On Sunday, Manchester United’s Edinson Cavani turns 34 and is most definitely in the twilight of his career. But yet, you wouldn’t think it looking at his performances at Old Trafford so far.
Since joining on a free transfer on deadline day, the Uruguayan international has netted seven goals for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side and has even managed to oust Anthony Martial to become United's first-choice striker.
There’s also talk of him getting a contract extension, something Solskajer hinted he wouldn’t be against: "At the moment, it looks like he has a few years left in him," Solskjaer said on Boxing Day. "So I wouldn’t say anything else. He has made a great impact when he has come here. Let’s focus on improving everyone but he has a few years left in him."
Averaging 0.49 goals and attempting 2.23 shots per 90, it’s understandable why Cavani’s attacking output continues to be his most appealing virtue. He’s a thorn in the side of most opposition defences he faces and a constant goal threat for United.
Yet, what’s equally understated and perhaps largely under-appreciated is his hard work off the ball for the team.
This point is captured in the below visualisation which highlights the output of Premier League forwards in terms of pressures and tackles attempted inside the attacking third on a per 90 basis.
As we can see, Cavani ranks second of the group in terms of tackles attempted, and fourth for the highest number of pressures attempted.
Given the former PSG forward’s age, contract position and rich goalscoring history, it would be understandable if his work off the ball proved to be fairly unremarkable when compared against his peers.
Yet, to rank amongst the very best in these two departments is a testament to his own desire and willingness to help the team in every way possible.
As each week passes, his recruitment by the club looks to have been an excellent piece of business and you wouldn’t bet against him staying beyond the end of this current campaign.
