Overview
Javier Pastore, born on June 20, 1989, in Córdoba, Argentina, is a professional footballer primarily operating as an attacking midfielder. Known for his elegant and creative style of play, Pastore has carved out a career across top European leagues, most notably in Italy's Serie A and France's Ligue 1. Standing at 1.87 meters, his physical presence combined with his technical prowess has allowed him to influence games from central attacking positions, often dictating the tempo and providing crucial assists.
Position
Pastore's primary role is that of an attacking midfielder, often deployed as a number 10. He excels in the space between the opposition's midfield and defense, where his vision and passing range can be fully utilized. While predominantly right-footed, his ability to use both feet effectively in tight spaces makes him a versatile threat. He has also been deployed on the wings or in a deeper central midfield role, though his most impactful performances typically come when given the freedom to create in advanced areas.
Identity
Pastore's footballing identity is characterized by his flair, technical ability, and exquisite ball control. He is often described as a 'regista' or a 'trequartista' due to his capacity to orchestrate attacks and unlock defenses with incisive passes. His ability to glide past opponents with subtle body feints and intelligent movement has made him a fan favorite at several clubs. Despite sometimes being criticized for inconsistency, his moments of brilliance and ability to produce game-changing plays have defined his career.
Career path
Javier Pastore's football journey began in his native Argentina, progressing through youth ranks before making his mark in senior football.
Talleres and Huracán
Pastore started his youth career at Talleres in Córdoba, a club with a significant history in Argentine football. He made his professional debut with Talleres in 2007. Following this, he moved to Huracán in 2008, where he began to gain significant attention for his performances in the Argentine Primera División. During his time at Huracán, particularly in the 2009 Clausura tournament, his creative displays caught the eye of European scouts, leading to speculation about a move abroad.
Palermo
In the summer of 2009, Pastore made his move to Europe, joining Italian Serie A club Palermo for a reported fee of around €4.7 million (Transfermarkt). His tenure at Palermo was instrumental in establishing his reputation on the European stage. He quickly adapted to Italian football, showcasing his dribbling, passing, and goal-scoring abilities. His standout season came in 2010-2011, where he scored 11 goals in 35 Serie A appearances (FBref), attracting interest from several top clubs.
Paris Saint-Germain
In 2011, Pastore became one of the first high-profile signings for the new Qatari ownership at Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), moving for a fee reported to be around €42 million (Transfermarkt). His arrival signaled PSG's ambitious project to become a European powerhouse. Over seven seasons with the Parisian club, Pastore played a significant role in their domestic dominance, winning multiple Ligue 1 titles, Coupe de France, Coupe de la Ligue, and Trophée des Champions. He made over 260 appearances for PSG across all competitions (Wikipedia), contributing goals and assists and often providing moments of individual brilliance.
Roma and Elche
In 2018, Pastore returned to Italy, joining AS Roma for approximately €24.7 million (Transfermarkt). His time in Rome was largely affected by injuries, limiting his impact and appearances. Despite flashes of his former self, he struggled to maintain consistent fitness. Following his departure from Roma in 2021, Pastore moved to Spanish La Liga side Elche CF, where he spent a season before moving to Qatar with Qatar SC and then to Penarol in Uruguay.
Playing style
Javier Pastore's playing style is characterized by a blend of technical elegance, creative vision, and an ability to operate effectively in the final third. As an attacking midfielder, his primary strengths lie in his ball control, dribbling, and passing range.
He possesses exceptional close control, allowing him to navigate congested midfield areas and retain possession under pressure. This enables him to draw defenders and open up space for teammates. His dribbling style is often described as fluid and graceful, utilizing subtle feints and changes of pace rather than explosive bursts, akin to players like Mesut Özil or even a young Kaká in their ability to glide past opponents (Sofascore).
Pastore's passing is another significant attribute. He has a keen eye for a killer pass, capable of splitting defenses with through balls or delivering precise crosses from wider positions. His vision allows him to spot runs that others might miss, making him a central figure in orchestrating attacking movements. He often operates as a 'trequartista' – an advanced playmaker who links midfield with attack, providing the creative spark. While not known for his prolific goal-scoring, he has a decent shot from outside the box and the composure to finish chances when presented.
Defensively, Pastore's work rate has sometimes been a point of discussion. While he contributes to pressing, his primary value lies in his offensive contributions. His role typically involves initiating attacks and creating opportunities rather than acting as a defensive shield. His height (1.87m) also gives him an aerial presence, though it's not a dominant aspect of his game. Overall, Pastore is a classic number 10, relying on intelligence, technique, and creativity to dictate play and unlock opposition defenses.
Achievements & honours
Javier Pastore has accumulated a significant collection of team trophies, primarily during his successful tenure with Paris Saint-Germain.
Club Honours
| Competition | Club | Year(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Ligue 1 | Paris Saint-Germain | 2012–13, 2013–14, 2014–15, 2015–16, 2017–18 |
| Coupe de France | Paris Saint-Germain | 2014–15, 2015–16, 2016–17, 2017–18 |
| Coupe de la Ligue | Paris Saint-Germain | 2013–14, 2014–15, 2015–16, 2016–17, 2017–18 |
| Trophée des Champions | Paris Saint-Germain | 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 |
Individual Awards
- Serie A Young Player of the Year: 2010
While his individual accolades are fewer, his impact on PSG's rise to domestic dominance is undeniable. He was a key figure in the squad that brought consistent success to the Parisian club, establishing them as the premier team in French football during his time there (Wikipedia).
International career
Javier Pastore has represented the Argentina national team, often referred to as La Albiceleste, on the international stage. His debut for the senior national team came in 2009, and he went on to earn a number of caps throughout his career.
Pastore was part of the Argentina squad for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, though his involvement was limited (FIFA). He also featured prominently in several Copa América tournaments. He was a key player for Argentina in the 2015 Copa América, where Argentina reached the final but ultimately lost to Chile. His performances in that tournament showcased his ability to link play and create chances for the prolific Argentine attack.
He was also included in the squad for the Copa América Centenario in 2016, where Argentina again reached the final, only to be defeated by Chile once more. Despite his talent, Pastore often faced stiff competition for a starting spot in a national team rich with attacking talent, including Lionel Messi, Ángel Di María, and Sergio Agüero. His role for Argentina was typically that of a creative midfielder, tasked with unlocking defenses and providing assists. While he did not lift a major trophy with Argentina, his contributions to the national team over several years were valuable, and he provided moments of skill and creativity whenever called upon.
What makes Javier Pastore stand out
Javier Pastore's standout qualities revolve around his exceptional technical proficiency and elegant playmaking. His ability to control the ball in tight spaces, execute intricate passes, and carry the ball gracefully through midfield sets him apart. He possesses a rare combination of physical stature and delicate touch, allowing him to shield the ball effectively before releasing it with precision.
One of his signature traits is the 'no-look pass' or the ability to deliver a decisive ball while appearing to look elsewhere, disorienting defenders. His vision to spot teammates' runs and his composure under pressure in the attacking third are consistently high-level. While injuries have impacted his consistency, his peak performances often demonstrated a unique blend of flair and tactical intelligence that few players possess.
"Pastore is a player who can do anything with the ball. He has an incredible touch and vision." - Carlo Ancelotti