German Bundesliga outfit Bayer Leverkusen over the past decade has become one of the most exciting and prestigious hubs for birthing and moulding some of Europe’s most hugely coveted young footballing stars.

Whether it’s youth players coming through in the academy or players joining the club to enhance their development, experience and maturity at the highest level, the club still remains the envy of many across the continent and arguably the most attractive development clubs in Germany.

The trend of honing and developing young talents before selling them for significant fees or profit is similar to that of Ajax, Benfica and even fellow German outfit Borussia Dortmund, creating a sustainable model with which Leverkusen can continue to compete at the highest level as well as continuing to build year on year.

Son Heung-Min, Dimitar Berbatov, Kai Havertz, Julian Brandt and Leon Bailey are just a number of names who have honed their craft at the BayArena before seeking greener pastures elsewhere. The list of sales won’t stop there though, with Leverkusen still producing or picking up terrific young talent and providing them with the perfect resources and room to thrive.

Florian Wirtz, Edmond Tapsoba, Moussa Diaby, Piero Hincapie, Patrik Schick and Adam Hlozek are sure to be the next big sales in the next couple seasons, but one player rumoured to certainly be on the move to a big European club in 2023 is former Manchester City academy star and Celtic full-back Jeremie Frimpong.

According to reports, Manchester United boss Erik Ten Hag has shortlisted the Dutch right-back as a top target for the January window, as the Red Devils continue back their new coach with resources to build a hugely competitive and successful side.

With United in desperate need of a right-back capable of competing with Diogo Dalot for a starting spot in Ten Hag’s XI, Frimpong is reportedly seen as the perfect solution at Old Trafford.

Ever since his move in January 2021, the 22-year-old has elevated himself to become one of Europe’s best full-backs, and his performances during the 2022/23 campaign have only heightened that fact.

So far this season, he’s registered nine goal involvements (5 goals, 4 assists) from 20 games in all competitions before the World Cup break, being called up by Louis Van Gaal for the Netherlands squad as a result, in Qatar, but didn’t make an appearance during the tournament.

It’s only a matter of time before he picks up a first Netherlands cap in the near future, after featuring for the youth teams. But, Frimpong has undergone a tremendous career journey so far, but how has the 22-year-old gotten to this point, how good is he and what will he offer Manchester United if he was to move on in the coming months?

Who is Jeremie Frimpong?

Born in Amsterdam, Netherlands, to a Dutch father and Ghanaian mother, Frimpong actually started out his junior career at the Manchester City academy from the age of nine after his family moved to England when he was seven years old. However, failing to see a way through into the first team picture at the Etihad, saw him depart Manchester to join Scottish giants Celtic in September 2019.

It was a move which probably proved a masterstroke from Frimpong, enjoying a scintilating two years at Parkhead under the stewardship of legendary former Celtic player Neil Lennon.

He made his professional debut at the club a little after his move, against Patrick Thistle in the Scottish League Cup quarter-finals an immediate impact, winning the man of the match award on his debut, and going to become a regular in the first team.

Frimpong’s speed, skill and maturity in the Scottish top flight made him a household name at Parkhead, and he bagged his first goal for the club in October 2019 against Aberdeen – his first professional goal in fact. His time of firsts didn’t stop there, winning his first major professional honour, with Celtic triumphing over Rangers in Scottish League Cup final, but was sent off for a foul on Alfredo Morelos in the penalty area.

At the end of the 2019/20 campaign, he was deservedly rewarded and voted Celtic’s Young Player of the Year by the Bhoys supporters. His second campaign proved an unsuccessful one, not for him personally but for the whole club as Rangers ended their Celtic’s seven year league title stretch, winning their first Premiership title.

After making 51 appearances in a Celtic shirt, he left the Scottish giants in January 2021 and joined Bayer Leverkusen for a fee in the region of €11million. It’s so far proven yet another sensational career decision by the Dutch full-back, becoming one of the best of his position in the German Bundesliga and one of the most exciting full backs in Europe. The 2021/22 and 2022/23 campaigns have so far bore seven goals and 11 assists in all competitions domestically and in Europe.

The reported interest from Manchester United is really no surprise and judging by the 22-year-old’s performances on the biggest club stage, he’d be ready for the challenge to play Premier League football at the highest level for one of the biggest and most historic clubs around.

Internationally, Frimpong has represented Netherlands at all youth groups and despite being called up to Louis Van Gaal’s senior squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, he is still yet to make a senior appearance for the Dutch.

Frimpong’s style of play

The role of a modern day full-back has evolved considerably over the past five years or so. Not only are they tasked with the responsibilities to defend well and guard against opposing wingers, they are now crucial and instrumental in many team’s attacking play, providing width, final third penetration and are used as decoys in order for wingers and wide forwards to perform their best work in attacking scenarios.

Throughout his relatively short career at the top level, Frimpong has excelled with these responsibilities, and his goal contributions for Leverkusen since his move in early 2021 showcase as much. His role during this campaign, under the tutelage of Xabi Alonso has evolved, lining up on the right flank of a 3-4-3 shape.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x7OonKG3wRA

During Leverkusen’s build-up, Frimpong pushes up high and wide to act as an near-auxiliary winger, receiving the ball and running at the opposing full-back to create opportunities. Because of his pace, various skill-set, and ability to win his 1v1 duels against opposing full-backs, he’s become Alonso’s crucial outlet in Leverkusen penetrating the penalty area, and forming chances.

Frimpong is also adept at linking up with the inverted winger in the setup (Moussa Diaby), and that particular avenue is used as another tool for Leverkusen in attacking scenarios.

As shown in the above heatmap, Frimpong spends more time in the opposing half than his own, making things clear that he is a crucial and influential outlet in Leverkusen’s chance creation. It’s very rare you see defenders in the opposing half, but the way football has evolved in modern age, full-backs are a prominent feature in most team’s attacking play, and Frimpong’s attacking qualities are such that it is better to utilise him within the final third.

The former Celtic full-back has become one of Europe’s most exciting young talents, and the most obvious reason as to why Frimpong has elevated himself to such continental stardom is his explosive dribbling. Possessing wonderful close control, low centre of gravity when evading tight spots, his quickness of feat and searing acceleration to go with his electric pace, the 22-year-old simply becomes one of the most attractive full-back options around.

He is technically excellent, robust and holds bundles of energy, meaning he is able to maintain high levels of performance from the 1st minute right down to the last. But it’s his low centre of gravity which stands him out, and makes him impossible to stop, allowing him to quickly change direction and speed while dribbling meaning his teammates are always confident he’d find a way to surpass his marker.

From 15 Bundesliga games so far, Frimpong has carried the ball into the opposition penalty area 50 times, an extremely high number for a player who starts from the defensive line. In fact, he ranks in the 98th percentile of full-backs in Europe’s top five leagues for touches in the attacking penalty area per 90 (3.52) and ranks sixth out of all players in the Bundesliga for expected threat from ball carries (0.83). So from those numbers, it’s expected that the Dutch defender will rank in the top bracket for both dribbles attempted per 90 (4.54) and dribbles completed per 90 (2.15), in which he ranks in the 99th percentile for both metrics. Frimpong is simply an astonishing and effective dribbler.

The 22-year-old’s explosive and electric qualities are most effective when taking on defenders in isolated 1v1s in wide areas. He holds the running power to consistently get to the byline, evading his direct markers before putting crosses in, a trait you’d expect from a player of his qualities. Though, the Dutch youngster’s game goes beyond that. He is superb at swiftly changing direction with deceptive movement, excellent body feints and tremendous ball control. Through those characteristics, he’s able to evade any sort of obstacle, even with two or three markers to contend with. In some instances, he will stop the ball dead under his feet for a moment before swiftly knocking it on past the defender with tremendous burst of pace and speed.

However, he doesn’t possess the same plethora of skill than that of his teammate Moussa Diaby, one which can constantly bamboozle and unbalance defenders. Though, he doesn’t need them as he’s incredibly adept and consistent at what he does and what he’s required to do for his team. In his wing-back role, he’s required to hold the width of the pitch on the right flank, and exploit the space that arrives from it.

Frimpong attempts 5.50 dribbles per game on average, and successfully completes 56% of them which makes for spectacular reading for the full-back. As shown in the image above, these qualities are extremely useful as he’s perfectly capable of beating his man and exploiting the space behind them. His education at Manchester City has enhanced his technical acumen and he’s expressed that consistently for Leverkusen this season, not only is it seen in the attacking third but also in his own half too.

Leverkusen are a dangerous team to press, especially where Frimpong is concerned. When he is cornered by an opposition’s high-press, it doesn’t faze. As stated numerously throughout this report, he possesses sublime close control, skill but also such unique flexibility needed to evade oncoming pressure, whether with his back to the opponent’s goal or as he’s approaching the opponent’s half.

The Manchester United target is confident enough to face up to his opponent, and knock the ball past them when they engage him. That confidence to take on pressure in his own half is certainly an attractive proposition for United coach Ten Hag who requires his defensive outlets to be comfortable on the ball even in the midst of relenting opposing pressure.

X News #Frimpong: Next to other players he is on the list of Manchester United! #MUFC wants to transfer a high quality right-back in winter. At the latest in summer. 21 y/o is a key player for Leverkusen, contract until 2025. Very interesting profile for Ten Hag. @SkySportDE 🇳🇱🇬🇭

— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) October 21, 2022

Frimpong is not only an attractive profile for Manchester United but for almost every other elite club on the continent. One final dribbling quality that stands him out is his body orientation and variation as already touched upon briefly. His ability to twist and turn out of tight areas makes him a unique threat in the attacking third but also a tremendous outlet in his own half when to progress the ball.

He can shield the ball and turn using the outside of his right boot to attack space on his left side. This isn’t the most efficient way of beating players, and the fact he favours his right foot so much can sometimes make him too predictable, but the fact that he has a method of beating players on both his left and right, gives him an almost complete skillset as a dribbler in the final third.

Any defender who is comfortable playing in the opposition box, scoring goals and providing them instantly make his team a dangerous proposition in attacking scenarios, and Frimpong has excelled as the perfect example so far this campaign. In his 15 Bundesliga games, he’s registered seven goal contributions (five goals, two assists). The five goals make it his best scoring season than any other combined. But, his threat in the penalty area derives from various factors.

His role as a wing-back allows him to be more present in the opposition box, so therefore he will be more likely to find himself in dangerous positions from which he can score.

In addition, Frimpong has also acquired the skill of timing his runs at the back post, which has allowed him to score a number of easy chances. Being able to arrive at the back post, at the perfect time isn’t an easy skill, even for most accomplished strikers, and Frimpong has mastered that art, as a right wing-back. Frightening.

