A talent that yearns to be properly refined... Is Javier Pastore worth £40million?

By Mina Rzouki in Football Spy

Published 11:32 29/07/11

Football Spy has signed up some of the web's top foreign football experts to provide you with first-hand information on the latest Premier League transfer targets.

Here's footballitaliano.co.uk 's Mina Rzouki with an in-depth profile of Chelsea and Paris St Germain target Javier Pastore.

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Nestled in his chair before a hoard of reporters all vying for his attention, it is hard to ignore the glistening gold chain hanging around the Argentine’s neck. Bearing the image of his parents, Patricia and Juan Carlos, Javier Pastore is the antithesis of the modern day footballer. Softly spoken with the inclination to glance towards the floor when complimented, one is immediately bewitched by the humble nature of a player who has attracted plentiful interest from the world’s greatest clubs.

A product of Talleres de Cordoba youth team, Pastore confessed that when he first tried out for the side, he wasn’t sure what position he played. “My father told me to go and say that I was the number 10… and that’s where I remained.” Boasting incredible control of the ball, the player’s stunning vision, appreciation for space and knack for delivering defence-splitting passes captivated Huracan’s President who demanded he be transferred to his team.

It was there that Pastore was propelled to infamy after he single-handedly destroyed River Plate – scoring twice and grabbing an assist. Playing in a 4-3-1-2 formation that Pastore readily acknowledged was more of a 4-2-3-1 due to the squad’s inclination to always attack, Angel Cappa’s mesmeric brand of attacking football, based on fluid movements, not only delighted the fans but it brought them to within an inch of winning the Clausura 2009 tournament.

Countless offers from the likes of Manchester United were said to have arrived but Pastore showed maturity by opting for Palermo instead – a decision he said was made with continuity in mind.

Despite his technical qualities, the player lacked tactical awareness and his slight frame raised concerns as to whether or not he could survive against the tough Italian defences. Pushed off the ball to easily, Pastore struggled to acclimatise to calcio and looked static when he was played – usually on the left. Despite some good performances such as the win against Juventus, Walter Zenga, Palermo’s then Coach was displeased. “Pastore is a very good player. But until he understands football I will substitute him.”

Thankfully for Pastore, Zenga was soon dismissed and replaced by Delio Rossi - a Coach who deserves much of the credit for developing El Flaco into a €50m player.

A firm disciple of Zdenek Zeman style attacking football, Rossi had little respect for defences and played with flair and style. Deployed just behind the striker in a 4-3-2-1 formation or as the trequartista in a 4-3-1-2 shape, Pastore developed into a well-rounded player under the guidance of his new Coach. His performance against Milan that year in which he tormented Andrea Pirlo by restricting the player’s time on the ball proved he could boast more that just creative talent.

Rossi called the player “his key ingredient” as the team very nearly qualified for the UEFA Champions League in his first year – a remarkable achievement for a club that was playing in Serie B up until 2004. Turning defence into attack as he drove his team forward, Pastore soon adapted to calcio. His uncanny ability to slip into dangerous positions to truly threaten the opposition coupled with his long range passing deservedly earned him the Serie A Young Player of the Year award.

Scoring a hat-trick against local rivals and fellow Sicilians Catania in one of the most competitive and tense derbies of the year proved to be the icing on the cake in an impressive second season that saw him finish as the club’s highest goal-scorer. An integral part of the team, Opta reported the player had received 1875 passes – more than any other player in Serie A.

Blessed with grace and elegance as he glided across the pitch in a manner akin to Uruguayan legend Enzo Francescoli, the second half of the season saw both Palermo and Pastore suffer. Most blamed Palermo’s volcanic President Maurizio Zamparini for disturbing the club’s harmonious atmosphere with his constant criticism and trigger happy approach to firing coaches. However, that should not detract from the fact Pastore is still a developing player with several weaknesses.

Impatience, poor decision-making and the occasional lapse in judgement are just a few of the player’s faults but ultimately Pastore is a talent that yearns to be properly refined.

Likely to end up at either PSG or Chelsea, the player would benefit greatly if he had the chance to work with Andre Villas Boas – a coach famed for his work with youth and his preference for attacking football. Should the London club succeed in their quest to inject their midfield with flair and elegance, then the fans can rest assured that in Pastore they will have gained a level-headed man as well as an intelligent footballer.

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Follow Mina Rzouki on Twitter @Minarzouki and at footballitaliano.co.uk and read her most recent Serie A blog What now for the unwanted £20m man Aquilani?