Manchester United have failed to gain momentum under new manager Ralf Rangnick this season and have struggled for points in recent matches in the English Premier League. The team is in desperate need of a midfielder who can contribute towards both the attacking and defensive sides. Paul Pogba’s injury has led to a downfall in creativity from the middle. However, the manager has found an ideal target in the form of RB Leipzig midfielder Amadou Haidara. The youngster has been impressive for the German side, and his flexibility in the middle of the pitch is attracting the attention of many clubs.
The 23-year-old central midfielder has featured in four Champions League group stage games for RB Leipzig this season. Haidara started in one match and came on as a substitute in the other three. The Mali international player has attempted 120 passes overall, with an xA rate of 0.50. His passing range includes seven smart passes and through passes each. The player has also made 20 recoveries, nine of them inside the opposition’s half.
The heatmap of the player shows that he has played in the attacking as well as defensive positions. His most common position is in the attacking midfield role. The player is known for his versatility in the midfield, and he can play in central midfield, attacking midfield, and defensive midfield positions.
The above viz shows the pass map of the player. Haidara has played a lot of passes from the midfield. He has attempted very few passes from the opposition’s final third. Most of his passes have been from a deeper position and into the final third. His 15 passes have landed inside the opposition’s penalty box.
The above visualization depicts the midfielder’s pass start locations. He has attempted passes from all over the pitch and a few passes from inside the opposition’s final third. The player has featured mostly in the second half, and therefore the xT timeline shows that the highest threat from passes is created in the second half.
Amadou Haidara has contested duels in the centre and the wider positions. Most of the duels contested have been defensive duels. The midfielder has contested six loose ball duels, five aerial duels, and 20 defensive duels. 16 duels have been contested inside his half and 15 duels inside the opposition’s half.
Amadou Haidara has been identified as one of the top targets in this winter transfer window by the Manchester United manager. Currently, he is representing his country in the ongoing AFCON tournament. The Red Devils will look to boost their midfield with such versatile and creative players.