Making the run too easy means the opposing defender can easily spot you and mark you soon afterwards, or arriving too late means that the chance is easily gone. Arriving at the perfect time, on the defender’s blind side means a player has the advantage not only on the nearest defender but on the goalkeeper too, who also isn’t expecting a back post effort. Frimpong has become a tap-in merchant of the highest order, timing his runs to perfection and getting into difficult areas at a consistent rate.

Another decisive yet unique trait in the opposing box that Frimpong possesses is his composure in goal-scoring scenarios. His goal against Schalke earlier this campaign is the perfect example. It’s a scenario where many forwards have lacked the necessary composure and execution to trouble the goalkeeper. That isn’t Frimpong’s problem, though.

More accomplished forwards fizz the above scenario wide, or even straight at the goalkeeper. The former Manchester City academy star differs in this instance, in that he has the composure to look up, pick his spot and find the far post to devastating effect.

He’s able to score with either foot, also. His second goal during that game was that of a talented striker, latching onto a pass in the centre of the area, before slotting the ball seamlessly past Alexander Schwolow. Frimpong is exceeding his xG (expected goals) tally of 3.99 with 5 goals, showing his unique efficiency in front of goal.

If you’re watching Frimpong for the first time, you’ll never know he’s a wing-back or a defensive player. He possesses a composure and assertiveness that belies his age and experience, and that’s even more apparent the way he operates in the final third.

One of his two goals against Mainz 05 back in August is one of peerless quality, seen in the image below. 1v1 with Schwolow at an angle arriving from the right flank with two defenders behind him. Rather than panicking under such pressure and in his decision-making, he instead carries on his run, zooming past the defenders and even rounding the keeper to score into an empty net.

Frimpong has showcased a range of unique finishing techniques and variations in the final third, making him an extremely dangerous wing-back for the opposition.

Whilst the 22-year-old is an adept creator, ranking in the the 79th and 86th percentiles for shot-creating actions and goal-creating actions per 90 respectively and also in the 76th percentile for key passes per 90, for the number of times he approaches the opposing penalty area, he’s only completed 0.38 crosses into the opposition penalty area per 90 so far this campaign.

At this moment, Frimpong’s dribbling has caused chaos and uncertainty for defences and has allowed Leverkusen to progress up the pitch, however, the lack of threat from his passing – only completing 0.99 passes into the penalty area per 90 – and crossing will severely limit him and allow defenders to stand assured, knowing there is no danger of Frimpong executing a dangerous action once evading his markers. He’s specifically struggled to pick out his teammates from crosses so far this campaign, failing to execute the correct accuracy and trajectory on his attempts.

From cut-backs, he could work on this further too, getting to the byline and arrowing a direct pass for players arriving in the penalty area, a crucial tool for even the best of teams in Europe. The 22-year-old is yet to create a telling chance from his successful approaches to the area and past opponents.

The two assists came before the World Cup break, one through exceptional hard work in pressing the keeper against Union Berlin into a mistake with which Moussa Diaby took advantage, and the second against FC Köln, expertly evading the defender with an unerring piece of skill before squaring for the French winger to tap in. Frimpong’s crossing still leaves a lot to be desired, but he still holds a tremendous amount of time to perfect them, at least until the end of the campaign.

In all honesty, the criticism of this particular facet of his game may seem unfair, but due to his position and the rapid rate at which he enters the final third, his final pass needs to be better to be considered amongst the upper echelons of top quality full-backs in the game. It’s probably Louis Van Gaal chose not to give him any kind of opportunity at the World Cup, with Dumfries a consistent and decisive threat from his crosses. It’s those fine margins that seperate Frimpong from the most elite. That will of course arrive though, with more work and development on his game.

This scout report won’t be complete without discussing his qualities in defence. Despite his high and wide positioning for Leverkusen, he is first and foremost, a defender. And the basic stats show that the right-back does perform his defensive duties very well. So far this campaign, he averages 0.6 interceptions, 1.7 tackles, wins 56% of his total duels and 58% of his ground duels. He’s a tough customer, performing with aggression, tenacity and as stated before, high levels of performance right from the off.

In the opposition half, Frimpong can press high and intercept passes during the build-up while also tackling defenders in 1v1 situations, or when he counter-presses. However, one of the main reasons why he may be seen as a wing-back for Leverkusen rather than a pure right-back in a 4-man defence may not only stem from the team’s weakness from that system, but his smaller physical frame that could be exposed in aerial duels.

The 22-year-old is only 171cm tall, which is something that can be taken advantage of by opposing teams. He’s only won 38% of his aerial duels, which may not be no fault of his own, but it’s evidently a weakness for Leverkusen that can be exploited. And it may be the reason why there could be a cause for clubs such as Manchester United when pursuing a player like Frimpong.

His size and frame may not cut it, defensively, in the Premier League where teams place such huge emphasis on exposing even the smallest of opponent’s weaknesses. Crosses into the area, especially at the far post can leave players like Frimpong wanting. However, what he lacks aerially, he certainly makes up for in his 1v1 duels. He’s adept in those scenarios. His low centre of gravity and explosiveness gives him an advantage when facing up to wingers. He doesn’t have to dive into tackles as he can wait for attackers to try to beat him for pace, which Frimpong knows is a race he will win every time. 

Forecast for the future

There’s no doubt Frimpong is an exceptional talent, and the amount of clamour and rumours surrounding his next club in the near future prove why he is a player on the upward trajectory.

Five goals and two assists from 15 Bundesliga games this season, for a right wing-back approaching the mid-way point of the campaign makes for phenomenal reading. His explosive dribbling and great movement in the box would make him a big goal threat for any side that use wing-backs, especially on the international stage when he eventually makes his maiden bow, most likely in 2023.

While his defensive qualities in a four-man defence may require serious work, it’s something he can only get better at, but who knows, it may derail a potential move to a club like Manchester United who desperately require a full-back accomplished in both boxes, in a four-man as well as possessing an assuredness and presence aerially when defending his own box. These are only small margins, but huge ones in the context of Frimpong’s immediate future.

Regardless, the 22-year-old is an attractive profile for any top club, especially if they provide him with the tactical foundations to thrive, but more importantly, the freedom and room to mature and develop into the world class performer he’s primed to become. He will of course, be another big-money sale made by Leverkusen in the near future.

Arguably the most intriguing game of the FIFA World Cup 2022 quarter-finals takes place at the Lusail Iconic Stadium on Friday evening, as two giants of the international game go to war with the Netherlands up against Argentina.

Louis Van Gaal’s Oranje’s triumphed over USA 3-1 in the round of 16 to book their quarter-final spot while the South American champions got the better of Australia 2-1 to keep their hopes and expectations of a third World Cup gong alive.

Breakthrough star Cody Gakpo’s hot streak in front of goal may have come to an end against the US last time out, but it was Van Gaal’s lively wing-backs who took on some of the goalscoring burden to both outwit and put the United States to the sword in Saturday’s last-16 battle.

Denzel Dumfries provided two very similar assists for Memphis Depay and Daley Blind in the first half, and while Haji Wright’s impressive unorthodox flick gave the USA a glimmer of hope, Blind, with his father Danny watching on alongside Van Gaal in the dugout, turned provider for Dumfries to volley home unchallenged to settle the match.

It was the US that started the game the brighter and more penetrative side, with the Netherlands doing little to quell the talk that Van Gaal’s Netherlands had become “boring” to watch, but as the game wore on with Gregg Berhalter’s side struggling to break down the Oranje resistance, they were immediately punished with sheer ruthlessness on the counter, with Memphis Depay’s opener the pick of the goals, finishing off a wonderful flowing move.

Memphis Depay opens the scoring for #NED, the first goal of the #FIFAWorldCup knockout stages.#NED are unbeaten in their last 19 World Cup games vs. non-European opponents (W13 D6)… #NEDUSA#NED 1-0 #USA

🎥 @BBCSport pic.twitter.com/mwi2uo0yCA

— The Athletic | Football (@TheAthleticFC) December 3, 2022

Indeed, the Netherlands have now reached the last eight in four of their last five World Cup tournaments – the outlier being a last-16 elimination in 2006 – and they progressed to the semi-finals in both 2010 and 2014 before disappointingly failing to qualify for the Russia edition in 2018.

Not since 1994 have the 2010 runners-up failed to win a quarter-final match at the World Cup, and the Netherlands’ unbeaten streak in all competitions now stands at an incredible 19 matches, but that record will be under serious threat when they come up against a Lionel Messi-inspired Argentina.

The footballing gods have long been waiting for Lionel Messi to adhere to their script in ending his knockout hoodoo, and that he did with such unerring grace, notching a trademark finish low into the bottom corner on his 1000th career match.

The Paris Saint-Germain veteran found the back of the net with a low finish before Julian Alvarez robbed Mathew Ryan of the ball for Argentina’s second – much to the amusement of the goalkeeper’s Copenhagen rival Kamil Grabara – before Craig Goodwin’s deflected strike gave Australia dreams of an unlikely comeback.

The Socceroos very nearly completed the unthinkable through Newcastle United-bound teenager Garang Kuol in the final few seconds, but for Emiliano Martinez’ stunning last-ditch save to send Argentina through to the last eight.

Argentina most recently progressed from the quarter-finals in 2014 en-route to finishing second best to a Mario Gotze winning Germany side, but they had lost their last three ties in the last eight before that in 1998, 2006 and 2010, and their hopes of world domination have ended at the hands of European teams nine times in a row since the inaugural 1930 edition.

History arguably does not favour Lionel Scaloni’s men, but a 13-game scoring streak in all competitions does, and La Albiceleste will desperately need Messi at his scintilating best as they attempt to end a barren streak in previous meetings with the Dutch.

Indeed, Argentina have failed to score in each of their last three matches versus the Netherlands, who have held La Albiceleste to two 0-0 draws in their most recent two World Cup meetings – winning the 2014 semi-final on spot kicks. The world will be hoping this contest isn’t another 0-0 encounter, especially with the dearth of quality in both squads currently.

WORLD CUP FORM:

Netherlands: WDWW

Argentina: LWWW

WHEN & WHERE?

Stadium: Lusail Iconic Stadium, Lusail, Qatar.
Date: Friday 9th December 2022.
Time: 19:00 PM.

TEAM NEWS

The Netherlands underwent a brief injury scare with Jeremie Frimpong (ankle) before the win over the USA, but the Bayer Leverkusen right-back formed part of a fully-fit squad, and Van Gaal should thankfully have everyone available for the quarter-final too.

In defence, Stefan de Vrij could not train over the weekend due to discomfort, but it’s very unlikely he’ll be breaking into an already settled back three of Jurrien Timber, Virgil Van Dijk & Nathan Ake. Frenkie De Jong and Martin de Roon could be Van Gaal’s favoured deep-lying midfield pairing once again, with Davy Klaasen likely to continue at the tip of the midfield and it will indeed be a fearing task for all three players aiming to keep Lionel Messi quiet on Friday evening.

