Nice striker Mario Balotelli believes there is not comparison between Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Edinson Cavani as the latter is better with his individual attributes. Ibrahimovic was Les Parisiens’ leading goal-getter prior to his departure during the summer of 2016, and Cavani has since surpassed the feat whilst commanding a regular role in the centre-forward position.
Ahead of Nice’s Ligue 1 clash versus Paris Saint-Germain, Balotelli was asked whether Cavani is a better player when compared to Ibrahimovic to which he replied: “You cannot compare Ibrahimovic with Cavani. Zlatan is better, even if I have a lot of respect for Cavani who is the best player in Ligue 1 because he scores a lot of goals. But Zlatan is in a whole different dimension.”
Obviously, it is difficult to compare players who were playing in different areas of the field. Whilst Ibrahimovic was leading the line for Les Parisiens, Cavani had to mostly contend with either a wider or number 10 role which hampered his chances of scoring more regularly. Now without Zlatan, the Uruguay international has transformed into one of Europe’s deadliest strikers, though he does have the tendency to spur chances.
Paris Saint-Germain brought in the likes of Neymar and Kylian Mbappe to enhance their chances of winning the Champions League this term, but things did not go as planned during the round of 16 stage, where they downed by holders Real Madrid across two legs. Since then, there has been plenty of talk of Cavani leaving Parc des Princes amid suggestions that he is still upset with the on-field spat with Neymar regarding a penalty earlier in the season.
Chelsea and Manchester United have been among the high-profile clubs credited with an interest, but it would not come as a surprise, if Cavanisignals his interest to re-join Napoli, where he made his name as a top-class marksman.