When it comes to Mauro Icardi, it’s advisable to take the rough with the smooth.
Take 15 October 2017, for instance. Almost four years ago, as Inter took on bitter rivals AC Milan in a thrilling Serie A derby, we saw both sides of this enigmatic number nine.
Icardi barely kicked a ball all game. In fact, he was anonymous for 87 of the 90 minutes at the San Siro. Not that it mattered in the end.
Because Icardi then won the game almost single-handedly, dispatching a ruthless hat-trick complete with nerveless, stoppage-time penalty as Inter triumphed 3-2.
And that’s Icardi in a nutshell. Give him a chance and he’ll take it. But if you want a striker who’ll run the channel, hassle and harry, and link the play in the final third, Icardi’s not the man for you.
Something for Tottenham to consider, then, with L’Equipe reporting the London giants hope to lure the £35 million-rated poacher from Paris Saint-Germain.
Given the Argentina international has started just four of the last 14 Ligue 1 matches, it’s difficult to imagine Mauricio Pochettino – who has often preferred the hard-running Moise Kean in attack – putting up too much of a fight.
With 167 career strikes in 312 games, Icardi guarantees goals. But can Tottenham justify the inclusion of a striker who, when he’s leading the line, often leaves you feeling like you’re playing with ten men?
“I’m very impressed with Mauro Icardi,” then-PSG boss Thomas Tuchel said during the 28-year-old’s debut season at the Parc des Princes, a campaign in which he hit the net 20 times.
“The guy is super reliable and very professional. He understands football tactically, works defensively and is very efficient. His work and reliability for the team is very impressive – but I don’t want to talk about the purchase option.”
“Very efficient” is the most accurate description of Icardi you could ever wish to see.
But is that what Tottenham want – or need? A centre-forward who does nothing but put the ball in the back of the net?
It works if you’ve got a Neymar or Angel Di Maria laying on tap-ins every week. Spurs are hardly prolific chance creators and the fact Harry Kane has had to sacrifice his centre-forward role to become a ‘half-nine, half-ten’, a predator-turned-playmaker, it’s hard to imagine how Icardi fits in.
As PSG limped out of the Champions League after their 2-0 defeat to Manchester City, Icardi mustered 16 touches and a grand total of zero shots in the semi-final second leg.
For every stunning hat-trick – like the one that broke Milan hearts four years ago – there will be a performance of anonymity.
As we said, rough with the smooth.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