Depay’s opener against the USA made it 24 goals in his last 30 outings for the Netherlands – as well as 10 assists – and the Barcelona attacker should once again partner up with Gakpo in an untouched Dutch XI.

As for Argentina,  Sevilla attacker Papu Gomez came off with a sprained ankle in the 50th minute against Australia and is a doubt for the contest, but Angel Di Maria who recently stated that Louis Van Gaal is the “worst manager” he’s played under, is stepping up his recovery from a quadriceps problem and should be fit to take on his former coach who they worked together at Manchester United back in 2014/15.

Lionel Scaloni otherwise has no injury worries, especially in defence and is looking to stick with Cristian Romero and Nicolas Otamendi as his centre-back pairings, although Lisandro Martinez is certainly pushing to be involved after his stunning individual cameo against Australia in the dying moments. It won’t be a surprise to see Scaloni go to a back-five to counter the threat of Netherlands’ terrifying wing-back pairing of Dumfries and Blind.

Scaloni certainly has bags of quality at his disposal, especially in midfield but Rodrigo De Paul and Enzo Fernandez should continue because of their terrific form so far, with special praise given to the latter seeing as he’s just recently broken into such a prodigious setup.

ANALYSIS

Just how Louis Van Gaal aims to stifle and stop the influence and greatness of Lionel Messi will certainly the most intriguing facet of this fascinating match-up. Many managers have indeed tried and failed to keep the PSG veteran quiet, and Van Gaal has promised fans recently that he does indeed have a plan to stop him on Friday. Whether it’s successful is another matter entirely.

Question: "How do you intend to stop Messi?"

Louis van Gaal: "You'll see on Friday, I won't tell you that." pic.twitter.com/j76PS3b5xT

— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) December 6, 2022

What are the ways in which to stifle Messi’s influence? Will it be to man-mark him? Could Van Gaal get Davy Klaasen or De Roon to squeeze him out, or stop him in getting the ball into the final third areas. During this tournament, Messi’s passes received have been distributed around the middle and right of the attacking half. He isn’t a right-winger in Scaloni’s setup, nor is he a false-nine.

Messi has pretty much lined up on the right of an attacking pair with either Julian Alvarez or Lisandro Martinez, given the licence to roam in between the lines, especially in the right half space, which means Netherlands will need to crowd the middle and not allow him the space in front of the back-line. If Messi receives passes wide on the right flank or back in the middle third, Van Gaal’s men will be doing their job right.

Another facet is stopping or tracking Marcos Acuna’s overlapping runs. Part of Messi’s trademark actions in the final third is him, picking up the ball in those right-half spaces and unleashing a delicious long-raking diagonal pass into the LB – Marcos Acuna’s – path as seen below , just like he did for Jordi Alba throughout their time together at Barcelona.

Both Denzel Dumfries and Jurrien Timber who plays at RCB will certainly need to be alert in tracking Acuna’s runs but also stopping him getting space to receive passes from switches and also space to get into the penalty area.

If the Netherlands can restrict the space Messi operates in, and track the runners in behind then they would have a huge chance of stifling Argentina. However, cutting out the nimble maestro will still leave the threats of both Di Maria and Rodrigo de Paul to contend with.

But, Van Gaal will have a few attacking weapons of his own which Lionel Scaloni will need to be mindful of, especially in transition. And that is the frightening and electric pace of Cody Gakpo and Memphis Depay up front. Argentina cannot afford to be slow and indecisive in the passing or those two along with Dumfries and Blind will punish them, just as the USA found out. Both Rodrigo De Paul and Enzo Fernandez along with Alexis Mac Allister will have huge jobs being swift and decisive in possession, but also being ruthless in their counter-pressing to stop the Netherlands getting the ball out to Gakpo and Depay in dangerous transitional areas of the pitch.

And what about the threat of Denzel Dumfries and Daley Blind? Both players were superb in the round of 16 clash against USA, not just because of their high and wide positions in the attacking half, but because the US failed to find solutions to match them up. A facet Scaloni will have to consider heading into Friday’s encounter. And that may mean moving to a wing-back system, but also playing a three-man defence to outnumber and stifle the immediate threat of Memphis Depay and Cody Gakpo.

A three-man backline of Lisandro Martinez along with Otamendi and Romero may well be the more plausible and sensible route to deal with Netherlands’ deadly attacking duo. But, whichever route both managers may take heading into this stunning encounter, it will almost certainly be the most tactically intriguing tie of the round.

KEY PLAYERS

MEMPHIS DEPAY

24 goals and 10 assists in his last 30 outings for the Netherlands is just simply outrageous reading and yet again highlights how pivotal Memphis Depay is to Van Gaal’s team. No longer is the former PSV Eindhoven academy starlet a out-an-out winger, but he’s completely morphed into the complete forward, and his goal against the US last time out showed.

Dropping off to link-up the play in Netherlands own half, before latching onto the end of Dumfries sizzling cut-back to unleash an unerring finish beneath the despairing Matt Turner. It was a team goal, no doubt. But Van Gaal wouldn’t have entrusted anyone else but Depay to finish off such a delicious passing move with such aplomb and world class quality.

That’s what Depay possesses in his weaponry. He’s strong and powerful, can hold the ball up well, bring others into play, is pacey and skillful, technically sound and creative in the final third and is a superb finisher when it comes down to it. A facet of his game that is somewhat underrated and underappreciated – Memphis Depay can finish. The aforementioned recent record for the Dutch fully explains such.

What a player. If the Netherlands are to somehow triumph over Lionel Messi and co on Friday evening, expect Depay to be at the centre of Van Gaal’s attacking plan.

ENZO FERNANDEZ

Of course, Lionel Messi remains Argentina’s undisputed and undeniable key man and instigator. But this tournament has seen the emergence of the country’s breakout star, and the midfield component that keeps everything ticking over for La Albiceleste – and that man is Enzo Fernandez.

It’s important to remember that the 21 y/o wasn’t even a starter heading into the tournament. In fact, Argentina looked vulnerable, disheveled and directionless without him in the defeat to Saudi Arabia. But since his goal scoring substitute cameo against Mexico, Scaloni’s men have found a new lease of life tactically and in possession.

But more crucially, they are much more robust and safe with the Benfica maestro at the base of their midfield, keeping things ticking over with some silky passing, but also possessing the energy to counter-press, break up attacking moves sitting in front of and protecting the Argentina defence. He’s registered a goal and an assist so far in the tournament, averaged 73 touches per game, 0.8 interceptions, 1.8 tackles and is only dribbled past on average 0.5 times per game. In Fernandez, La Albiceleste have found the midfield foundation they will now rely on for the next decade and beyond.

Against Netherlands, Fernandez will need to continue his tremendous form in midfield, because the country’s hope and expectation of lifting a prestigious third World Cup triumph partly rests on his broad shoulders. And it’s a huge challenge he’ll certainly take on and thrive in. He’s that good.

PREDICTED LINEUPS

Netherlands predicted XI vs Argentina: Noppert (GK); Timber, Van Dijk, Ake; Dumfries, De Jong, De Roon, Blind; Klaassen; Gakpo, Depay

Argentina predicted XI vs Netherlands: Martinez (GK); Molina, Romero, Otamendi, Acuna; Fernandez, De Paul, Mac Allister; Di Maria, Messi, Alvarez

SCORE PREDICTION:

Netherlands 1-2 Argentina – (AET)

Jude Victor William Bellingham is simply phenomenal. If we were to fill this article with just those words, it would certainly be feasible. But those words alone won’t do Bellingham’s incredible footballing gifts, maturity, and character any sort of justice. It’s not enough to give him his deserved acclaim, or flowers.

This 19-year-old player is truly a special talent, one marked for greatness, a midfielder unlike any this great nation has possessed arguably since Gazza or Bryan Robson. Or is there any reason to argue why the Borussia Dortmund sensation can’t be better than those two England greats?

While it may seem far-fetched to some, or whether it’s best to tone down the Bellingham hype, and not place too much pressure on his young broad shoulders, the aura in which he is performing on football’s grandest stage, there’s simply not enough superlatives to describe arguably England’s best talent find for a long while.

To make historic references, remember Gascoigne’s Italia 90 moment? Michael Owen’s in France 98′ or Wayne Rooney’s at Euro 2004? Well in 30 years, we could certainly put Jude Bellingham in Qatar 2022 amongst the historic conversation. The 19-year-old is certainly placing himself amongst one of the most single individual World Cup moments for an England international, moments on the biggest stage of the beautiful game which define certain players as that of a national hero.

In England’s four games so far in Qatar, Bellingham has risen to every challenge put in his path. While England now possess a plethora of prodigious young talents, the 19-year-old is certainly stealing the limelight, head and shoulders above everyone else. He is in fact, right now the iconic young phenomenon in British sport. That’s what excelling at a World Cup gives you, a stage so bright that even the most resolute and humble of superstars will shirk at. That isn’t Bellingham.

England’s opening game against Iran saw Bellingham become the nation’s second youngest scorer at the FIFA World Cup (19 years, 145 days) behind only Michael Owen in 1998 (18 years, 190 days), grabbing his first goal at his first World Cup for the country. While England were changing tides four years ago in Russia, Bellingham turned 15. Four years on he is now the young footballing icon, on which England will build their foundation for a bright and decorated future.

His performance against Iran was a superb way to kick off his future World Cup exploits, but it was his latest masterclass against Senegal on Sunday night which has surely placed him in England’s World Cup individual showstopping folklore. A performance which further confirmed why the 19-year-old is the most coveted footballer in the world right now.

England’s second goal in their 3-0 win over Senegal, just before half-time, the goal that certainly put the African champions to bed, was a pure Jude Bellingham moment. A moment of showstopping brilliance, a moment in which so many of the world’s most prestigious superstars both past and present have used as a reference point for the unheralded greatness later on in their careers.

Against Senegal, Bellingham provided his own reference. It wasn’t his only moment too. His assist for Jordan Henderson to open the scoring after a lacklustre opening 35 minutes from England was pure brilliance. At a time when England desperately needed a spark, someone to grab responsibility in the final third. Just as he’s done time and time again in Germany, Bellingham did just that. Breaking from midfield and cutting open the Senegal defence, latching onto a Harry Kane through ball before supplying Henderson with a perfectly weighted pass across the penalty area, a moment Southgate expected from him and one he needed as the Three Lions searched for an opener.

The second goal was the best of the lot. A swift and incisive counter attack which totally ravaged and drained any kind of confidence Senegal had of clawing themselves back into the game. It was a moment of pure individual midfield genius from Bellingham to kick off the move. Intercepting a poor touch from Pathé Ciss, the 19-year-old underwent a delightful trademark run, carrying the ball with such grace, assuredness and confidence, skillfully and deceptively evading a slack challenge from Youssouf Sabaly before finding a Phil Foden with a superbly timed pass which the Manchester City swiftly laid on a plate for Harry Kane to clinically net his first goal of the tournament.

