We’ve been examining five of Europe’s best attacking-midfield talents and Houssem Aouar is next in the series. Manchester City are after Tanguy Ndombele. But what about the architect of Lyon’s midfield? A budding star in his own right, Aouar is a french midfielder who plays as a central midfielder and likes to push upfront. Find out why he’s considered one of the best young players in his position and read our methodology here.
STYLE OF PLAY
The Lyon playmaker is somewhere between an eight and a classic 10. Aouar likes to assume control of the flow of the ball and get forward with it.
The technically gifted player can play on the left and centrally. He can come handy in a counter-attack due to his ability to carry the ball vertically very quickly.
ATTRIBUTE RANKS (How the player ranks against the other players analysed)
Shots: 1
Key passes: 3
Expected goals+assists: 4
Successful dribbles: 2
Chances created: 4
Overall: 3
STRENGTHS
Aouar is clearly a good dribbler of the ball, averaging two successful dribbles every 90 minutes. The elegant French architect glides past defenders comfortably using swift body movements and can come out with the ball after intense pressing by the opposition.
He is also voluminous with his shots, shooting 2.75 times every 90 minutes. Never the one to shy away from a half-chance, Aouar lurks unsuspectingly on the edge of the opposition box.
If the situation demands, Aouar can be an impressive presser of the ball too. Whether on the ball or off it, his utilisation of space is praise-worthy.
Along with Tanguy Ndombele, the midfielder has been crucial for Lyon’s impressive form this season, especially in the Champions League.
WEAKNESSES
There is no stand-out weakness as such but he could improve his creativity, especially in big games.
For all his dribbling and ball-carrying abilities, Auour can be exposed when he leaves space behind himself when he ventures forward. Hence, his creativity takes a hit, given he can’t take the risk and give the ball away.
Lyon’s French midfielder Houssem Aouar
NOTABLE PERFORMANCE THIS SEASON
The player was outstanding in Lyon’s 4-2 win over Marsielle, back in September. Aouar started on the left side of midfield in this game and produced great work offensively and defensively.
The 20-year-old opened the scoring for Lyon, completed two dribbles and boasted of an impressive 85 percent passing accuracy. He also created quite a few goal-scoring opportunities, while winning four tackles on the other side of the pitch.
VERDICT
A bright future awaits the youngster. A bit of creativity and he could fit into the Andres Iniesta profile at his peak. The market value of €40m seems fair and it might even be a steal in this inflated transfer market.
SUITABLE FOR
Real Madrid, Manchester United
