There’s no shortage of talent in Ligue 1 and in this series we focus on some of the key performances which may otherwise go unnoticed.
We put impressive displays under the microscope and analyse the finer aspects of the individual’s game.
In this edition, AS Monaco left-back Caio Henrique is in focus following his excellent showing in a 3-0 win at home to Lens.
The recent Brazil debutant assisted Wilfried Singo and Guillermo Maripan for two of the goals, with a strike from Aleksandr Golovin sandwiched in between them.
STATS
KEY MOMENTS
23′ Assist – A pin-point delivery from a corner finds Singo’s towering header to put the hosts ahead.
27′ Playmaking – Receiving possession from the back, Henrique beats the press by dribbling past his man and plays a pass forward for Takumi Minamino, while bombing forward on the underlap.
35′ Off the ball – Bursts forward in the transition and gets free at the back post. The ball doesn’t arrive, but he helps stretch the defence and creates space in the middle for Golovin to bury the second.
39′ Playmaking – Following a neat one-two with Golovin, Henrique maintains his run and eventually receives a through ball from Youssouf Fofana. He whips in a dangerous cross into the box which finds a man at the far post and Wissam Ben Yedder nearly scores from the subsequent pass.
54′ Chance – Sees the opportunity to play it early and crosses to the far side with his right foot for Ben Yedder in a dangerous position.
61′ Assist – Another smart delivery from a corner lands perfectly from Maripan who manages to get wide open to nod in the third goal.
71′ Chance – Henrique makes an excellent run on the far side, while Golovin plays it short for Minamino. The latter plays the wing-back in, but his pass is slightly behind Ben Yedder.
EXCELLED AT:
Off-the-ball movement – Henrique keeps getting into positions to affect the game courtesy of his ability to read the play early and recognise opportunities for the transition. Whether on the underlap or overlap, he’s a willing runner and provides plenty of support in attack.
Delivery – With an excellent left foot and a keen eye to spot a runner, Henrique’s superb delivery is a real threat for defences – either from set-pieces or open play. It’s no wonder he leads the league with four assists this season.
CAN IMPROVE ON:
Assertiveness in defence – Defensively, his performance could’ve used more authority. He lacks aggression in a tackle and doesn’t pose much of a physical challenge. However, he does compensate for it by reading the game well and boasts good positioning.
VERDICT
Henrique played a role in all three goals, as well as in several chances Monaco fashioned. He’s a potent threat in attack and though not the most-imposing defensively, does more than hold his own at the back.