From second best to two goals ahead in a matter of moments…#ENG have one foot in the #FIFAWorldCup quarter-finals thanks to Harry Kane's first goal of the tournament
#ENGSEN

🎬 @itvfootballpic.twitter.com/VLXiHzUsn4

— The Athletic | Football (@TheAthleticFC) December 4, 2022

The goal was a pure cinematic moment. One which many will look back on as one of the finest of this year’s World Cup edition. And it all derived from Bellingham’s tremendous anticipation, decorated artistry in driving with the ball at his majestic feat and picking a pass with great measure of control and purpose leading to an emphatic and successful transition.

My word, Bellingham can move. He is a sight to behold. Many midfielders his age would shirk from such a responsibility, playing an untimely pass or running into trouble. Again, that isn’t Bellingham’s nature. He performs such actions with unbridled confidence, immeasurable grace and a decisiveness that places him as one of the world’s most complete and finest young midfielders.

It is why he is so hugely coveted, the envy of many of his positional peers.

It’s certainly been a remarkable World Cup campaign so far for the teenager, one which will certainly see his stock spiral at an incredible rate. He’s provided a goal and an assist in four games, and he’s also won the most tackles of any player in the competition (11), also registered the second most goal-creating actions (5) of any behind Kylian Mbappe, ranks eighth for goal-creating actions per 90 (1.39) and ranks joint-seventh in the competition for progressive passes received. He became the second teenager ever to start for England in a World Cup knockout fixture – after an 18-year-old Michael Own did so with devastating aplomb against Argentina in 1998.

Borussia Dortmund's executives will be smiling and watching the fee for Jude Bellingham ticking over as fast as a taxi meter.

— Phil McNulty (@philmcnulty) December 4, 2022

Bellingham is making history, he’s developing, maturing and more importantly performing on the grandest stage and that only means great news for his club Borussia Dortmund. They now have the marketable right to add a few more figures on to the 19-year-old’s price tag. There’s no doubt about it, Bellingham will eventually surpass Jack Grealish as the most expensive British footballer in the history of the game.

We’re talking about figures well over £100million.

According to reports, Dortmund want no less that £130m next summer in 2023. That’s a hefty fee, but for any of Europe’s elite clubs courting his services, they know and are confident that Bellingham would be worth every penny, a player who could grace a top level side for the next decade, and that’s why he is in no shortage of suitors. For Bellingham himself, and indeed his family, they know how good he is and how great he can become but that will come with a significant headache for the 19-year-old.

You could argue Bellingham is so good that he himself doesn’t even know what his next step is, which club will hand him with the perfect platform to develop further and thrive at the highest level in club – and that is winning the Champions League in the near future as well as dominating domestically.

Competition for his signature from January right through to the summer will be incredibly fierce. Liverpool, Real Madrid, Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea all retain a strong interest.

…about Jude Bellingham, Real Madrid and Henderson’s answer 😄🗣️

🎥 TikTok: dushane_0pic.twitter.com/QwTDZElmlB

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 5, 2022

Jurgen Klopp will certainly be on a rampage mission to transform and address an ageing midfield, and Bellingham ticks all the right boxes for the German coach. He’s a sheer dynamic, enthusiastic and energetic presence in midfield, and his style suits Klopp’s high-intensity approach right down to a tee. The big question mark over Bellingham and Liverpool is whether the Reds would have the financial ability to compete against other top clubs for the England star. With owners FSG currently exploring ways to sell the club, there is certainly uncertainty as to how Klopp will be funded for viable recruits to freshen up his squad, especially players in the ilk of Bellingham.

Manchester City certainly wouldn’t have any issue meeting Dortmund’s financial demands when it comes to Bellingham, and having already added goal machine Erling Haaland and centre-back Manuel Akanji from the Bundesliga outfit last summer, the two clubs have a decent relationship. Though, many are stating that Bellingham joining Guardiola in the blue-half of Manchester represents a “cheat code” in that the Citizens will be guaranteed numerous Premier League titles because of their quality-littered squad.

Pep Guardiola has not hidden his admiration for Bellingham in the past, having hailed him as the “whole package” earlier in the season after City met Dortmund in the Champions League.

And so the Premier League champions have to be considered one of the front runners when it comes to potentially signing the England star, especially when you look at their current midfield. Gundogan isn’t getting any younger, and will need replacing + Bernardo Silva looks to be on the move in the future with La Liga Barcelona maintaining a strong interest in the Portuguese magician. Considering those factors, Bellingham seems a superb fit for City.

For Erik Ten Hag and Manchester United, the Red Devils are in a rebuild phase under the former Ajax coach and are in desperate need for some refreshing in the centre of midfield. Christian Eriksen and Casemiro have been excellent additions to Ten Hag’s side adding control, composure, world class quality and experience in the middle but an ingredient is missing. Bellingham is that man, a player who will give Ten Hag the dynamic, marauding and progressive component in the middle.

The 19-year-old being the next poster boy addition for Manchester United makes perfect sense, considering his stature, ceiling and incredible potential but whether Bellingham would want to move to a club that is currently undergoing a rebuild is unclear. Though, reports suggest that the Red Devils are out of the race for his signature:

Update #Bellingham: As revealed in our show Transfer Update a few weeks ago and now confirmed: #MUFC has hardly any chance and is out of the race. Liverpool still in. Klopp and #LFC players still pushing. Dortmund would sell him in summer. Price tag: €100-150m. @SkySportDE 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 pic.twitter.com/W8Ui3jbAEf

— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) December 5, 2022

The next move for the midfielder is certainly a big one. He will have his pick of the top clubs in the world next summer, so it feels unlikely he would opt for a team who might not be ready to compete for the biggest trophies.

Chelsea are arguably in the same boat as Manchester United, in rebuild mode after Graham Potter’s appointment. There is a clear need to freshen up an ageing squad with some top young talent, especially in the centre of the pitch. With Jorginho and N’Golo Kante’s contracts due to expire at the end of the season and Denis Zakaria expected to return to Juventus following his loan spell at Stamford Bridge, midfield reinforcements are desperately required

So Bellingham would be perfect for them, and given the way the west London club operated in the summer market, you would expect they will push very hard to try and win the race for the England star. However, securing Bellingham’s signature comes with conditions and that is playing Champions League football, and there’s no guarantees the Blues will be in an around those spots come May, considering their poor form heading into the World Cup break.

Real Madrid will certainly be in the mix too, and see Bellingham as the final piece in their midfield rebuild with Luka Modric and Toni Kroos still at the club following Casemiro’s move to Manchester United last summer.

Madrid have spent the past few years snapping up some of the game’s top young talent, with Aurélien Tchouaméni joining from Monaco last summer and Eduardo Camavinga arriving from Rennes a year earlier.

The prospect of Bellingham joining those two at the Bernabeu at the end of the season is a frightening one, and Madrid are known to be hopeful of turning that dream into a reality. Though, Madrid also have the youthful and incredibly talented services of Federico Valverde so is there a need for Bellingham? Nonetheless, Europe’s most successful club are always looking to land the best superstars and it would be no surprise to see them do all they can to see off all of their rivals in the battle for the 19-year-old. Don’t rule out Paris Saint-Germain also, considering their wealthy Qatari transfer chest.

One thing is for sure, Bellingham holds a hugely significant, decorated and successful future in his hands, no matter the club he joins next summer. When you possess the maturity, character and drive he’s got, at the tender of age 19, you are certainly destined for greatness, to reach the pinnacle of the game.

This is a future Ballon D’or winner, a player certainly capable of becoming the best midfield player on the planet. He’s complete, a jack-of-all trades type performer, and the envy of many of Europe’s elite clubs. Bellingham is another great find for England, arguably the most decorated and prestigious. Finally we possess a talent amongst other talents capable of emulating past greats by leading the nation to a first World Cup triumph since 1966. He is just three wins away from achieving legendary status at just 19.

Can he do it? We’ll certainly see, but for now England fans will be soaking in the awe and excitement in possessing such a wonderfully gifted and unique footballing talent.

Next up on the agenda for the Three Lions will be current world champions France in the quarter-finals on Saturday, in which big performances will be required and Bellingham is certainly plotting another major assualt on his path to footballing greatness. What a player.

Over the years, PSV Eindhoven has become the perfect footballing hub for up and coming young footballing stars to hone their skills, develop, mature on a personal level whilst announcing themselves on the European stage.

Over the past few years alone, the club has successfully integrated and developed some of Europe’s most coveted footballing stars, some leaving onto pastures new, and others still making their name at the decorated Dutch outfit.

Steven Bergwijn, Memphis Depay, Georgino Wijnaldum, Donyell Malen, Gianluca Scamacca are only a number of the well renowned stars who previously enjoyed their youthful years at the Phillips Stadion.

Noni Madueke, Jordan Teze, Armando Obispo and Cody Gakpo are a few of the current crop currently making their name under the tutelage of arguably one of the club’s most prestigious and successful footballing products in Ruud Van Nistelrooy who is the club’s current coach, appointed in March 2022.

However, PSV’s reliable trend of providing youth with opportunities isn’t slowing down. The Red & Whites are currently harnessing a stunning talent you may have come across in the past. If you’re an avid follower of football in Europe and all it’s complexities especially within the young and emerging stars department, then you will be fairly familiar with the name Xavi Simons.

The curly-haired and wiry-eyed Dutchman has been a subject of much internet hype in the past, ever since he was a child, playing in Barcelona’s La Masia youth academy, whilst another Xavi, the legendary Spanish midfielder, was still excelling with the club’s senior team.

Rather than veering down the unfortunate route of the likes of Bojan Krkic, or Hachim Mastour into perennial oblivion, the Amsterdam-born wonderkid underwent another route, honing his craft and development whilst still maintaining his standing as one of Europe’s most exciting teenagers.

Developing as a deep-lying midfielder at Barcelona, the Dutchman took the plunge to join French Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain in 2019 and has not looked back since. He’s only gone and transformed himself into fully burgeoning and decisive creative and attacking outlet, back in his home country Netherlands for PSV Eindhoven, after taking the decision to further enhance his development with more opportunities and exposure in the first team.

So how has gotten to this position? First we’d need to navigate through his footballing journey:

Who is Xavi Simons?

Born in the famous footballing city of Amsterdam, Netherlands, Simons is the son of former footballer Regillio Simons and is of Surinamese descent through his father. The 19-year-old also has an older brother, Faustino, born in 1996 who is also a professional footballer too.

