- Aug 31, 2012
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What really surprised me was the highlighted part. Before watching a game I had only seen the standard youtube reals and you didn't really see his close ball manipulation in them. I was rather impressed with it like you point out, he was a lot more technical with the ball at his feet then I had assumed. The fact he's fairly comfortable on both feet is a big plus in this regard.I watched him a fair bit when I took an interest in Ashley Phillips last season.
I agree he'd probably start as depth for Sarr, then end up as a 6.
He doesn't have Bissouma's agility and explosiveness when beating the press, but his composure and footwork in tight spaces is very good from what I've seen.
He can take the ball on the half turn and exit with either foot and scans well. This makes it very difficult for opponents to read what he's going to do.
He'll draw opponents in and beat them with wit and guile, rather than raw physicality.
This will open up the pitch for us the way Ange loves from a 6.
With packed defences opponents choose not be drawn out to press him. In time he could be more effective than Bissouma against low blocks, as if they stand off him and sit deep it's like giving an elite set piece taker a free hit to pick out headers and runs in behind.
Defensively he needs work but he's tenacious, driven, and shows a high football IQ so I can see him being very coachable fairly quickly..
Would be a very astute purchase to complement what we have. I'd be delighted if we got him.
His work rate is a big plus for the 6 role. Statistically he does attempt a lot of tackles so the drive is obviously there its just about refinement. Also one would assume as he gets older he will fill out physically which would also help with the deeper role in the PL. Ether way I can see why one would be excited by him as a prospect for sure.