Postby Vandeach » 2009 Jun 12, 21:14
A report by IMScouting
"Modern football is in many ways more of an athletic game rather than a technical one and the rise of a classic "number 10" is exciting for both Argentina and the global football community at large.
At the age of just 19, Javier Pastore is becoming one of the most important youngsters in Argentinean football following some excellent performances for Club Atletico Huracan.
This attacking midfielder, with just one year of experience in the Argentinean Primera Division is being scouted by the elite of European clubs including Manchester United, Arsenal, AC Milan and Juventus. But it seems that his agent, Marcelo Simonian, is fully aware of his client’s burgeoning talents.
Earlier this year, Pastore´s agent rejected an offer from Manchester United for €10 million because the player wants to go to a team when he has the chance to play and improve his level.
Pastore was born in Cordoba, Argentina, in June 1989. Initially he played for Talleres de Cordoba youth team, a club that is in the second division and fighting to avoid relegation. In January 2007 he was sent on loan to Huracan until June 2009 when his contract also expires at Talleres.
The young playmaker has become a major star in Argentina with calls for national team coach Diego Maradona to pick Pastore, especially as Roman Riquelme no longer plays for the South American heavyweights.
In January, Javier was called to play in the Sudamericano tournament for the Under-20 national team, but Huracan wouldn’t release him to ensure he had a pre-season with his team mates. Maradona hasn’t forgotten this refusal.
Pastore is a different player, from those that are abundant in modern football. He is a creative and stylish playmaker. He is capable of playing off the striker in a typical number 10 role, or on either flank. But he doesn’t only provide assists and spread the ball well; he also scores goals thanks to his brilliant long-range shooting.
Although it is early days in his career, Pastore does not have any glaring weaknesses, but because of his age he is inconsistent. When Pastore plays poorly it affects the team who are reliant on his excellent attacking link-up play. Another weakness is his aerial game, which is something that he has to improve upon.
During the second-half of the Argentinean season, Pastore has received a lot of praise from fans, pundits and football professionals alike. His interplay with team mates Matias De Federico and Mario Bolatti, have ensured Huracan are unlikely title challengers in the Clausura.
At the time of writing, Pastore is one of the top goal scorers in the Clausura, with seven goals (and two assists) in 15 matches. Due to his fine performances this season, it seems Pastore’s days in Argentina are numbered.
Two days after his re-election as Huracan president, Carlos Babington has announced he is determined to keep Pastore at the club for another season. Reports suggest he has come to an agreement with the player’s owners whereby 10% of Pastore’s ownership will be owned by Huracan and if Pastore does move on soon, he may be loaned back for a short period.
Moves are in place behind the scenes for Pastore’s big move, judging by his displays so far, he could be a major star for Argentina (if Maradona picks him) and at some of the biggest clubs in Europe."
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Below are player ratings of Javier Pastore based on the opinion of local football experts and decided in comparison with the quality of the Argentinean league.
Acceleration: 7
Pace: 7
Stamina: 9
Strength: 7
Short Passes: 9
One Touch Play: 8
Long Passes: 8
Concentration: 6
Crossing: 7
Dribbling: 9
Finishing: 8
Heading (Attack): 5
Heading (Defence): 5
Long Shots: 10
Positioning: 8
Tackling: 5
Technique: 9
Decision Making: 8
Determination: 9
"If you are first you are first. If you are second, you are nothing" - Bill Shankly.
"I guarantee fourth place" - Rafael Benitez.