Simons started out his career at CD Thader before joining the Barcelona youth setup in 2010, aged just seven. He quickly progressed through the ranks becoming one of the club’s most highly-rated youngsters, with fellow European giants such as Chelsea and Real Madrid reportedly attempting to add him to their ranks.

Having worked through the ranks at the Catalan giants, Simons never actually made his first team debut for Barcelona and eventually moved on to sign for Paris Saint-Germain as a free agent in 2019, having failed to agree to a contract extension with Barca. His three-year contract with the Parisian club was reportedly worth up to €1 million annually.

In March 2020, Simons was named on Goal’s “NxGn 2020” list of 50 best wonderkids in world football. He was also included in The Guardian’s “Next Generation 2020” that October.

It wasn’t until two years later, that Simons would make his PSG professional debut coming on as a substitute for Julian Draxler in a 1–0 Coupe de France win over Caen. He made his Ligue 1 debut as a substitute in a 4–1 win over Strasbourg two months later. On 19 May 2021, he was rewarded with his first taste of a professional trophy, the Coupe de France.

Ahead of the 2021/22 campaign, the teenager was included in the first team preparation during their pre-season tour by Mauricio Pochettino. He came off the bench and scored in a 4-0 friendly win over Le Mans at the Camp des Loges. He bagged another pre-season goal in a 2–2 friendly draw against Chambly three days later at the same ground, making a telling impression with some of Europe’s most elite superstars.

He eventually made his first start for PSG in a 3–0 cup win over Feignies Aulnoye in December 2021, his first ever professional start for the French champions. His next appearance came in PSG’s first match of the new year in January 2022, playing against Vannes in a 4-0 win in which he provided an assist for Kylian Mbappe. In fact, he missed the crucial final penalty in the Coupe de France quarter-final tie with OGC Nice which they lost 6-5 on penalties, and that was followed up with a first league start of the campaign in a 1-0 win over Rennes at the Parc des Princes.

Due to a lack of first team assurances for the 2022/23 campaign, the 19-year-old decided to make the bold decision to look for opportunities elsewhere, and that would lead him to take the smart punt back in his country of birth in search of some first team football. In June 2022, the 19-year-old signed for Dutch Eredivisie giants PSV Eindhoven on a five-year contract.

Although he was initially expected to extend his contract with PSG and join PSV on loan, the situation changed when PSV no longer wanted a loan deal. However, PSG negotiated a buy-back clause in Simons’ contract, which comes into effect in 2023.

Four months on, the decision to leave the graces of Paris and return to his homeland has proven a masterstroke decision for Simons as he has developed rapidly under the tutelage of former PSV, Manchester United and Real Madrid striker Van Nistelrooy who was appointed new PSV coach replacing the outgoing Roger Schmidt last summer.

At international level, Simons has impressively risen through the ranks representing all of the Netherlands’ youth teams ranging from the Under-15s to the Under-21s. It won’t be long before he’s making the expected grade in the senior squad, and his inclusion the preliminary squad for the World Cup in November has been met with much approval and excitement. There’s no reason why he can’t become an outside bet for a spot on the plane to Qatar for Louis Van Gaal’s Oranje’s.

What’s Simons’ style of play?

When you’ve been schooled and moulded in Barcelona’s famous La Masia youth academy, you’re heavily prone to pick up a few unique footballing characteristics as well as the tactical nous to become effective in various positions. Xavi Simons is no different. In fact, he’s arguably become one of the finest examples of an attacking player full mastering the term ‘Versatility’.

The 19-year-old’s skillset and footballing abilities is rather unconventional, but becoming more and more prominent in this current era. You’d find so many similar talents to Simons, certainly within Europe’s top seven leagues. Short, nimble and decorated youngsters making the grade because of their unique and unexpectedly matured tactical understanding but more crucially, their ingenuity when performing in the final third.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y7Qtr74X_-A

Throughout his relatively short career so far, Simons has been successfully utilised as a ’10’. For PSV, as expected he’s been tasked in fulfilling a number of roles under the tutelage of footballing legend Ruud Van Nistelrooy, some in central midfield as a ‘free-8’ in a 4-3-3, at times as a false-nine but mostly as a no.10 in a 4-2-3-1 formation, styles heavily utilised and born in Dutch football.

Simons is a small nimble player who loves to get on the ball, characteristics he’s been honed in mastering at youth level both for Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain. The ’10’ position, if set up right is perfect for someone of his ability. The 19-year-old has so far excelled in this role for the Dutch giants simply because of his tremendous bravery and courage to gather the ball in tight and uncomfortable areas and manipulate it or the space he’s operating in.

His versatility and ball control allows for him to be an effective asset in all the aforementioned positions. Simons often finds himself drifting into the wider channels to pick up the ball in half spaces. He is quick enough to act as a winger and also very direct once on the ball. At 5’6” tall and weighing 58kg, he remains one of the slightest players in football, but uses that to his advantage when taking on opponents or working his way out of tight spots.

Simons uses his body well when faced with such scenarios, ensuring the ball is under his control in order to progress the ball, if he can’t, he’d draw fouls making him a frustrating opponent for teams trying to maintain pressure. The 19-year-old is aggressive, and is certainly not a pushover despite his small frame.

In the UEFA Youth League in 2021/22, his starting position was clearly in the middle as his team’s lone striker, but he was essentially given total freedom to tuck in, drift wide, or play off the shoulder as he saw fit.

He is a very damaging transition threat. Rather than getting stuck playing with his back to goal, Simons comes to the ball with supreme confidence in his ability to give and go. His technical quality forged from years of playing as a midfielder in La Masia and in Paris has clearly aided him in the way he can sharply work his way through congestion.

To put it simply, Simons is a joy to watch with the ball at his feet. He is a very naturally gifted football player who travels effortlessly in possession, as stated previously, he is courageous and never shirks away from the responsibility in progressing his side into the final third. He loves to drift through the game and locating pockets of space where he can pick the ball up and effect attacking scenarios. By developing the ability to find space at the top end of the pitch, Simons is a threat to even the best outfits, as Ajax and Arsenal have found out most recently, both domestically and in European competition respectively.

When PSV are in possession, looking to progress the ball through the thirds, you’d regularly find the former La Masia product dropping deep into the space where he can receive the ball and operate on the half turn, this responsibility and tactical nous is what stands Simons out from his peers.

He is an incredibly adept and influential component in Van Nistelrooy’s positional play.  Not only this, he is able to position himself well enough to create an obvious passing angle for his teammates. The lack of defensive responsibility for a no.10 when going back towards their own half means they are guaranteed to become a highly effective presence in the middle and attacking third, so this facet allows Simons to stay high up in PSV’s build-up, as shown below:

The Amsterdam-born magician positions himself well to receive the ball and become an effective outlet in between the lines, as a no.10 or even a ‘free-8’ should. The half-spaces, are where they are expected to operate in, and Simons excels in such roles. Through these positions, he’s developed a sensational relationship with the likes of Luuk de Jong and Cody Gakpo becoming the link between them and the deepest midfielders (Ibrahima Sangare or Erick Gutiérrez) or the progressive centre-backs.

Simons is quick to anticipate when a combination could come off and plays alongside the number 9. Both him and de Jong combine well and understand each other’s movement. The height of de Jong compliments Simons’ play style.

The relatively small gap between the main striker and a ’10’ means that effective combination plays can take place providing PSV with a good avenue in progressing forwards as they have good central dominance with two assertive forward players. This facet becomes even more useful when the wide players stay wide meaning more space in which the ’10’ can operate in.

These are just useful instances and scenarios to understand the way in which Simons operates. It is indeed fairly common in the modern game with more and more managers attempting to shape their attacking concepts through positional play looking to manipulate various defensive shapes in order to create goal scoring opportunities.

Why Simons is so unique in comparison to his positional peers is the methodical nature at which he operates. He is not the quickest, nor the most athletic, but he makes the most of what he has; a strong core and good lateral speed and agility to amplify the unpredictability of his ball carrying. And so while he isn’t incredibly athletic, he is hard to dispossess or body out of possession.

Again, what makes Simons so special is that he never remains in one pocket of space for long. While some number 10s love to pick up and operate in the same sections of the half-space or positions in the final third, Simons is different in that he is constantly on the move which creates numerous problems for opposition defences who can sometimes be left guarding space while Simons and his team-mates play all around them. Also, his markers will be left trying to mark the space or mark him specifically which leads to confusion especially for defences defending in a mid to a low block.

Furthermore, stating these characteristics of Simons implies that he is just a creator for PSV, but this can’t be further from the truth. For most of his career, he’s been a facilitator and creator first and a goal scorer second but for the Dutch giants, he’s propelled his game even more, now taking up the responsibility of scoring goals too. His 13 goal contributions (10 goals, 3 assists) tells it’s own story. De Jong, and Gakpo aren’t Van Nistelrooy’s only weapons in front of goal, Simons is too.

Simons’ first goal for PSV came from a wonderfully worked piece of combination play with a teammate around the top of the box, against Ajax in the Johan Cruijff Shield. The fast thinking and movement from Simons is what made the goal, as well as the composure to take it around the goalkeeper.

However, this isn’t Simons’ only mode of scoring goals, far from it. As already mentioned, his movement is first class, and that involves in behind opposition defences. One moment, he’s picking pockets in the final third, the next he’s running on to a long through ball and expertly finishing the opportunity, all within a rapid spell of swift movement and timing. Defenders simply do not know how to stay tight to him.

At the business end of the pitch, the 19-year-old is very tidy with his finishing. He is composed in and around the box making him a threat to the opposition. His role is usually to provide assists and create chances but he has chipped in with some sublime goals for PSV, a variety of very tidy and expert finishes; finishing off passing moves, running onto through balls and dinking the keeper, latching on to loose balls in the six-yard-box, you name it.

Simons’ off-the-ball movement is something which is already of a high standard and is only going to get even better. Being without the ball whilst in possession is something which happens a lot for someone who plays the ’10’ and Simons is able to understand his role and not get frustrated.

One thing in which Simons can be guilty of though, is playing too much of the safe passes. Much of the responsibility of a no.10 is to play the risky balls, that’s not to say Simons can’t play them, he can. But at times he’d choose not to. Of course, this could be construed as harsh criticism, but the best creators play these passes and it is something he will have to do if he wants to reach the top.

Off the ball, Simons works hard to give his team the best chance of regaining the ball. He is a fighter and is strong in a challenge. Along with this, he is quick to anticipate the passage of play and press. He is already in a full sprint before the ball is even halfway to the goalkeeper. His speed allows him to cover a lot of ground and press the opposition hard. His small and nimble frame means he’s capable of getting at areas of his opponents much taller players won’t be able to – he’s a terrier and not afraid to get himself about.

