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A thread on Aouar and why he’d be a good fit for arsenal.
Houssem Aouar 2019/20
[ POSITIONING AND BODY SHAPE ]
Houssem is excellent at finding pockets of space and shaping his body while receiving the ball to create an immediate advantage. Here he’s already turning to his right as the ball comes which allows him to immediately turn and go.
Houssem is excellent at finding pockets of space and shaping his body while receiving the ball to create an immediate advantage. Here he’s already turning to his right as the ball comes which allows him to immediately turn and go.
Aouar has very good positional awareness. He puts himself in good positions to receive the ball and then turn forward.
In this play, he positions himself as an outlet and then takes the ball in his stride on the turn and is able to run into space.
In this play, he positions himself as an outlet and then takes the ball in his stride on the turn and is able to run into space.
His ability to turn past players would be so beneficial for arsenal when we are looking to play the ball down the pitch or giving us an advantage on the break.
[ FIRST TOUCH ]
His first touch is superb. Here he kills the lob and puts the ball directly into his own path. The goal may be deflected but the immaculate first touch is what creates the chance.
His first touch is superb. Here he kills the lob and puts the ball directly into his own path. The goal may be deflected but the immaculate first touch is what creates the chance.
Here the ball is behind him, but he’s able to stop it while turning, centre himself quickly, and escape trouble.
[ DRIBBLING AND BALL CONTROL ]
These are arguably his greatest ability. He has the ability to glide along the pitch, changing direction and angles so fluidly. He has a 3.4 rate of successful dribbles per game which is in the 99th percentile (top 1%)
These are arguably his greatest ability. He has the ability to glide along the pitch, changing direction and angles so fluidly. He has a 3.4 rate of successful dribbles per game which is in the 99th percentile (top 1%)
Here his reading of the game, anticipation, mental speed and dribbling are on full display. This was in the game vs Arsenal where he put in an amazing performance, controlling the midfield.
Aouar isn’t just a dribble merchant, however. The 22-year-old makes an impressively penetrative 2.94 progressive runs per game. This proves that he likes to drive towards the opposition goal as soon as he receives the ball.
[ COMPOSURE ]
Aouars ability to stay calm and composed, allows him to escape pressurising situations. Here he is closed down by two players, calmly beats both and then finds a simple pass to relieve that pressure.
Aouars ability to stay calm and composed, allows him to escape pressurising situations. Here he is closed down by two players, calmly beats both and then finds a simple pass to relieve that pressure.
Similarly here, he positions himself between the lines. Once again gets closed down by two players, calmly dribbles around both and releases the ball.
This composure is what we need in our midfielders at arsenal. When we play against top 6 teams, we know that the midfield battle will be strong and that teams will press and put pressure on us. Having a player who’s able to deal with this and create chances from it is so crucial
[ PASSING ABILITY ]
His passing range is incredible. His decision making and awareness is also very noticeable in his play. He has the ability to spot runs and execute pinpoint passes.
Watch here how he reads the run and flicks in a perfectly weighted ball.
His passing range is incredible. His decision making and awareness is also very noticeable in his play. He has the ability to spot runs and execute pinpoint passes.
Watch here how he reads the run and flicks in a perfectly weighted ball.
He can also drop deeper when needed and ping these long balls to advanced targets.
His ability to play long balls will allow Auba to get in behind the defence, similar to the system played now by arsenal, further strengthening our attack and therefore creating more chances.
His ability to play long balls will allow Auba to get in behind the defence, similar to the system played now by arsenal, further strengthening our attack and therefore creating more chances.
[ WORK RATE ]
One thing about Houssem Aouar is that his work rate is incredible. This would be so crucial if he joins this arsenal team. Arteta expects players to be pressing, closing down as well as going forward and his ability to give 100% for 90 mins is exactly what we need.
One thing about Houssem Aouar is that his work rate is incredible. This would be so crucial if he joins this arsenal team. Arteta expects players to be pressing, closing down as well as going forward and his ability to give 100% for 90 mins is exactly what we need.
While the Frenchman isn’t an out-and-out creator, he would definitely help Arsenal’s creativity predicament really well. What he excels in is ball progression, with 3.5 dribbles per 90 across Ligue 1 and the Champions League last season.
This, coupled with his ability to find and exploit space, makes him particularly dangerous.
Houssem Aouar is a game changing combination of skill, creativity and versatility, a great addition to any club and manager, and I truly hope Arsenal can get this deal done!
End of thread. Rts appreciated 
