Much has been written about Gonzalo Higuain’s inability to deliver the goals on the big stage. Higuain cannot score in important games is a statement all too familiar for football followers, particularly for Argentina fans. For a rather deadly striker, his reputation had become tarnished by a failure to show up in big matches- with the World Cup 2014 and Copa America finals both cited as glaring examples of his ineptitude when it matters most.
Fast forward to Monaco on May 3rd, 2017, and the football world finally witnessed Higuain seize the opportunity not only to silence his critics but also to score what is likely the most important brace in his career. As has become expected from naysayers, some still made it a point to mention Higuain looked out of shape.
Higuain looks overweight is another statement Juventus fans have heard often this season. Not that it has stopped Higuain from delivering the goals. In 34 Serie A games, of which he started 29 of them, Higuain managed to score an impressive 23 goals while dishing out two assists. He only trails Roma’s Edin Dzeko & Torino’s Andrea Belotti, both of whom have 25 goals, followed by Inter’s Mauro Icardi at 24. However, Juve did not splash €90 million to sign Higuain to score goals just in Serie A and against domestic rivals in Coppa Italia. The Argentina striker is not a luxury but rather an integral part in Juve’s plan to finally win the Champions League after a 21-year wait.
Many pundits noted earlier in the season that Higuain’s proper assessment and whether he will be considered as a successful signing will depend heavily on his output on European nights, in particular in the knockout stages. The outlook seemed bleak as Higuain managed just three goals in Europe prior to his double against Monaco. Of those three goals, one was a penalty-kick against Lyon while the other two successful strikes came in the 4-0 and 2-0 wins against light-weight opposition in the form of Dinamo Zagreb. Hence, there was nothing to rave about and coupled with Higuain’s failure to find the back of the net against both Porto and Barcelona, the critics began to sharpen their pencils.
Even his start against Monaco was not very promising, he slipped once and failed to connect with a Dani Alves fierce cross-shot earlier in the game. It looked as if this would be another frustrating night for Higuain in Europe. However, the Argentina striker responded with great composure and timing not only to score the first goal but also seal the 2-0 win for the Bianconeri. Both goals required a single touch by El Pipita, highlighting his goal-scoring prowess and uncanny ability to find the back of the net when provided with the slightest of chances.
The first goal was one of the best one can hope for in terms of team play and the buildup leading to the goal, starting with goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon and with both Higuain and flying Brazilian full-back Alves playing a crucial role in its creation. The game highlights, particularly the two goals, underline how good Higuain’s finish and first-touch can be. You can check the link here for the game’s highlights and goals: Monaco 0-2 Juventus Highlights. Courtesy www.goalsarena.org
The question now is, will Higuain striker again in Turin? And will he be decisive if Juve reach the final in Cardiff? Expect the critics to keep questioning Higuain because that is the nature of the game. However, Higuain has at least one more opportunity, in Turin, to end the debate about his disappearing acts in big games!
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