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I used to data viz to profile Houseem Aouar... {THREAD}
Should Houseem Aouar sign for Arsenal as reported, he’d be expected to inject creative qualities currently missing from Arteta’s midfield. While Xhaka and Ceballos have formed an efficient partnership, Aubameyang and company are in dire need of a fresh supply line.
Aouar has played all across the midfield but shines brightest in the left half-space where he spent 19% of his time for Lyon last season. If juego de posicion is the future, it's no wonder Arteta is targeting a playmaker who boasts close control and vision as primary strengths.
In Arteta's 343, when attacking the LCB becomes the LB & the LWB becomes the LCM/LM. Current options for LCM/LM are AMN/Saka; both can play LB meaning formations 343/433 are inconsequential as little changes. Aouar cannot start from LWB, indicating a shift to 433 is inevitable.
So it's worth noting that a large portion of City's goals during Arteta's time came from the same sequence when adopting 433. Build up play from the left; the 8 occupies the halfspace while the winger stays wide, pinning the FB, causing dilemmas and an overload in midfield...
...I'd assume similar patterns of play being poached from the Pep Guardiola handbook that revolve around Aouar making the key pass in the attacking phase.
Aouar has natural balance in possession and excels in receiving & distributing the ball quickly and on point. He completed 84.7% of all attempted passes during 19/20 but would hope to improve on 5.12 progressive passes per 90 (Özil, Guendouzi, Ceballos & Xhaka all completed more)
Aouar scored 4 & provided 9 assists in Ligue 1 & CL combined. His numbers are good without being great but are supported with strong underlying metrics (SCA & xA). It’s worth noting his best games took place on the bigger occasions, demonstrating ability needed to raise his level
French TV commentator Julien Huet said: "We have seen in major matches he has been excellent, but average in others. It has been said he needs a big game to shine. He has remarkable vision & is capable of scoring & assisting. But must become more decisive & consistent".
Aouar is a strong press-resistant dribbler, completing 3.0 dibbles per 90 and adds value to possession by purposely moving the ball towards the opponent's goal. He's not selfish in possession and won't slow down transitions from defence to attack.
With the exception of Ceballos, the Arsenal midfield isn't known for their press resistant qualities. Xhaka and more recently Elneny, have both struggled when put under pressure. Adding Aouar's immense carrying abilities will further strengthen the link from defence to attack.
And finally, although not being renowned for his defensive abilities (his tackling could be a little better). Aouar won the ball back in the middle 3rd of the pitch almost four times p/90 last season and will combine that with a work ethic in the attacking 3rd that Arteta craves
Ultimately, the level he reaches will be down to him. The ability is obviously there, and if he does join Arsenal it'll be interesting to see how he develops as a player, and how the player develops Arteta's Arsenal.
End of thread.
I'd feel rude if I didn't point out that the thread was inspired by the splendid work of @utdarena and all my data viz is inspired mostly by @petermckeever.
