Why Paris Saint-Germain Will Miss the Reliable Ezequiel Lavezzi When He's Gone

As Pedro Rodriguez’s move from Barcelona to Chelsea proved this summer, you can only go on being the reliable deputy for so long.

Of course, the Spain international’s case is an extreme one.

IAN KINGTON/Getty Images

He came up through the ranks at Barca and ended up scoring 99 goals for the first team, winning pretty much every honour available along the way and playing a large role in the collection of those trophies, but there was always a sense that he was filling in for someone in the Barca attack. When Luis Suarez and Neymar’s sparks flew alongside Lionel Messi, there was only one thing for it.

Pedro’s departure might not seem as though it will unduly affect the Barca first team when everyone is fit and available, but behind the scenes, they’ll certainly miss him. That is a feeling that looks like being repeated in Paris next summer when Ezequiel Lavezzi leaves for pastures new.

Although nowhere near as connected to his club as Pedro was, Lavezzi will have been in the French capital for four seasons come the end of this campaign, one he started with a goal seven minutes after coming on for Zlatan Ibrahimovic in the 3-0 win over Monaco just before the international break.

Jean Catuffe/Getty Images

The strike was by no means an indicator that Lavezzi is prolific—his 33 goals in 139 appearances hardly likely to get the Paris Saint-Germain statisticians hot under the collar—but it was another reminder of his usefulness to Laurent Blanc.

At a time when Ibrahimovic is picking up injuries as he nears veteran status, Edinson Cavani could occasionally do with some protection as possibly the best forward in Ligue 1 and the youngsters Jean-Kevin Augustin and Hervin Ongenda are a little raw, Lavezzi’s contributions could be crucial to PSG’s hopes in 2015/16, when he’ll be donning the shirt for the last time.

He told Telefoot (h/t Goal):

"

I think that this will be my last year with Paris Saint-Germain and I want to end it in the best way possible.

I could have left this summer, but I wanted to stay because I believe in this team. I have had some difficulties to get into the team, but the competition for places motivates me.

Some important players have arrived and the team is even stronger than last year.

"

One of those important players is Angel Di Maria, and you suspect that the former Manchester United man will benefit from having his fellow Argentinian around for a season as he gets used to life in Paris. His assist for Lavezzi’s goal against Monaco suggested the feeling is mutual.

With the Champions League again to be negotiated and progress in the domestic competitions doubtless on the agenda, Lavezzi is certain to get his fair share of game time over the coming season, but now he's 30, he is certainly not going to rock the boat if Blanc doesn’t select him.

Perennially linked in the press with moves to the likes of Liverpool, such as here in the Daily Express, and Tottenham Hotspur, reported by Metro, it remains to be seen what Lavezzi’s next move will be.

Jean Catuffe/Getty Images

The former Napoli man could hold out for one more big move in Europe, or he could follow the example set by compatriot Carlos Tevez this summer and decide the time is right for him to move back to Argentina, perhaps to the San Lorenzo club he spent three seasons with before moving to Italy in 2007.

If that is the case, then European football will miss him—PSG certainly will.

They might remain the club linked with wild rumours, such as £110 million bids for Cristiano Ronaldo, reported by Globo Esporte (via the Independent), but they have always had room for a player such as Lavezzi. Most clubs do.

They are the faithful squad players you know you can rely on and end up missing when they’re gone.