Transfer Story
In fresh reports emerging from Barcelona, Paco Alcacer is strongly linked with a move to Premier League club, Leicester City. With Barcelona failing to sign Antoine Griezmann, it was expected that Paco would get to feature more regularly for the La Liga champions.
But things have changed in the last couple of days. The forward is now studying offers from various clubs and as of now, Leicester’s reported offer seems to be the one likely to be accepted by the 24-year old. He was strongly linked with Everton in January. But Barcelona were not willing to sell at such a crucial juncture in their season.
Player Stats
As many had expected, Paco failed to cement a first-team spot with Suarez leading the attack. He made 17 appearances in the La Liga last season. Out of which 8 were starts. The attacker managed to find the back of the net 4 times while notching up a further 3 assists.
In the Copa Del Rey, he had just 1 appearance where he came on a substitute but went on to score 2 goals thus adding further gloss to his goal scoring stats.
Alcacer’s Strengths, Weaknesses And Adaptability At Leicester City
Alcacer is a versatile player. He can operate almost anywhere across the final third and even in midfield. At Barcelona, he was played in various positions in the handful appearances which he made. He was even deployed in the right midfield position from where scored 2 goals while he appeared as a centre-forward as well as a left midfielder.
While this proves his versatility, we can also figure out to an extent why the particular move did not work out for the player.
He is a strong lad and is capable of holding on to the ball in the final third allowing his fellow teammates to join in the attack. His heading ability is also something which is going to come in handy if the move materialises.
But playing for a club like Leicester City in the high-octane Premier League, his involvement off the ball and his defensive contributions need to be addressed. While his finishing is clinical and his on the ball trickery and control is top-notch, teams tend to use the offside trap successfully against him. That is an area he has to improve with the Foxes preferring to play deep and operating mostly on the counter.
In the event that the transfer is successful, Paco’s partnership with Vardy will be the one to watch out for. He can play in a front two with Vardy or he can take one of the positions on the flanks.
Either way, this is a signing which can prove to be a game-changing one for Leicester in the upcoming season. And the fans and the board will hope the Spaniard can replicate Riyad Mahrez’s productivity in the final third.
Stats Courtesy: Whoscored