It’ll be hard to grab an understanding of the kind of player Xavi Simons is without taking a peek at his underlying numbers for PSV. While stats tell only half the story of a player, Simons’ reading underline a young talent punching above his weight but more crucially, of a player who will only get better with more exposure at the top level.

Underlying numbers

10 goals and three assists at the time of writing, in his first year at senior level, just four months into a season is exceptional reading. In fact, the Dutchman is exceeding expectations. He’s outperforming his xG (Expected goals) of 5.4 by 4.5 and also outperforming his xA (expected assists) of 2.1. Meaning Simons isn’t just getting himself into great positions to score and create, he’s exceeding the goals and assists probability expected of him.

Amongst his positional peers in Europe’s top seven leagues over the past 365 days, Simons ranks in the 99th percentile for goals per 90 (0.68), non-penalty goals per 90 (0.68), xG (0.46) and non-penalty xG (0.46). Considering his age, and that is just his first season playing top-level football, those numbers are phenomenal.

Not only does he rank highly for his efforts in front of goal, but in his exertions in the final third. Simons ranks in the 97th percentile of midfielders in Europe’s top seven leagues for shot-creating actions per 90 (5.30), and goal-creating actions per 90 (1.28 ) and within the 90th percentile for through balls per 90 (0.34).

Also within PSV’s progressive system, he is the outlet his more deeper teammates regularly look to find in between the lines in order for him to create opportunities, and this is shown through him ranking in the 99th percentile of midfielders for progressive passes received (7.79) meaning he stands amongst the best in Europe for his actions and influence in the final third. Much of his great work are located in the attacking third, he ranks in the 90th percentile for touches in the attacking third per 90 (25.58) and 94th percentile for touches in attacking penalty area (4.02).

He also ranks in the 83rd percentile for key passes per 90 (1.88) and 86th percentile for passes into the penalty area per 90 (1.45). Simons may not rank within the best 10% of players for those metrics but it still makes for promising reading, and this refers to his risk-averse passing in the final third. With more risk and reward in his game, he’d certainly rank higher soon enough.

Forecast for the Future

It’s clear, Xavi Simons has undergone an exceptional start to life back in his country of birth. The 19-year-old has simply made a tremendous decision in choosing PSV as the club to kick off his development in top level football as proven by his influence and effectiveness so far.

Van Nistelrooy’s system and philosophy has been a breath of fresh air for Simons, he’s excelling at a club that appreciates his unique qualities but more importantly he’s at an entity that will allow him with the freedom and room to develop and make mistakes without the scrutiny he would have suffered under had he stayed at Paris Saint-Germain.

Playing with the likes of Gakpo and De Jong has only enhanced his abilities even further. He has now propelled himself to become one of Europe’s most decorated and unique teenagers, to be honest, he was formerly heralded as such during his time in France, but we’re now seeing how great he is and phenomenal potential when playing with and against some of the best on the continent.

Soon, the likes of Gakpo will be departing his side in which we”ll truly see how Simons adjusts and steps up to the plate in his absence. For now though, he’s reveling and excelling in the moment. The World is simply his oyster, but another two or three years at the Dutch outfit will certainly do his ceiling, potential and development the world of good.

Another battle for supremacy in London commences as Chelsea welcome league leaders Arsenal to Stamford Bridge in what could be a mouth-watering Premier League derby on Sunday lunchtime.

Both sides enter the game on the back of continental successes, as the Blues got the better of Dinamo Zagreb 2-1 in the Champions League, while the Gunners advanced to the last 16 of the Europa League with a 1-0 win over FC Zurich at the Emirates.

Winning in Europe is always the perfect road to redemption after a catastrophic defeat at domestic level, especially one which saw the Blues succumb to a 4-1 drubbing to Graham Potter’s former side Brighton & Hove Albion at the Amex Stadium last weekend.

They were made to work for their atonement against Dinamo Zagreb, coming back from a goal down to win 2-1 thanks to goals from Raheem Sterling and Denis Zakaria enough to claim a much needed three points to boost confidence heading into Sunday’s crucial London derby encounter.

The Blues’ impressive defensive run under Potter may have been wiped out by his former side, but suffering just one defeat in 11 games is far from the worst start for the former Swansea manager, although his side do have some ground to make up in the Premier League table as they lie in sixth position, two points behind Manchester United in fifth and three points behind Newcastle United who sit in fourth, but the Blues do hold a game in hand on the Magpies.

And Chelsea can take some encouragement heading into the battle with Arsenal, as they are unbeaten in 12 consecutive matches in all competitions in front of their own fans.

However, Arsenal were the most recent team to overcome Chelsea on their own patch, and Stamford Bridge has historically been a happy hunting ground for the North London club in recent memory, so Mikel Arteta and his men will be confident they can continue their sensational start to the campaign with the bragging rights on Sunday.

In contrast to their rivals, the Gunners sought to atone a European defeat against PSV Eindhoven with a Premier League win last weekend, and the Gunners certainly demonstrated a clinical edge that has been absent more often than not recently, putting five past a hapless Nottingham Forest on home turf.

They followed that up with a rather lackluster 1-0 win over FC Zurich in the Europa League on Thursday evening, lacking the cutting edge and ruthlessness they exerted against Forest, but comfortably sending them through to the last-16 of the competition.

The Gunners enter this weekend’s contest still two points clear of Manchester City at the top of the Premier League table, but they could be knocked down to second by Sunday if the champions beat Fulham on Saturday afternoon.

All five of the points that Arsenal have dropped in the Premier League this season have come on the road, but they nevertheless remain the division’s best-performing away side this term and have only conceded four goals on rival turf so far – the best record in the division.

Arteta has led Arsenal to two consecutive triumphs at Stamford Bridge in the last two seasons – with a 2-0 win for Chelsea at the Emirates sandwiched in between – and a new club record could also be set for the Gunners, who are aiming to win three successive Premier League London derbies away from home without conceding for the very first time.

PREMIER LEAGUE FORM (LAST SIX):

CHELSEA: WWWDDL

ARSENAL: WWWWDW

WHERE & WHEN?

Venue: Stamford Bridge.
Date: Sunday, 6th November 2022.
Time: 12:00PM. (BST).

MATCH OFFICIALS

Referee: Michael Oliver.
Assistant referees: Stuart Burt, Dan Cook.
Fourth official: Robert Jones
VAR: Jarred Gillet.
Assistant VAR: Matthew Wilkes.

MATCH FACTS

Head-to-head

• Arsenal are vying to win three consecutive league games away to Chelsea for the first time since 1974.
• The Gunners have won three of their past four Premier League fixtures versus the Blues. Prior this, they had only claimed two victories in 17 top-flight meetings (D6, L9).

Chelsea

• Chelsea are unbeaten in 12 home matches in all competitions since losing 4-2 to Arsenal on 20 April (W7, D5).
• Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang can become the second player, after Cesc Fabregas, to score for both Arsenal and Chelsea in Premier League matches between the clubs. Aubameyang netted 68 times in 128 top-flight appearances for the Gunners between 2018 and 2021.
• Raheem Sterling has eight Premier League goals versus Arsenal – the only teams he has a better record against are Bournemouth and Watford, with nine goals apiece.

Arsenal

• Arsenal have won 10 of their 12 top-flight matches this season. Only one of the 10 previous sides to win as often at this stage of a Premier League campaign did not go on to the win the title – Newcastle in 1995-96.
• The Gunners have claimed victories in just five of their past 50 league games away to Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham.
• Gabriel Martinelli has five goals in 12 Premier League games this season. He is only one short of his highest figure in a single campaign.
• Gabriel Jesus has failed to score in each of his eight most recent appearances in league and cup.

TEAM NEWS & ANALYSIS

Chelsea’s defensive injury list is growing by the week with Ben Chilwell the latest casualty after pulling up against Dinamo Zagreb with a hamstring injury, with long-term knee victims Wesley Fofana and Reece James – as well as midfield duo N’Golo Kante (thigh) and Carney Chukwuemeka (hamstring) all out of action too.

The sight of the left-back limping off the pitch was bad news for both Chelsea and England fans, who will now have to await for the results of a scan, but Chilwell will definitely be absent this weekend. and for the foreseeable future, halting his chances of a World Cup place with England.

It will be interesting to see how Graham Potter compensates for the loss of both Reece James and Ben Chilwell who are incredibly valuable components in their much trusted wing-back system. Much of the Blues poor form over the last year or so, especially on home turf has been down to both players being absent, with the Blues looking imbalanced, incoherent and lacking real penetration in the final third without the English pair.

Will Potter continue with Raheem Sterling at wing-back or play him in attack? Or will Marc Cucurella be handed a chance to prove himself once again in his most favoured position especially after his difficult start to life at Stamford Bridge?

Potter has already ruled goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga out of contention too with the Spaniard reportedly out until the World Cup, so Edouard Mendy will keep his place in goal, and Croatian midfielder Mateo Kovacic should be fine to return to the engine room after missing out as a precaution in midweek with a tight calf.

As for Arsenal, fans witnessed the familiar yet painful sight of Takehiro Tomiyasu coming off injured in the dying moments of the win over Zurich. The severity of the defender’s muscular issue is still unclear, but it would be a shock to see him starting against Chelsea on Sunday which means Kieran Tierney could continue at left-back after his goalscoring exploits on Thursday evening.

Emile Smith Rowe – who has scored in each of Arsenal’s last two wins at Stamford Bridge – is still out after undergoing groin surgery, and a problem in the same area could also force Matt Turner out of contention, but Arteta was handed two major boosts in midweek.

The injury that Saka sustained against Nottingham Forest was only a minor one, and he was able to come on as a substitute in the Europa League, while Oleksandr Zinchenko was finally back in the squad after a troublesome calf injury. It is unlikely the Ukrainian will start on Sunday, despite his tremendous tactical ability and versatility.

KEY PLAYERS

MATEO KOVACIC

Mateo Kovacic is arguably Chelsea’s most important player. Without question, he is the Blues most talented and decorated midfielder and already we’ve seen how crucial he is for Graham Potter’s side as he was for Thomas Tuchel.

His ability to break lines through his stunning dribbling qualities, but also his adeptness in possession makes him a decisive and crucial component in Chelsea’s team.

In possession, Kovačić employs a progressive mindset, eager to drive the ball forward in search of advanced passes into the final third. Compared to other midfielders, Kovačić boasts excellent progressive statistics per 90 minutes: 1.40 dribbles completed, 8.31 progressive carries, 3.77 carries into the final third, 6..69 progressive passes, and 9.53 passes into the final third, all of which rank within the 90th percentile. 

Especially in transition, the Croatian’s ability to burst past defenders in the middle of the park provides a lethal edge in Chelsea’s counter-attacks. Pairing powerful brute force with nifty changes of pace, Kovačić is able to expertly maneuver through tight spaces. The Croatian provides qualities that arguably no other Chelsea player possesses, or if they do, they simply don’t have the same aura at which Kovacic regularly performs at.

