With the recent departure of German international Lukas Podolski, and the imminent loan departure of Yaya Sanogo, many Arsenal fans have put forward the need for a new striker. Reports going back as early as November have claimed Arsene Wenger has an ongoing interest in Palermo striker Paulo Dybala.
The young Argentine hotshot is becoming an increasingly promising talent, and is currently the 2nd top scorer in Serie A – behind fellow national compatriot Carlos Tevez. It is form like this, and Dybala’s style of play which has led to him being touted as ‘The Next Sergio Agüero’, no pressure kid.
At 21 years of age it’s fair to say Dybala has some maturing to do, he’s by no means the finished article yet, but he has an extreme level of potential that could lead him to be a top player. So what are his strengths? Well as it stands, Dybala has scored 9 goals and 6 assists, nobody in Serie A has more goals and assists combined. For his age he has exceptional finishing ability and is capable of rifling the ball into the net with immense power – much like Lukas Podolski can do. He is also a very creative player (demonstrated by his 6 assists), he has the ability to beat players with his pace and incorporate his teammates regularly. Similar to Sergio Agüero, he is very robust on the ball and shows great strength and balance when challenged. He will try to stay on his feet at all times, which exemplifies his typically tenacious South American attitude, an attitude Arsenal fans have welcomed in the form of Alexis Sanchez.
So what are Dybala’s weaknesses? Well like most left-footed players, he is extremely one-sided. Although at times showing that he can use his right foot, Dybala in most situations will always favour his left. In Serie A he seems to be doing pretty well, but in the Barclays Premier League where anticipation is a focal point of defending, he might risk becoming too predictable in his play. With that said he is only 21 years old and has more than enough time to develop his weaker foot.
Furthermore at 5ft 9 inches he is not the tallest of players, but by no means the shortest either. He has shown on occasion a fantastic leap to get up above the ball and can head in goals when required. But generally, he is a player who likes the ball at his feet with the view of running in behind or going past players to score.
In terms of Arsenal’s interest it is still too early to know whether it is serious, but with Dybala continuing to impress and Arsenal’s fresh need for a striker, he would certainly be a viable option. Whether it be operating on the left flank or straight down the middle he has the potential to be an extremely good player and has his best years ahead of him. A player definitely worth keeping an eye on no doubt.
