Alvaro Morata is the Most Wanted Striker in Europe
By Ben Sundock
Alvaro Morata has been something of a “super sub” for Zinedine Zidane this season. The Real Madrid manager has used the 24 year-old Spanish striker mainly coming off the bench to replace Karim Benzema when a goal is needed. This phenomenal season for Morata and his lack of playing time have led to rumors about his future in Madrid. Ben Sundock tells you more about the potential Morata move.
When looking at Morata’s numbers, it would appear that he is the starter over Benzema in La Liga. He has scored 13 goals in 12 starts, 23 total appearances, 1,166 minutes of play.
These 13 goals and 4 assists in the league, are better than typical first choice striker Karim Benzema who has 9 goals and 4 assists, despite starting 21 games and playing for 1,720 minutes.
Safe to say, this is not the return to Madrid the 24 year-old Spaniard expected upon his return from Juventus this summer. After making a name for himself at the Serie A giants, Morata was expected to return to the Real Madrid lineup and put up big numbers.
He has delivered the numbers. He hasn’t been given the minutes.
Reports have indicated that Morata is unhappy with his continued off the bench role, and feels that the higher ups at the Bernabéu didn’t follow through with their promise of letting him challenge the already solidified first choice striker, Benzema, for his spot in the starting XI.
Morata has been tied with seemingly every big name club in Europe, with the most notable of the suitors being Chelsea and Manchester United. Chelsea manager Antonio Conte was in charge of Juventus for a time while Morata was with the club, leading many to believe the two will link back up in London.
Morata said in an interview just last month, “Conte is the manager who most ‘bet’ on me, without even ever having had me in his team.”
"“I feel indebted to him because he’s the coach that most trusted in me, most wanted me. And yet I’ve never had the fortune to actually work with him. I’m sure sooner or later I will.”"
Conte and Mourinho aren’t the only two managers who want to acquire Alvaro’s signature, as AS have said that nearly “half of Europe” want the striker. Morata and his agent are currently considering offers from eight teams across Europe, with the likes of AC Milan and Borussia Dortmund interested.
“I loved Italy but if one day I have to leave, I’m sure it will be to the Premier League,” Morata told The Guardian, making it seem like England will be the eventual landing spot for the 24 year-old.