Mauricio Pochettino's complimentary verdict on Mauro Icardi goes some way to explaining just why Manchester United are reportedly interested in the Paris Saint-Germain striker.
Icardi, 29, has been linked with a move to Old Trafford this week as Erik ten Hag frantically searches for attacking recruits. The former Barcelona academy prospect has a fine CV - boasting 173 goals at senior club level - even though he has rarely been the main man up front since leaving Inter Milan for PSG in 2019.
The Argentine has won five major honours during his three seasons in the French capital but new manager Christophe Galtier views him as surplus to requirements. Icardi has just under two years remaining on his contract but could face the prospect of expulsion from the first-team fold if he fails to find a new club before the transfer deadline at the start of September.
This could play into United's hands and Icardi appears open to joining the Red Devils in search of a new challenge. Many fans might view this late interest as a panic move by Old Trafford chiefs after an underwhelming window, but Pochettino's comments on Icardi suggest he would have plenty to offer Ten Hag.
"He surely wants to play more and be more of a star in a team, but every player here is important," Pochettino said of Icardi in December 2021, while he was still in charge at the Parc des Princes.
"His characteristics make him a killer in the final few metres of the pitch. He is the kind of player that every team needs." Icardi has scored 38 times in his 92 appearances for PSG, although just four of those goals came last season.
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Those recent numbers are hardly eye-catching for a centre-forward - especially one tipped to play for United - yet Galtier remains intent on finding Icardi a new club in order to trim down his bloated squad. PSG have a wealth of options in attack after signing Hugo Ekitike on an initial loan from Reims, adding to a forward line which includes Lionel Messi, Neymar and Kylian Mbappe.
"I told him [Icardi] that I want to reduce the size of the squad and not work with 25 outfield players," Galtier told reporters this week. "The club is working closely with Mauro to find the best possible solution. He's had very little game time and I think it would be best for him to get back up and running."
