Why Edinson Cavani Will Be the PSG Player to Watch in 2016

As a club, Paris Saint-Germain have one goal for the first half of 2016, which is progressing in the UEFA Champions League. To do that, they will need all their big-name signings to perform to the best of their ability—especially Edinson Cavani.

Ignore the 10 goals he has scored in Ligue 1 this season, they mean little to a team that is 19 points clear at the top of the table. There is a good chance they would still be there without him.

2016 will be a huge year for the Uruguayan striker, and the next five months will determine whether or not the 28-year-old finishes the new year in the French capital.

Ever since he made the €64 million move from Napoli in 2012, the spotlight has fallen on Cavani, and at times he has met expectations, but, frustratingly, most of the time he leaves the PSG fans wanting more.

The biggest criticism towards the forward has come in the Champions League. Too often he needs numerous good chances before finding the net. Something that isn’t quite as noticeable in league games, but when chances are at a premium, Cavani, all too often, fails to hit the mark.

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During the current European campaign, the former Palermo striker has only scored once. That isn’t good enough for a club that is looking to progress to at least the semi-finals, and if he can’t show more of a cutting edge in the final third, Cavani might find himself on the move next summer.

It was expected that, with Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s contract up in the summer, the easy option was to keep the Uruguayan and build the attack around him, however, if PSG extend the Swede’s stay, it could see them cut their losses and move their No. 9 on in the summer.

Recently, the frustrating side of Cavani has shone through. Against Troyes at the end of November, he opened the scoring in a 4-1 victory, but looked less than impressed when Blanc removed him with 10 minutes to go.

"Cavani wasn't very happy, I can confirm that," Blanc told the press after the game, per Sky Sports. "But they are never happy, and I can understand that.

"If established players have no motivation, we will play young people. They will be happy to play, but I think the established players that I have are currently serious."

There have been calls for Blanc to drop Cavani for the likes of Lucas Moura or Jean-Kevin Augustin, but the passion he displayed showed that the striker cares, yet, it doesn’t stop him from frustrating in games where he should shine.

Against Saint-Etienne in the Coupe de la Ligue, Cavani eventually scored the winner in the 1-0 win, but before the goal there were a few moments that left PSG fans with their heads in their hands.

One chance saw the Uruguayan spoon the ball over the bar—then a mix up with Layvin Kurzawa had the striker swinging at fresh air—where he should have taken charge and tucked away a great chance.

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His volleyed finish displayed the superb ability he possesses, but it either comes after too many missed chances, or when the game is already wrapped up.

The Guardian newspaper on Wednesday, linked Cavani with a £47 million move to Arsenal. There has to be a belief that if a club did offer that amount of money this winter, PSG would have to consider the deal.

It is more likely he will remain in Paris until the summer, but if his performances and conversion rate don’t improve in 2016, there is a very good chance he won’t be a PSG player come the 2016/17 season.