Cavani and Ibrahimovic – Cynosaurs at Old Trafford

Cavani vs Zlatan

Manchester United’s transfer business was capped off with the arrival of Edinson Cavani. The fanbase were left with a sour taste at club’s failure to sign Jadon Sancho nor Ousmane Dembele. Cavani had been recruited on deadline day following his departure from Paris Saint Germain. Ibrahimovic joined the club in similar circumstances in 2016, having also left PSG as a free agent.

Paris-Beginning of a New Era:

Zlatan was heading for a new journey at Paris in 2012 after having a Splendid spell at AC Milan. He was the first superstar signing of PSG’s new era, which had begun the previous year when the club was brought by a Qatar’s sovereign wealth fund. Zlatan faced multiple short spanned injuries in his 4 year spell. He appeared in total of 180 Games, scoring a record 156 Goals ,assisting 60. He fired PSG to their first Ligue1 title in 2013-the club’s first since 1994. They would repeat the feat in each of the three seasons followed. Zlatan finished as Ligue1’s top scorer in three of his 4 seasons. He got a remarkable haul of 50 goals in 51 games across all competitions in his farewell campaign. Zlatan left with a haul  of 12 domestic silverware in his 4 years. [4 x Ligue 1, 3 x French Cup, 3 x French Super Cup, 2 x Coupe De France]

Cavani joined the French Champions from Napoli in the summer of 2013 for a record 64 million euros. He was often injured in his spell of 7 years at the club. By the end of his term he had played in total of 301 Games, scoring 200 Goals, highest for the French side breaking the previous record set by Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Cavani was named Ligue 1 ‘player of the year’ for the 2016-17 season. He won consecutive golden boots in 2016-18. He won a whopping 22 domestic silverware during his time in Paris. [ 7 x French Super Cup, 6 x Ligue 1, 5 x French League Cup, 4 x Coupe de France].

Zlatan and Cavani – Style of Play:

Zlatan is a versatile player. His ability to both create and score goals for the team enable him of playing anywhere along the front line. Ibrahimovic is a powerful and accurate striker of the ball with either feet. An accurate finisher with his head as well as feet.He gets an advantage in aerial duels from his height. Zlatan is uncommonly agile for a player with his large stature. His athleticism and ability in air enables him to score several goals from acrobatic strikes and volleys. He retains possession and links up with other players. Zlatan is an excellent sprinter who can clock speeds of over 30km/h in his 30s.

Cavani possesses an excellent first touch, intelligent movement off the ball and clinical finishing. He primarily plays as a centre forward or as a main striker. Regarded highly for his ability to create space for his teammates, tireless work rate, energy across the pitch and his willingness to track back and help his team defensively.

Personality Impact:

Zlatan’s strong mentality, leadership, longevity, professionalism and dedication in training; highly praised by his managers and teammates. Known for his extroverted and highly competitive personality and criticised in the media for his arrogance, aggression and rebellious character and lack of discipline on the pitch.

Cavani has the taste of simple things. He is passionate about the game but avoided the limelight. To avoid fans and media he would attend the ball in the French Capital. Cavani has a spiritual image contradicts the generalization of what a sports person is. Edinson Cavani is humble despite his achievements with club and country.

Cavani has a role to fulfil:

Zlatan joined the Red Devils in the summer of 2016. The Swedish forward made headlines aplenty during his two years at the Old Trafford; during which he appeared 53 games, scoring 29 goals and assisting 10. Zlatan became the oldest player to manage at least 15 goals in a single Premier League Season at the age of 35 years and 125 days. He scored 28 times across all competitions during a  formidable debut season. His second campaign became disrupted due to the injury sustained the season before. However United were still able to clinch three trophies, including the Europa League before his exit.

Cavani appeared for 21 games, starting 11, scoring 7 and assisting 1 across all competitions in his final season with Paris. He featured less after the Inclusions of star studded signings of Neymar, Mbappe, Icardi and his frequent injuries. United may not be signing the player at the peak of his powers, they will be signing a player to do the job professionally and will expect him to emulate Zlatan’s feat for the struggling Manchester United.

Author: Aditya Desai