Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Javier Pastore hasn’t been on the radar for many outside of the French Ligue One, but the Argentinean international has been making waves for the Parisians since his big-money move from Palermo in 2011, and could be one to watch next season given his eventual rise to prominence.
The 26-year-old hit top form in France last season, scoring and creating 17 goals as PSG stormed to a third consecutive league title. Pastore was in the top-10 for chances made over the course of the campaign, as well as for successful dribbles too, so he certainly proved his worth to the team in 2014/15.
This summer, he’s been making waves for Argentina in the Copa America, and could lead the semi-finalists to glory in the coming week, which would cap off a brilliant year for the underrated star. His future remains at the Parc des Princes, but fellow European heavyweights could start to take notice of his talents next season.
Pastore could well become more of a household name, with the 26-year-old proving his worth on a more regular basis in games. His brilliant solo goal against Chelsea in the Champions League last year was an example of the magic he can produce when in top form, and if PSG can unlock his ability Pastore could propel himself in 2015/16.
He was given a glowing endorsement by former Manchester United forward Eric Cantona, who said at the 2015 Ballon d’Or ceremony: “Today the best player in the world, the most exciting player in the world, is Pastore from Paris Saint Germain. Why? Because I watched two games just to see Pastore playing, giving passes. He’s got something special. Football is interaction, that is why football is so popular I think, and Pastore can do things that others don’t know.”
“He does things that surprise you every time. Not only on scoring goals, spectacular goals all the time, just passing, passing. He’s a very creative player, he’s the most creative player in the world today, that’s why I think he’s the best player in the world because he’s this kind of player – I love this kind of player.”
Pastore has a long way to go before he’ll be named among the best players in the world, but last season is certainly a strong platform to build off of, and his performances in this summer’s Copa America have further proven he’s a name that will be one to watch next season.
