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Manchester United desperately need to improve their midfield options.
Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro played in the middle of the park for most of the season, but that partnership was recently broken due to the Portuguese’s injury.
Kobbie Mainoo’s untimely injury has left United particularly short on depth, with Manuel Ugarte and Jack Fletcher playing key minutes over the Christmas period.
Transfer links
Naturally, United are keen to strengthen their midfield and have been linked with numerous Premier League stars such as Carlos Baleba, Elliot Anderson and Adam Wharton.
There have also been links to other midfielders, such as 18-year-old Ayyoub Bouaddi, who currently plays for LOSC Lille. The French midfielder would be the perfect option for United, and there are several reasons for this.
Age profile
Ineos has made a point of signing numerous young starlets since taking control of the football club.
Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven are examples of young players who have recently been signed and have already made a big impression in the first team, with Chido Obi on the fringes. The signings of Paraguayan Diego Leon and Colombian Cristian Orozco also highlight the club’s new philosophy, and Bouaddi fits this mold very well.
Flexible
United have numerous problems in midfield, both offensively and defensively.
One of the aspects of Bouaddi’s game that is so special is that he is comfortable filling a variety of midfield roles. He is classified as someone who can play as a defensive midfielder, but is also perfectly capable of playing further forward as more of an eight or even a number ten.
This tactical flexibility is always welcome, but especially if manager Ruben Amorim’s words are true that the team will be more tactically fluid in the future.
Passing range
Without Bruno Fernandes, an obvious limitation in United’s midfield is a lack of passing ability. In this respect, Casemiro and Ugarte fall well below the standards you would expect from a Manchester United player.
Bouaddi is “a technically secure player with excellent long passing ability and who has the awareness to spot players in space in advanced areas. As a deep-lying playmaker, he can pick out a number of quality passes to create cutbacks and create scoring opportunities.”
He has also been described as one “deep orchestrator” of the game whose “playmaking skills and composure under pressure allow him to remain calm under pressure and even though he is still a teenager, he shows great football IQ (anticipation, decision-making and vision) when picking out passes.”
Working rate
An essential part of playing in Amorim’s midfield is the player’s ability to run for days.
This is something United are missing with Fernandes, Casemiro and Mainoo in the middle of the park. Bouaddi’s long limbs, high work rate and keen anticipation allow him to intercept passes and break up play effectively, buzzing around the pitch to disrupt his opponent.
Defensive work
However, the teenager is much more than just a runner. In addition, he is very good in duels and can use his physicality, an indispensable skill in the Premier League.
Scouts have described him as “his tackling is precise, often winning the ball cleanly from awkward angles and counter-pressing to regain possession – just what you want from a ball winner.”
“His defensive awareness, sublime work rate and tackling skills have made the player a key player in the quest to regain possession high up the pitch. His ability to cover ground and provide defensive support epitomizes the tenacity of a modern midfielder.”
This is exactly what Amorim wants in a midfielder, and his play should transfer comfortably to the Premier League.
Ball-carrying
Finally, another thing United are missing at the moment is someone who can carry the ball up the pitch out of trouble or launch counter-attacks.
Bouaddi’s ability to take the ball up the pitch is described as “moving forward with purpose, using his stride and technique to take the play into the final third. Using his flair, vision and incredible technique, his ability to carry the ball into more dangerous areas of the pitch is simply breathtaking to watch.”
Final thoughts
Like any young player, he will need patience, and such a talented player will obviously mean United will have to fend off competition for the youngster.
Nevertheless, Bouaddi demonstrates a rare flexibility and varied skill set that perfectly suits United’s midfield needs. Ineos would be wise to prioritize a transfer for the Frenchman this summer or as soon as possible.
Ayyoub Bouaddi season stats 25/26
| Matches played | Goals | Assists | Minutes played |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 | 0 | 1 | 1374 |
Source: transfermarkt.com
Feature image Christof Koepsel via Getty Images
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