Joaquin Panichelli – Argentina CF Factory’s Latest Prodigy

Strasbourg’s start to the season powered by Joaquin Panichelli’s goal-scoring keeps them a boat with PSG at the top as they draw 3-3, thanks to Panichelli’s brace

Joaquin Panichelli vs PSG – 2 Goals

Back to back braces for Strasbourg puts Joaquin Panichelli up the pecking order as Ligue 1’s top scorer in the opening 8 games – 7 goals in 7 starts. The summer signing for the French club has been doing exceptionally well in the absence of club captain Emanuel Emegha as a CF.

After a humble start to his career at River Plate in Argentina, he moved abroad to sign a contract with Deportivo Alavés in Spain’s Segunda División. Notably, the season after, he made his La Liga debut – replacing Samu Omordion in a 3-1 home loss to FC Barcelona.

The French side bought the services of Panichelli’s talent after scouting him in his loan spell at CD Mirandés last season, where he finished with 21 goals overall – being the club’s top scorer. Not taken him too long to write headlines as the adjustment period has been quick.

Player Profile

Standing at 6’2, Panichelli can act as a poacher in the box to any aerial output that’s put his way. The timing of leaps is something that’s eye catching. The instinctual positioning, jump and connection of header can see him get the better of defenders, even in unfavourable situations of a cross being put in.

The presence in the box is undeniable, not only can he come at the end of chances with his positioning but he can also pick out plenty of shots with a more than decent finishing ability under his belt. He’s averaging 3.33 shots with 1.88 on target per90 – keeping him in a higher echelon compared to U23 CFs.

Averaging 3.33 recoveries and 1.59x possession won in the final third, it tell you about his utilisation at Strasbourg as a press magnet. He’s also shown understanding as a hold up/link up heavy CF – the dropping deep, skilfully distributing play with good balance, backs the insight.

Not the most aesthetic CF on the market that’ll be the maverick – the ideal scenario of a good finisher + a dribbler but he has some very good offensive IQ in dealing with pressure physically. A good balance to grow either as a poacher (fox in the box), target man or even as a deep lying forward who can combine play and connect the attack.