If Chelsea are to exceed expectations under Potter this season both domestically and in Europe, they will need the Croatian fit and firing.

GABRIEL MARTINELLI

Like Kovacic for Chelsea, Martinelli remains a crucial component for Mikel Arteta’s men. The Gunners simply do not look the same attacking threat without the Brazilian maestro.

His ability to beat defenders whether cutting inside or going on the inside simply makes him one of Europe’s most exciting and devastating forwards. Not only that, but his aggression, endeavour, work rate and courageousness in the final third provides the Gunners with a much needed flexibility and cutting edge in attack.

Mikel Arteta will be secretly hoping Martinelli isn’t picked for the Brazil squad at the World Cup so that he could stay fresh for the second half of the campaign, in the Gunners’ welcome pursuit of trophies. The Brazilian has notched five goals in his 12 Premier League outings so far this campaign and a sixth on Sunday will mean he’s matched his highest top flight tally in his career.

The way he’s playing right now, you’d almost back him to triple his current tally.

PREDICTED LINE-UPS:

CHELSEA XI: Mendy (GK); Chalobah, Silva, Koulibaly; Loftus-Cheek, Jorginho, Kovacic, Cucurella; Mount; Aubameyang, Sterling

ARSENAL XI: Ramsdale (GK); White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Xhaka, Partey; Saka, Odegaard, Martinelli, Jesus

SCORE PREDICTION:

Chelsea 2-3 Arsenal

Remember the days of Nemanja Vidic? The Serbian defender who swiftly catapulted himself to become one of Premier League’s most accomplished centre-back during his successful eight year spell at Manchester United. The defender who took no prisoners, who possessed a warrior-like, and bullish personality and characteristics on the football pitch alongside the more calm and assurance of Rio Ferdinand.

But more crucially, the defender who because of his unique nature on the pitch, his bravery, courage and tenacity quickly became one of Sir Alex Ferguson’s most pivotal figures during a four-year spell which bore three Premier League titles, a Champions League triumph, and two League Cup triumphs.

How the Red Devils have lacked a player possessing similar qualities despite the club’s tumultuous and pricey attempts trying to find the ideal Vidic-like solution. Phil Jones, Chris Smalling, Eric Bailly, Victor Lindelof, Harry Maguire are players who have been tried across five managerial spells, costing the club a hefty £160m, but relatively failed to live up to the billing.

Only the latter two of those players still remain at Old Trafford, with their long-term futures under new manager Erik ten Hag, in jeopardy.

The former Ajax coach has overseen something of a much needed major rebuild in the red half of Manchester, upon his arrival in May. Out went high-profile figures such as Paul Pogba, Edinson Cavani and Juan Mata, while the 52-year-old managed to recruit the likes of Antony, Casemiro, Christian Eriksen and Tyrell Malacia intentionally looking to transform the team into his image.

And with his team in desperate need of a major surgery and yet another investment within his ailing defensive setup, the £57m investment of Lisandro Martinez from Ajax, a few months on from his arrival between the Carrington revolving doors, looks to be the most shrewdest signing the Old Trafford hierarchy have made over the past decade.

The signing of the Argentinian in comparison to all the past aforementioned recruits held a unique facet to it, one which the club criminally failed to identify as a real pressing need when locating a balance in their defending and that’s the signing of a left-footed centre-back. Out of the four managerial appointments, the club needed a coach with no Premier League experience or widespread European pedigree to his belt, yet, to both identify and address an area that required an urgent solution.

Indeed, Martinez’ short time in Manchester hasn’t been without it’s caveats from the English media. Unfortunate performances against both Brighton & Hove Albion and Brentford in Manchester United’s first two league fixtures led many to question whether the Argentinian possessed the required standing, literally due to his 5ft 9in height, and presence to become an elite-level Premier League centre-back.

A few months on, and Manchester United fans can finally argue that the club have finally found their answer to the next Nemanja Vidic.

During the 24-year-old’s three years in Amsterdam, he excelled tremendously as a result of his brashness and aggression in defending, his superb reading of the game, tactical versatility and unique qualities in possession. In his three months as a Red Devil, Martinez has so far provided all of those characteristics while rapidly improving the United backline.

Certainly, he’s been involved in hefty defeats to both Brentford and Manchester City, conceding 10 goals but that can be put down to United’s weaknesses as a defensive unit rather than individualistic limitations. Other than that, the Argentinian has aided Erik ten Hag’s side in keeping five clean sheets so far this campaign, that’s the joint-second best in the Premier League.

Pretty impressive considering Manchester United have been largely criticised for their lapses in concentration and huge weaknesses at the back this calendar year. The former Ajax man has so far formed an excellent defensive partnership with Raphael Varane, whilst also improving those alongside him in Ten Hag’s defensive setup.

More crucially, the £57m man has brought an aggression, and tenacious edge to a defence that has looked soft against even the so called “smaller sides” in the division and lacked a bite and resilience in halting attacks. Lisandro Martinez is a leaders’ leader, one who has brought so much character, voice and leadership to the United squad, making others around him look even better. Does that remind you of a defender who once represented the famous badge?

His performances during Manchester United’s Europa League campaign has particularly been pleasing, with the 24-year-old registering 84.2 touches and making 2.6 tackles per match, while also displaying his physicality and tremendous reading of the game by winning 72% of his total duels. He’s translating that in the English top flight too, taking 66.6 touches per game, averaging 1.8 tackles and winning 61% of his total duels at a rate of 3.8 per game.

It’s evidently clear that the Gualeguay-born workhorse is a defensive machine, exerting his dominance against even the biggest of forwards, but no one amongst the United defence can claim to possess Martinez’ unique weaponry in progressive passing. Within Ten Hag’s preferred style in building from the back, with patient and potent passing moves, Martinez excels in abundance.

He is a forward-thinking and proactive defender but also a brave and courageous one when trying to find players in dangerous pockets of space ranking in the 94th percentile for progressive passes per match (4.13) compared to positional peers in Europe’s big five leagues whilst also ranking in the 91st percentile for passes completed per 90, and this ball-playing ability allows United to expertly begin attacks from the defensive third of the pitch.

In the past month or so, it seems as if the players are finally getting to grips with what Ten Hag requires of them and there is a case to suggest that possessing a player who already knows how the manager thinks has been a huge help, and that player is Lisandro Martinez. There’s also a case to argue that the Argentine defender has been United’s best performing player so far this campaign.

He’s already a fan favourite, a cult hero amongst the Old Trafford faithful and that was evident during their latest win over West Ham United. Martinez certainly went to war, battled hard and again showed just how much of an impact he’s made to the Manchester United defence. And he didn’t have Raphael Varane alongside him, but the struggling Harry Maguire.

Lisandro Martinez’s game by numbers vs. West Ham:

92% pass accuracy
79 touches
58 passes completed
4/4 ground duels won
4 blocks
3 ball recoveries
3/4 aerial duels won
3 clearances
2 tackles won

Licha, I love you. 🇦🇷 pic.twitter.com/BI4ocZE695

— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) October 30, 2022

At times during the encounter with the Hammers, Martinez looked like he’d been at Old Trafford for all of four years and Maguire, a new signing still trying to get to grips with the pace of the Premier League. The “Argentinian Butcher” has he is regularly called bailed out his partner on so many occasions, and considering the lack of a quality back up in Ten Hag’s defensive section, United simply cannot afford a Martinez injury, neither can Argentina by the looks of it.

It was his all-round game on the night which caught the eye. The final moments of the 1-0 triumph were indeed a scrap, pivotal moments in which United were walking a tightrope, requiring a doggedness and resilience that had failed them for much of the past year. Martínez was at the heart of it, his teammates following the demanding standards set by the Argentinian. He was rewarded with a boot to the face for his efforts from Gianluca Scamacca.

Martínez is the type of defender fans enjoy watching, throwing himself into every tackle but it’s even more glorious to see a perfectly timed challenge resulting in an opponent being brought down as part of the tackle, and the former Ajax defender has mastered that art. The 24-year-old constantly sets the tone, sets an example and a huge standard for his teammates to follow. Ten Hag’s lieutenant on the pitch, but also the Dutchman’s tactical mind also.

His numbers throughout the whole scrap with such a spirited West Ham side highlights his telling contribution, an extremely pivotal one winning all four of his ground duels, registering three ball recoveries, three clearances, two tackles won and winning 3/4 aerial duels. Whoever said he can’t become a force in the air in the Premier League. The 24-year-old is expertly silencing those doubters.

When in possession he is efficient, as evidenced through his 79 touches and 92% pass accuracy with 58 passes completed. He is so reliable, so effective when on the ball, you’d be forgiven to mistake him with an orchestra conductor. That’s the kind of player and character he is.

1103 – Lisandro Martínez has bypassed 1,103 opponents in total with his passes in the Premier League this season, the most of any @ManUtd player:

1103 – Lisandro Martínez
890 – Diogo Dalot
635 – Christian Eriksen
565 – Luke Shaw
515 – Raphaël Varane

Laser. pic.twitter.com/NLcXYpqIHu

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) November 1, 2022

But he is also a reliable cleaner, covering for his team mates mess with no fuss at all. As early as the second minute he was straight into the action when the tricky Saïd Benrahma was played through on goal in the left-hand channel behind Harry Maguire. Martínez swiftly spotted the danger and moved into the vacant space to hold up Benrahma, forcing him into a weak shot that was blocked.

Martinez dealt with both Scamacca and the more physically imposing Michail Antonio tremendously well. He may be short in stature, but he’s perfected the art in dealing with more taller opponents, using his body and positioning to prevent them getting to the ball. With all of just under 15 minutes left, it looked as if Craig Dawson – a constant menace from attacking set pieces – would tower over Martinez to head an equaliser at the back post, only for him to get to the ball first.

United have conceded just twice in their past five league games since shipping six at Manchester City. Goals win matches but defences win titles as famously stated by the great Sir Alex Ferguson and United finally have a backline that can bring confidence to the rest of the team. You always need grit and aggression when heading into a scrap, and Martinez is one player always ready and willing to go to battle. Like Vidic to Sir Alex, Martinez is again quickly becoming the rock and foundation on which Ten Hag is firmly building his Manchester United legacy.

The 2021/22 Ligue 1 season was a campaign to forget for Olympique Lyonnais. The French giants finished eighth in the league, picking up just 61 points – finishing 25 points behind champions Paris Saint-Germain – their lowest points haul since the 2013/14 campaign (the 2019-20 season is an exception with it curtailed by Covid-19).

A club who are arguably supposed to be PSG’s biggest challengers for the Ligue 1 gong, flattered to deceive and constantly meddled with perennial underachievement as former coach Peter Bosz struggled to get the best out of a rather talented crop.

