Argentine boy has been rumoured to be one of Arsenal’s targets in bid to replace Manchester United bound Alexis Sanchez.
Last week’s report claimed that The Gunners manager Arsene Wenger is willing to pay out the Pavon’s £27 million release clause to land the 22-year-old star in London. Pavon’s employer, the Argentine giants Boca Juniors insist they will not sell this winter. Even if the Emirates side raises its bid to £35 million, there is no guarantee that the frontman will go.
Boca Juniors President Daniel Angelici admitted not receiving any proposals for Pavon, saying that all are just a rumour. Angelici said he wouldn’t block the player from pursuing his career in Europe but would offer a new contract to make the youngster stay.
“He looks fine to me, very focused on 2018 with Boca Juniors. We always help him with his future, but I trust Pavon will be with us for 2018,” the president said as published on BeINsports.
Boca are chasing their sixth Libertadores victory. Therefore, it will be hazardous to let Pavon go.
Who is Cristian Pavon?
Cristian Pavon was born in Cordoba, Argentina’s soccer breeding ground that produced Paolo Dybala. Like many footballers, he started his career at a local club Talleres de Cordoba when he was 16 in 2012. His skills improved when he was shipped out on loan at Colon.
Pavon joined Boca Juniors in 2014 and has netted three goals and notched five assists so far this season in 12 matches.
What makes him so unique?
Pavon is a versatile player. He can play as a striker, but he is also comfortable at playing wider as a winger. Also, he can play on both sides, right and left. Pavon helped his club to win the domestic league by scoring nine goals and providing ten assists. He is two-footed and a great passer.
He has only made two appearances with his country in international friendlies (against Russia and Nigeria). Despite Albiceleste’s 4-2 loss to the African side, the Argentina manager Jorge Sampaoli praised Pavon’s performance.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lg1CgWRQ8Zo
And his shortcomings are…
Pavon is still young. He sometimes makes the wrong decisions and wastes decent goal-scoring opportunities, reminding us of Angel Di Maria’s past time as a player. He still has much time to mature and grow into a football star, with the right guidance.
Pavon admitted that he had been slowly progressing. He thanked his team-mate for helping him to feel better.
How can Arsenal benefit from his skills?
Pavon’s playing style is often compared to that of Di Maria. Some assume that Pavon is better than the overlooked PSG man.
Pavon’s style of play also resembles that of Sanchez. Pavon can operate in a broader position, which can help the best out of Alexander Lacazette and Mesut Ozil (of course if the latter doesn’t leave Arsenal).
