After months of speculation about Alvaro Morata’s club future, Real Madrid have reportedly decided not to sell the striker this summer.
The Alvaro Morata saga looked to be going the distance after initial reports stated that he could be sold at a profit to a Premier League club. Arsenal and Chelsea appeared to be front-runners in the chase for the striker, but according to Rubén Jiménez of Marca, the Los Blancos have decided to keep hold of the striker for the upcoming season.
It was understood that Chelsea made the first step in order to seal the striker’s signature, as they tabled a bid worth €60 million for Morata. However, Real Madrid rejected the offer made by the Premier League side on Saturday, and reportedly made it clear that the striker was not for sale.
Alvaro Morata will remain a Real Madrid player this season, according to @marca. pic.twitter.com/wjfcullnvM
— Bleacher Report UK (@br_uk) July 9, 2016
The interest in the striker is understandable as he is on the back of a good European Championship performance. He scored three goals for the Spanish national side, and could have been challenging for the Golden Boot if his side was not knocked out in the Round of 16. Even in the recently concluded Serie A season, the 22-year old scored 7 goals and assisted 7 and started in only 16 matches for Juventus. He was often used as an impact-sub, and given Real Madrid’s current attacking force, it might be more of the same for the prolific striker.
How does Morata fare compared to the Real Madrid strikers?
When compared to the likes of Karim Benzema, Lucas Vazquez and Jese Rodriguez, Morata’s frailties are clear. When goals per 90 minutes are considered, Morata only averaged 0.42, while Los Blancos’ talisman Karim Benzema managed to average more than one goal. Even in the assists category, Morata is a disappointing third, as Jese’s influence off the bench sees his tally at 0.62.
The former Juventus striker ranks a dismal fourth when shot accuracy and chances created are to be considered. It is essential for every attacker to be potent in front of goal and create chances for his teammates, but unfortunately Morata does not seem up to the mark.
The only thing that works in his favour is the number of aerial duels he wins (0.97). However, if Morata is to challenge for a regular starting role, he would have to improve his performance considerably.
