Scout Report: Cristian Pavon - the young Argentine linked to Arsenal, Juventus and Manchester City

Argentina have a pretty strong attacking line featuring the likes of Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero, and Angel di Maria. However, within the next 5-6 years, they might see the retirements of these experienced attackers. They do have Paulo Dybala but they will obviously need someone to partner and assist him up front. Cristian Pavon could be the guy they need.

Pavon is currently plying his trade at home with Boca Juniors. He has been in really good form with the club this season, scoring 3 goals and providing 5 assists which is the second-highest in the Argentinian Superliga so far.

The 21-year-old Pavon has also made two appearances for Argentina.

Background

Born in Cordoba, Cristian Pavon started his youth footballing career at his hometown club Talleres de Cordoba. He played for the club’s youth teams until 2013 after which he signed joined the senior team aged 17.

Pavon played for Talleres de Cordoba for a year before being sold to Argentina giants Boca Juniors in July 2014 for a fee of €1.3 million. He was immediately loaned to Colon for the remainder of the season but was recalled back in January next year.

He had a few decent seasons at Boca Juniors from 2015 to 2017. However, this season the 21-year-old has been pretty impressive. The Cordoba-born has played for Argentina’s U-17 and U-20. He represented the U-23 side at the 2016 Rio Olympics where Argentina were eliminated in the quarter-finals.

The Argentine's club performances this season saw him being chosen in Argentina’s squad for the games against Russia and Nigeria. He made his senior debut against Russia and set up Sergio Aguero who scored the solitary goal of the match. Pavon's next match was against Nigeria which Nigeria won 4-2. Once again, he provided the assist for an Aguero goal.

Arsenal and European giants Juventus are apparently interested in Pavon's services. As a matter of fact, sources in Argentina claimed that Arsenal were prepared to offer a sum of £33 million.

Style of play

Pavon is adept to play on the right flank as well as in a central attacking midfielder role

A highly skilled and versatile player, Cristian Pavon can be deployed on the right flank as well as in a central role. The 21-year-old can coordinate very well with the strikers up front and can himself score plenty of goals. The Boca Juniors player is the type of player who could be an asset to any team’s attack. He also possesses the ability to dribble skillfully past defenders.

Strengths

Pavon is an excellent passer of the ball in addition to having excellent dribbling skills. He can hold on to the ball for long and is very good at taking long-distance shots.

Weaknesses

So far, Cristian Pavon does not have any specific weakness but he can still work on his finishing. Even though his shots are accurate, his talent allows room for improvement on his dribbling skills.

Video: Pavon's Talent

What does the future hold?

Pavon has been linked to both Arsenal and Juventus, strongly to the former. However, Boca Juniors have insisted that the Argentine will not move to Arsenal in January to replace Alexis Sanchez. Even though there are plenty of reports that indicate a move to the London club, Boca Juniors want to retain Pavon at least till the Copa Libertadores.

The youngster has expressed concerns over the move himself as he believes that a move to Arsenal might limit his first-team appearances, a risk he is unwilling to take, with a World Cup spot in sight. Nevertheless, if Pavon moves to Arsenal, then he could have some great European football exposure.

Final thoughts

A highly versatile attacker, Cristian Pavon has a bright future ahead and he will be one of Argentina’s most talismanic footballers in years to come.

Provided he keeps on performing consistently, Pavon could be one of the star players at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.