Scouting report of former Manchester United star Adnan Januzaj as Real Madrid beat Real Sociedad 3-1

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  • Every weekend we pick out one under-23 player from around Europe and analyse their performance to provide you with an in-depth scouting report.

    This week, we shine the spotlight on Adnan Januzaj, the former Manchester United star now plying his trade at Real Sociedad in La Liga.

    The 22-year-old made his debut for his new side in a 4-2 win against Deportivo La Coruna and impressed on that occasion but while he did have a couple of good moments at home to Real Madrid on Sunday, he was unable to make a difference.

    Here, we analyse his display as the hosts lost 3-1 to the La Liga champions.

    BASIC STATS

    Goals – 0

    Shots – 0

    Fouled – 2

    Aerials duels won – 1

    Touches – 42

    Passes – 20

    Key passes – 2

    Dribbles – 1

    Dispossessed – 4

    Adnan Januzaj

    Adnan Januzaj

    EFFECTIVENESS

    Januzaj was largely anonymous in the first half. Dani Carvajal ensured that the youngster was denied time and space in which to operate. The industry of Gareth Bale didn’t do him any favours as well, as the Welshman was keen to offer his full-back support as well.

    In fact, Januzaj often found himself tasked with the unenviable job of having to track Carvajal’s runs in the opposite direction. The frustration clearly got to him and he picked up an unnecessary booking for a foul on Sergio Ramos.

    He did improve after the break though, creating a couple of chances with his excellent delivery. He even began to provide a bit of penetration down that left side but was still a peripheral figure for the most past.

    Januzaj was unable to influence Sociedad’s attacks a great deal, failing to drift infield and make things happen.

    KEY MOMENTS

    45+1 min – Gets booked for a clumsy foul on Sergio Ramos.

    49th min – Canales plays in Januzaj on the left who whips in an early cross. Xabi Prieto can’t get on the end of it though as he goes down after tangling with Theo.

    50th min – Januzaj bombs down the left and bursts into the box. He tries to pick out Willian Jose with a neat pass but Ramos intervenes on the edge of the six-yard box.

    70th min – The Belgian whips in a corner which is cleared but falls for Rodrigues who lashes it from distance but his shot goes wide of the near post.

    77th min – Replaced by Imanol Agirretxe.

    VERDICT

    While he didn’t do too much wrong, his lack of maturity which can be frustrating for his coaches was evident. He has the skill and ability but tries the unnecessary nutmeg or flick when a simple pass would suffice.

    He was getting little joy while hugging the left touchline but show the intelligence to drift centrally effectively in order to get more involved, lacking the desire to force his way into proceedings, waiting for the game to come to him instead.

    Januzaj also needs to keep the ball a lot better than he did against Madrid as it was stolen off him on four separate occasions.

    RATING: 5.5/10

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