Argentina seems to have a knack of producing some breath-taking attacking players. Whether it is a winger like Angel Di Maria, a striker like Kun Aguero or a creator and goal scorer supreme in Lionel Messi. One player who is looking to join those elite ranks is Inter Milan’s 21-year-old striker Mauro Icardi. Ever since he left Barcelona in 2011, Icardi has shown that he was right to make the step forward and move to a club where he had a regular starting place. But, is now the time for him to move to the Premier League? Does the prolific Argentine have what it takes to join his compatriot Kun Aguero as one of the League’s finest strikers?
Career history
Although Icardi was born in Rosario, Argentina in 1993, he moved to Spain’s Canary Islands at the age of 6 and that is exactly where he began his footballing journey. In 2002, Icardi joined Vecindario in Gran Canaria. His six years with the club, playing in their various youth categories was highly successful as he scored over 500 goals in his time at the club. His prolific form led to several top Spanish clubs, including Barcelona and Real Madrid fight for his signature. The race was eventually won by the Catalans who signed the 15-year-old striker in 2008.
Unfortunately for Icardi, the lack of senior opportunities meant that he left for Italian club Sampdoria in 2011 on loan, before signing for them permanently in July 2011 for €300,000. Icardi impressed one and all during his time at Sampdoria, before Inter Milan came calling last summer. The youngster holds an Italian passport and can therefore play for either Italy or Argentina. Although he has represented the Argentines in the U-20 level and made one senior appearance, he is still undecided about his international future.
Style of Play
Icardi is your quintessential Number 9, who has an eye for goal, is quick and is clinical when it comes to taking his chances. At 5 ft 11 in, Icardi is pretty tall, well-built and has the physique which can prove to be a handful for the best of defenders. While his pace isn’t comparable to the likes of Suarez or Aguero, what he lacks in pace, he more than makes up for with his ability to finish. Extremely good on the counter, the fleet-footed forward has a lot going for him with regards to his game. There is also an air of expectation around him every time he gets the ball and while he may not be able to use to physique and bully his way past defenders, he can certainly dazzle his way past them thanks to his trickery and quick burst of pace.
Strengths
Icardi’s biggest strength is his ability to continually improve his game and never let anything bother him. Although he is just 21, Icardi possesses the mental toughness that is required to succeed at the highest level. It obviously helps if you can finish with consummate ease. The 21-year-old is one of the finest finishers in Serie A and this combined with his invaluable insight into where the game is going, makes him a forward, who isn’t just a fox in the box, but also someone who can instigate attacks and not merely finish them. His composure when it comes making a crucial pass or taking a vital shot is well beyond his years.
Weaknesses
If there is one glaring weakness in Icardi’s game is his inability to make the most of his physical stature. Although he looks imposing on the pitch, he hasn’t been able to leverage the physical attributes of his game. For someone who is almost 6 ft, Icardi is surprisingly poor in the air, having won just 31% of his headers for Inter last season. Another aspect of his game that needs some attention is his passing. A passing rate in the low 60’s is something that needs to be desperately improved.
Possible destinations
Although he only joined Inter last summer, he has already been linked with a whole host of English clubs. Liverpool, who are long-term admirers of the Argentine and Manchester City, are the front-runners, looking to secure his signature. Valued at around €18Mil (via Transfermarkt), might just be the player Brendan Rodgers is looking at, to fill the Suarez-shaped hole that is currently plaguing the Reds.
Verdict
While Icardi is undeniably talent and has proven to be a prolific in front of goal, both in youth and senior level, whether he can handle the physical nature of the Premier League, remains to be seen. The dearth of Number nines in England, means that he might well thrive and Liverpool might just be willing to take that gamble and take him on. If Icardi can work on the physical side of his game, he might just remind the Kop of a certain Fernando Torres, who flourished at Anfield.
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