- Jul 5, 2013
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I don't think he would have the space he is used too, coming from the 4-3-1-2 of PSG, playing behind the strikers. If he could slot into the LW quickly I could see it.
He is best utilised as a traditional trequartista in the hole imho.
The problem with Pastore imo is not the space (or lack thereof), it's the fact he's been plugged into every imaginable formation (IIRC, Ancelotti & Kombouare both experimented with every single system in the book) within a 2-season time-frame at PSG.
Kombouare used him anywhere from DM to even a CF, in a 3-5-2, 4-5-1 variations, defensive version of 4-3-3, and others. Then Ancelotti came in and employed him at RW, LW, CAM, and CF as well (all those in variations of 4-4-2 dbl 6, 4-2-3-1, 4-3-2-1 X-Mas Tree as well as 4-3-1-2, and so on and so forth.
So essentially, not only did Pastore not get used to any type of stable system, but his playing time constantly fluctuated too. Ancelotti initially often brought him in after 80th min. just as a pure relief sub.
But still, El Flaco (Pastore) managed to do fairly well all things considering. He seems to excel especially during UEFA comps (CL & EL), so perhaps more open play does affect him a bit (as you alluded to just a bit), but I think it's also an issue of motivation perhaps? I am not sure, but what I do know is he is an extremely talented playmaker, and when he is on - he is on till the break o dawn!
COYS