World Cup Scout: Youngster Pavon out to fire Argentina to win

With Argentina expected to move to a three-man defence to afford greater attacking flexibility against Croatia, one of those expected to benefit is youngster Cristian Pavon. The attacker was excellent for Boca Juniors last season, registering more assists (11) than any other Superliga player as the Argentine powerhouse romped to the title. 

His call up for the World Cup was nothing less than he deserved on the back of a hugely impressive campaign that saw him earn a WhoScored.com rating of 7.57. A 16-minute cameo against Iceland gave him little chance to prove his worth, but he’s expected to come into the side alongside Sergio Aguero in attack as Jorge Sampaoli shakes things up. 

Argentina were dire in their 1-1 draw with Iceland and a lack of attacking impetus saw them falter against their European counterparts as they look to live up to their billing as one of the pre-tournament favourites. The hope now is that Pavon’s inclusion in the XI will ease the pressure on offensive lynchpin Lionel Messi and hand Sergio Aguero another attacking partner in the final third. 

Pavon’s versatility across the final third is undoubtedly a boost for Sampaoli then. The 22-year-old is capable of playing out wide or through the middle and a willingness to pull to the flanks will, hopefully for Sampaoli, drag defenders out of position and open up space for Messi and co. to capitalise upon. He’s a player who has attracted interest from England and he’ll look to prove just why when Argentina look to put a vital three points on the board. 

Croatia’s defence isn’t the most nimble or agile and a player of Pavon’s ilk will go some way to maximising any defensive deficiencies. Averages of 1.9 key passes and 2.5 successful dribbles per game reinforces his ability to both ghost past opponents and create for teammates and Sampaoli and Argentina will hope for Pavon to transfer that excellent club form onto the international stage at a key moment in their World Cup journey.