Burnley Opinion: Here’s why the Clarets should sign Lucas Pratto
Burnley looks like a team revived in recent weeks despite back-to-back defeats against Newcastle United and Crystal Palace.
The Clarets didn’t enjoy a good start to the 2018/19 season and were also knocked out of the Europa League group stages. After a fantastic 2017/18 campaign, Sean Dyche’s team struggled to get results that they should have got in the first few months of the season.
However, there is a renewed spirit in the team and the reason behind it is the sudden improvement in front of goal. Chris Wood and Ashley Barnes have started scoring goals for the Clarets of late, easing the pressure off Dyche’s shoulders and getting the team out of the relegation zone.
But summer signing Matej Vydra hasn’t contributed anything significant in his debut season at Turf Moor, managing just a single goal in nine Premier League games.
The Czech arrived at Burnley from Derby County after 22 goals in the Championship last season, however, he has proven to be a big flop.
Also with Sam Vokes exiting the club in January, Burnley
A product of Argentine outfit Defensores de Cambaceres, Lucas Pratto, 30, has spent his entire career playing in the South American continent barring a season in the Serie A with Genoa. The Argentine is a striker by trade but he has always been known for offering more than just goals.
Standing at 6ft 2in, Pratto falls into the category of forwards that are technically gifted with superb ball control and decent pace. He keeps exceptional close control in tight areas and excels in front of goal.
He has the ability to link up effectively and can hold the ball up well to bring his teammates into the game. The five-cap Argentina international can play anywhere across the frontline, which makes him tactically versatile as well.
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What makes Pratto standout is his selfless attitude and high work rate off the ball. The burly Argentinean is blessed with strength, physicality and aerial ability as a forward. He is also a threat from indirect set-piece situations and has a penchant for taking long shots.
Conclusion
Pratto would be an ideal buy for Burnley. Losing Vokes in the midst of the season was a big blow but it isn’t the end of the world for Dyche.
In Pratto, Dyche would get a like-for-like Vokes replacement, and would also boost Burnley’s attacking ranks ahead of next season. Hence, the Clarets should go all out to sign the powerful Argentine this summer.