3 reasons why Atletico Madrid should sign Edinson Cavani

Fambeat
Atletico Madrid are having troubles upfront since the departure of Antoine Griezmann.
Atletico Madrid are having troubles upfront since the departure of Antoine Griezmann.

Atletico Madrid are reportedly in talks with Edinson Cavani to sign him on a free transfer next summer. The 32-year-old Uruguayan international, who will be a free agent at the end of the season, is looking for a fresh challenge after spending seven seasons at Paris Saint-Germain. Atletico, on the other hand, are struggling upfront and have managed to score only 20 goals in 18 La Liga games in the present campaign.

Such a stat is worrying for the club and fans at the Wanda Metropolitano as ultimately it is goals which helps to win games. Atletico tried to replace Antoine Griezmann by signing Portuguese starlet Joao Felix from Benfica for a club-record €126 million over the summer. The 20-year-old has been struggling with fitness issues and has managed to score only four goals in 18 appearances across all competitions so far. The likes of Thomas Lemar, Diego Costa, and Alvaro Morata haven’t been much clinical either, thus adding to Atletico’s woes upfront.

So, here are three reasons why Atletico Madrid should sign Edinson Cavani next summer.

#3 Cavani will add depth to the frontline

Morata, Costa and Felix have all struggled this season.
Morata, Costa and Felix have all struggled this season.

Diego Simeone’s men play with a two-striker formation and it is usually a 4-4-2 double 6 or an occasional 4-3-1-2. Such a system allows the players to fall in numbers and defend in deep blocks and enables smooth transition upfront. The two strikers upfront link-up with the midfielders and the rest of the team. The system allows the two attackers to keep the opposition defenders wary of their presence on the field. Currently, only Morata, Costa and Felix are the notable names who can play upfront in their natural positions.

The inclusion of Cavani would provide some much-needed depth to Atletico's frontline and would give Simeone more choices upfront. The signing of Cavani would also help the club deal with injury issues upfront and this could be massive towards the finishing laps of the season.

#2 Will give tactical versatility

Diego Simeone can be more flexible with his tactics if Cavani signs for Atletico
Diego Simeone can be more flexible with his tactics if Cavani signs for Atletico

Cavani can play as a striker or even out on the wings if required. He can play on both flanks and it can help Simeone field a 4-3-3 or a 4-4-1-1 formation if required. Cavani is quick, strong, opportunistic with brilliant technique, and this makes him a complete forward. Cavani’s ability to play in the flanks can also help Simeone tweak changes within a game when his plan A is not working out.

Thomas Lemar and Vitolo have yielded very little upfront and Cavani can be a choice for a starter in the wings, and it also might reduce Atletico Madrid's troubles in the attack. Cavani’s physicality can be a dangerous weapon as opposition full-backs will have to be wary of his pace and ability to run away with the ball in one-on-one situations. Also, at the end of the day, Cavani fits in perfectly in Atletico’s usual two-striker system, which is an added bonus.

#1 Cavani is a workhorse suited to Atletico's playing style

Cavani is a workhorse and a leader who can drive the team to success.
Cavani is a workhorse and a leader who can drive the team to success.

Edinson Cavani is a very hardworking player on the pitch. He can make those runs in deep to pick the ball from the midfield to help the team buildup from the back and push numbers upfront in the attack. He’s not a selfish player and has his share of assists which is very much suited to a -twostriker system.

Cavani can score with both feet and is also strong in the air, besides being a decent set-piece taker. Simeone’s men are known to defend deep in numbers and they need a striker upfront who can run with the ball. The 32-year-old Uruguayan international fits the bill perfectly and should be a brilliant signing for Atletico Madrid should the Spanish giants manage to pull off the deal.

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Edited by Samya Majumdar