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Donyell Malen
Including video, stats and analysis!
Likes, retweets and a follow are always appreciated
![[THREAD] Donyell Malen Including video, stats and analysis! Likes, retweets and a follow are always appreciated](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EhKUXYaXkAEsXIo.jpg "[THREAD] Donyell Malen Including video, stats and analysis! Likes, retweets and a follow are always appreciated")
Donyell Malen Including video, stats and analysis! Likes, retweets and a follow are always appreciated
This thread has been formed from our in-depth investigation into Barcelona’s potential recruitment options which was published on @BarcaTimes .
In that article you can find the other player suggestions we have come up with as well as a detailed analysis of Donyell Malen. https://twitter.com/barcatimes/status/1301769788465664004
In that article you can find the other player suggestions we have come up with as well as a detailed analysis of Donyell Malen. https://twitter.com/barcatimes/status/1301769788465664004
Malen’s data profile is very impressive, he is ticking many of the boxes we want to see in particular his xG + xA which demonstrates the quality of changes he is both creating and receiving. Source @StatifiedF
It is also positive to see that Malen is receiving plenty of touches in the box as it demonstrates that he is getting into the danger area and having an influence on attack both in link up play and in terms of shots which he is doing at a very high volume.
Malen has the ability and versatility to play in multiple positions in the forward line. He is primarily tasked with leading the line and to get in goal scoring positions, however, he also has a strong liking to the wide left hand areas of the pitch where he can perform rotations
This positional fluidity is very positive and gives the manager more opportunities to be expansive with tactical positioning and team dynamics. He can drag centre backs out of position and is very good at isolating players in underloaded scenarios.
The two examples below are areas where Malen has been in an underloaded position where he has isolated an opposing player.
Example 1
Example 1
Example 2
His ability to play on the shoulder and in wide areas where he looks to then attack centrally is something we’ve seen Timo Werner do very successfully
His ability to play on the shoulder and in wide areas where he looks to then attack centrally is something we’ve seen Timo Werner do very successfully
This visualisation from @StatifiedF (from 29-11-19) shows how Malen favours the left hand sides of the area. Malen could get into better goal scoring positions and his high volume shots outside the area are not ideal either. https://twitter.com/statifiedf/status/1200428040947453952
Malen could improve his decision making to eradicate these low quality shots. He should look to always get himself in the best possible situation to score, this may involve cutting the ball back onto his stronger foot when off balance and maintaining composure.
Nevertheless, Malen has still scored some excellent goals. The below montage of some of these goals shows Malen’s preferred areas to shoot.
The Dutch forward can stretch defences both laterally by hanging out wide, both also vertically vía runs in behind where he looks to use his acceleration to good affect.
Malen is also excellent with back to goal and the ball at his feet. He can be a very useful creative asset for this reason as well as a very useful direct option for transitions.
Here’s a montage that shows Malen’s all round game including the various dynamics and chances he creates 
https://twitter.com/vidzdefutbol/status/1302215000983994370
https://twitter.com/vidzdefutbol/status/1302215000983994370
Despite his relatively small height, Malen is also very capable in the air, which makes him a threat from set pieces and again, an option to be direct in transitions.
In our @BarcaTimes article we highlight the reasons why Malen would make a very capable replacement for Luís Suarez. Below we will summarise the positives and risks.
Risks 
- Still young and short of experience.
- Recent injury kept him out for 6 months.
- Transition from Eredivisie to harder league with better defences.
- Takes too many shots in low quality areas.
- Could improve his movement in the area and 6 yard box.
- Defensive work.
- Still young and short of experience.
- Recent injury kept him out for 6 months.
- Transition from Eredivisie to harder league with better defences.
- Takes too many shots in low quality areas.
- Could improve his movement in the area and 6 yard box.
- Defensive work.
Positives 
- Versatility (Can play on the wings).
- Verticality (direct option in transition).
- Powerful with good acceleration.
- Can run in behind or come short.
- Goal scorer.
- Koeman knows him well.
- Creates different dynamics in multiple areas of the pitch.
- Versatility (Can play on the wings).
- Verticality (direct option in transition).
- Powerful with good acceleration.
- Can run in behind or come short.
- Goal scorer.
- Koeman knows him well.
- Creates different dynamics in multiple areas of the pitch.
Unfortunately, there are probably too many risks at this moment in time and Barça would want to see how Malen fairs over a full campaign to monitor his consistency etc.
I believe they’d also be concerned by his defensive contributions as the Dutchman is not known for this.
I believe they’d also be concerned by his defensive contributions as the Dutchman is not known for this.
As a reminder, there is more detailed analysis of Malen and what Barcelona need upfront in our article linked below. You can also see the other candidates we suggested including: Rafa Leão, Memphis Depay, Marcus Thuram, Cody Gakpo and Richarlison! https://twitter.com/barcatimes/status/1301769788465664004
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