Why Cavani Refuses to Allow Neymar to Take Penalties

Introduction

The French football community was recently abuzz with rumors and discussions revolving around why Edinson Cavani, the veteran striker of Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), consistently refuses to allow his teammate Neymar to take penalties. This article aims to unravel the multifaceted reasons behind this decision and explore the dynamics within the PSG squad.

PSG Leadership and Cavani's Dominance

After the departure of Zlatan Ibrahimovi?, Cavani has emerged as the face of PSG's attack for the past three seasons. In this time, he has not only produced an exceptional goal-scoring record but has also been the leading lights in numerous matches. As a result, he has been the club's most valuable frontman, overshadowing other talents such as ángel Di María and Julian Draxler. His 49 goals in 50 appearances for PSG last season put him in the league of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, roles that are often associated with the most prolific strikers in world football.

Premier League Goal-Streak: Among his 49 goals, 35 came in 36 league matches, contributing significantly to Ligue 1's top scorer award for the 2016-17 season. Imagine being in Cavani's shoes, where you've waited three years to establish yourself as PSG's top striker, only to be asked to defer to a new player.

Seniority and Authority

Cavani notably had to endure a long wait to become PSG's primary attacking threat. His contract with Napoli ended in 2013, and it was not until Ibrahimovi? left that he began to shine. This ties into the idea of senior players asserting their authority and maintaining their status within a team. Cavani could reasonably argue that he deserves the right to make strategic decisions, including penalty takers.

Power Dynamics: With a solid three-year tenure, Cavani can rightfully feel that he has earned the right to call the shots. His patience and performance have paved the way for him, making any advice from teammates less compelling. Cavani would naturally want to protect his own interests and ensure that his long-term contributions are not compromised by newer players.

Striker Ego and Selfish Motivation

The nature of the striker position often involves ego and personal ambition. Strikers crave goals and often refuse to share the spotlight, as it is their area of expertise. Cavani falls into this category, and he is likely to resist any attempts to endorse a new player simply because he wishes to maximize his own goal tallies.

Goal-Hungry Attitude: Even Radamel Falcao, PSG's Colombian striker, is in the mix for the top goal scorer in Ligue 1, creating natural competition. Cavani's contract may contain a clause for a significant bonus if he claims the top spot, which could be one of the driving forces behind his decision to guard his penalty-taking role.

Contract Clauses and Financial Incentives

A recent theory suggests that Cavani’s contract includes a clause granting him a €1 million bonus if he finishes the season as the top scorer. This clause adds an extra layer of personal motivation for Cavani to ensure he keeps penalty duties to himself, especially when weighed against Neymar's newness to the team and potential lack of experience in high-pressure situations.

Team Contract Insights: A similar clause might also be present in Neymar's contract. This could create an interesting dynamic between the two, with both players fighting for the top goal scorer and penalty taker status. It highlights the competitive nature within the squad and the importance of individual performance.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the decision by Cavani to dole out penalties to himself rather than Neymar is a reflection of his seniority, ego, and personal ambitions. In a multi-faceted football environment, such decisions can have significant implications for team dynamics and individual performance. The media and fans have a role in understanding these dynamics, promoting respect for all players, and supporting the team as a whole.