However Les Gones fared a little better in their European aspirations, topping their group before being eliminated by West Ham United in the quarter-finals. Though the season proved underwhelming on all fronts, the club did strike gold in their talent pool area, and that’s the emergence and come up of one of Europe’s most prized young full back assets, Malo Gusto.

Throughout the past decade or so, Lyon have always been the place to be to find young and fledgling young talents, and their historic academy has thrown up some of the world’s most renowned footballers. Karim Benzema, Samuel Umtiti, Anthony Martial, Maxwel Cornet, Alexandre Lacazette, Hatem Ben Arfa, Nabil Fekir, Corentin Tolisso. Few other youth recruiters in the modern game can boast such a glittering legacy.

French wonderkid Malo Gusto is the latest shiny new product out of the Les Gones production line, and could well become one of the most complete of them all. The 19-year-old is already an accomplished and guaranteed regular at Lyon, and could well provide France with the permanent solution to their recurring right-back conundrum.

One common factor and theme surrounding Lyon and their pool of young gifted academy products is that they end up on to bigger and better things, and the rumours surrounding Gusto’s future has already started. Both Manchester United and Barcelona have been credited with an interest in the talented full-back, and considering his flawless attributes and qualities, it won’t be long before he is gracing one of Europe’s most elite clubs.

Profiling Malo Gusto

Born in Décines-Charpieu in May 2003 – now the home of the their stadium in the Lyon Metropolis – Gusto grew up Villefontaine, Isère, his father forced him into the field of Rugby but the young Gusto chose to pursue his dream football instead, whilst studying for his baccalauréat technologique.

He started out playing for AS Villefontaine, a club based in a commune, Isere department, southeast France, spending three years at the club’s academy before moving to Football Club Bourgoin-Jallieu, a club plying their trade in the fifth tier of French football.

The move to the club would pay much dividends for the youngster in which the club signed a partnership agreement with Lyon, and it is through that partnership where Gusto was identified and picked up by the French giants – following a similar route to fellow academy product Amine Gouiri.

There he formed the same generation as Florent da Silva, Yaya Soumaré and Rayan Cherki, eventually signing his first professional contract with the French club in December 2021. At that point he had already made a few appearance on the team sheet for Ligue 1 games under Rudi Garcia’s management, whilst already having shown his talent in the Youth League and National 2, with the reserve.

Gusto eventually made his Lyon first team bow in January 2021, replacing former midfielder and teammate Bruno Guimaraes in the 90th minute of a 5-0 win over their Derby du Rhône rivals Saint-Etienne. Having made another short Ligue 1 appearance at the end of the season, the young defender signed a new contract with Lyon in June, tying him to the club until 2024.

During the summer of 2021, Peter Bosz had been named head coach, with which Gusto soon appeared as one of Lyon most promising new prospects, along with the likes of Castello Lukeba, enjoying a tremendous and fruitful first real pre-season for the first team.

Starting the 2021–22 season as the official replacement of France international Léo Dubois – as several fullbacks were departing the club, including Mattia De Sciglio, Melvin Bard and Maxwel Cornet – Gusto started his first game during Lyon’s opening match against Brest on the 7th of August becoming the youngest defender to start a Ligue 1 game for OL since Samuel Umtiti.

Despite being quickly thrust into the limelight and first team picture earlier than expected, Gusto too in such demands and rigors of first team action like a duck to water, and with the maturity and development that belies his years and experience.

What is Gusto’s style of play?

Being a crucial part of an attack is a necessary requirement for modern day fullbacks and in Gusto, Lyon possess a true attacking component, a player who shows much completeness, well-rounded attributes and a maturity that many of his positional counterparts could only dream of.

What is intriguing about the 19-year-old is that he actually started out as an attacking midfielder, but was, by chance, converted to right-back in his earlier teens. “At the start it was to compensate for injuries in the age category above,” Gusto told the club’s website. “The coach put me in at right-back and I had a good match, since then my position hasn’t changed.”

It is a position that the player admitted he didn’t really want to play in: “At the beginning it was complicated for me, and for my father too. He has always seen me on the offensive side and he now saw me staying back,” Gusto explained. “But it’s still football, if you study the role well, you’ll progress quickly.”

And that he has. If you’ve come to experience Gusto’s game, you’d realise that he wouldn’t look out of place playing behind a striker. However, the full-back role is one he has studied extensively, because at just the tender age of 19, he already looks the part.

Like all regular and functional full-backs, Gusto in comparison lacks the the slightly angular, functional technique of a lot of career full-backs and instead plays with the swagger and forward thinking verve of an attacking midfielder. While he is incredibly adept at becoming a marauding and persistent presence when overlapping and attacking the box, he performs such actions with a confidence and an aura that stands him out amongst his peers.

Being taller than the archetypal full-back at 5’9 (Jordi Alba, for example, is 5’6) and broader too, Gusto carries an understated and unique physicality, and still has some way to mature. However, his scraggly pony-tail and goatee beard already make Gusto look far older than 18.

It was only his first proper taste of first team action last year – making 37 appearances across Ligue 1 and the UEFA Europa League – but the 19-year-old looks very assured and at home amongst the elite. Gusto’s own description of his style as an “offensive, hard-hitting, powerful, fast, technical player” has become apparent with every passing match he features in.

At such a young age, Gusto is already an influential piece of Lyon’s attacking play due to his adept qualities in possession but more importantly his uniqueness and technical acumen when creating chances. He is a modern-day full-back who loves to venture into attacking areas and supply his teammates. His four assists in the league last term was the seventh-best amongst defenders.

Becoming an instrumental and active component approaching the final third through progressive passing or carries is his true calling card.

According to FBRef, Gusto ranks incredibly high amongst his positional peers over the past year, especially for ball progression, and helping his side win the ball back high. He’s a reliable and fantastic outlet in possession, capable of aiding his side’s possession style, distributing the ball well whilst also maintaining it even when under pressure.

The French wonderkid ranks in the top 5% of full-backs for passes attempted per 90, and passes completed per90 and passes received per 90, highlighting just how crucial he is to Peter Bosz’ progressive style. He is also adept at keeping the ball when being pressured by his opponents, ranking in the 74th percentile for passes under pressure. When receiving passes, he shapes himself up well to receive it and distribute it swiftly and adeptly owing to his excellent technical and tactical understanding.

More importantly, for most teenage full-backs, they are at times hesitant and rushed when entering the final third which is understandable given age, maturity and experience but in Malo Gusto, you’d be hard pressed to find such struggles when in the attacking areas. He is accomplished and assured in picking out his intender targets in the penalty area. The French wonderkid ranks in the top 13% of full backs for passes into the penalty area, in the top 6% for crosses into the penalty area and in the top 5% for pass targets (number of times a player was the target of an attempted pass).

Owing to his unique and broad stature mixed with his tremendous gifts on the ball, he is a scary sight when marauding forward with the ball, and that is why he is amongst the best full-backs when progressing the ball into the penalty area through ball carries or dribbles. As stated previously, he is influential in the attacking third, shown through his 88th percentile (top 12%) ranking in touches in the attacking third and 71st percentile ranking for touches in the attacking penalty area which makes for great reading considering he is a full-back but it shows just how vital they are within Bosz’ gameplan.

Nonetheless, it’s how Gusto approaches such situations that is just as impressive. His 57.97 carries per 90 minutes is amongst the top 5% of full-backs in Europe’s top five leagues. He also ranks in the top 4% for progressive carrying distance per 90, top 1% for total carrying distance per 90, top 3% for progressive carries and in the top 5% for carries into the final third per 90 highlighting that he is incredibly and perfectly capable of approaching the opponent’s penalty area with great regularity and aplomb.

In addition, he also loves to help the team win the ball back once losing possession. Fbref stats show that he makes 6.26 successful pressures per 90 minutes which is among the top three per cent among fullbacks, but also he ranks well for pressures in the attacking third per90 (top 13%) meaning he fits very well with Peter Bosz’ aggressive pressing style.

Despite his attacking roots, Gusto has adapted well to the defensive side of the game and is similarly pro-active around his own penalty area as when marauding forward. He’s not afraid to make a lunging intervention or impose himself on the opposition.

He’s held his own against some of Europe’s most accomplished forwards in PSG’s superstar duo in Neymar and Kylian Mbappe and continues to be a sturdy presence in his defensive work. So far in the 2022/23 campaign, he’s recorded 1.7 interceptions, 2.7 tackles 1.0 possession won per game whilst winning 58% of his total duels. Amongst his positional peers in Europe’s top five leagues, he ranks well for his defensive metrics, ranking in the 82nd percentile for full backs for interceptions per 90 (2.29), 83rd percentile for tackles + interceptions per 90 (4.91) and in the 90th percentile for tackles won per 90 (1.78).

Despite these impressive numbers, it is something Gusto will have to improve considerably especially if he is to eventually make the step up to a more competitive and swash-buckling league. That tackle first, ask questions later style of defending relies heavily on timing and, as one barely passable last ditch challenge last season on Strasbourg striker Kevin Gameiro underlined, it could get him in real trouble if not fully refined. A deceptive turn of pace and a burgeoning ability to read play, however, will greatly aid his game but the player concedes: “I know I still have to work on my defensive positioning.”

That self-reflection and realisation again goes to show how much he has matured during his first year playing professional first team football. It also shows his indomitable spirit. He has been performing incredibly well in a season where Lyon struggled on all fronts and lost several players to transfers, so if Peter Bosz is to improve on that front, and provide his fledgling full-back with more quality to work off and with, then there is no reason why Gusto can’t further refine and develop his game over the new campaign.

What does the future hold for Gusto?

The 19-year-old’s talent and sky-high potential are obvious but he needs Lyon, unlike with Bard, to be generous with their trust and time. A contract extension last year to 2024 suggests that is the club’s plan, but to avoid big clubs getting him on the cheap, they may need to start talks with the wonderkid to extend his stay even further.

Gusto’s physique, attacking verve, all-action defending and focused attitude, as well as the fact that all those attributes have a long way to develop, make the teenager a rare talent. He will truly be a highly marketable but sustainable component to have for any of the top calibre sides, most especially in Manchester United and Barcelona who both are on the look out for right-backs who can compliment their exciting attacking components as well as a player they can hone, develop and possess for the next 5-10 years. Gusto fits the bill perfectly.

Though, another year or two at Lyon will do him the world of good. There’s no need for him to rush, especially with Les Gones hell-bent on improving on their disappointing league finish last season. Gusto will be a pivotal component in that rebuild, and it is already underway with Peter Bosz’s side unbeaten – at the time of writing – in their first three games so far.

With France’s right-back area a problem position too, do not be surprised to see Gusto become the long-term solution in the post World Cup era. He is tailor made for it.