Cristian Pavon: Boca Juniors’ Europe-bound forward

The Boca Juniors talent program is chugging full steam ahead with their entire entourage of young talent ready to be plucked and shipped to Europe at every stop. It’s an unfortunate concept for a club like Boca having to sell such terrific players who have just graduated from the academy.

The next player in the series needs very little introduction and seems destined to move this transfer window. Cristian Pavon enjoyed a good World Cup campaign in Russia. This tactical analysis will break down some of Pavons best aspects.

It would have been an amazing experience for a player like Pavon who hasn’t played in Europe yet. He really does have an exemplary pedigree and important experiences under his belt despite being 22 and not playing in Europe. He’s experienced the heated Superclasico against River Plate multiple times. In addition to this, Pavon took part in the Copa Libertadores against the same fierce rivals. Arsenal are looking like the front-runners for his services. Hes previously been linked to clubs like Barcelona in the past.

Running with the ball

Pavon’s primary strength is his ability running with the ball. He loves taking on the opposition one-on-one with the ball at his feet. He completes 2.3 successful dribbles per 90 minutes at a 63% success rate. This is a strong success rate because of the volume of his attempted dribbles.

If we compare that stat with some of the other wide forwards from Arsenal, it is pretty much on par. Both Alex Iwobi and Pierre-Emerick Aubemeyang post similar dribbling numbers. The Argentinian SuperLiga is ridden with fouls, so these numbers should work in Pavons favour if he lands a move to a competition like the Premier League.

Pavon’s technique running with the ball is very good. He uses the outside of his stronger right foot to keep the ball under control and then knocks the ball further with every touch when he has space. He also uses his perception to see the space, which gives him the information to determine when he needs to run with pace and then dribble in tight spaces.

In the situation above, Boca are in attacking transition and Pavon is utilising his running ability and pace to stretch the game. He has beaten his two opponents easily with his pace. Before beginning his run he also uses good body orientation and first touch to ease out of pressure. Pavon loves running at defenders. He possesses a terrific desire to commit a number of defenders before exercising another action at the correct moment.

First touch

This situation personifies Pavon’s play. The move begins with Pavon in a good position just beyond the second defensive line taking a good first touch. He actually uses his front foot to take the first touch. He then proceeds to run with the ball into space.

Pavon uses goo