NEXT GEN: AYYOUB BOUADDI.

A 48,205- filled Stade Pierre-Mauroy played audience as Lille unfurled a ' NEXT GEN' talent on a mind-etching Champions League night. 2007 born Ayyoub Bouaddi is the name. His performance hinted at a player reaching out for the upper echelon — to rightfully be among the elite.

The below essay/ report points out what exactly makes the 18y/o a remarkably good talent.

1. Positional role.

Primary : DM ( Defensive Midfielder)

Secondary: CM ( Central midfielder)

Bouaddi's minutes have been spread across double pivot and wide midfield roles.

2. Physical profile.

Height and build : 1,86m tall, lanky build with an extendable frame. Remindful of Matic's physical framework.

Speed and pace : Moves with a certain sketchiness and sometimes flow. Can therefore be referred to as a static runner — relies more on positioning rather than physical speed.

Agility: Unfailingly good at shifting his weight to meet his immediate and following actions at a manageable tempo.

Balance: Shows a vice-like grip on his actions, his physical presence affords him such control while facing pressure.

Coordination: His visual perception aligns with his movement. Allows him to execute specific actions with high precision.

3. Functional profile.

Directional first touch : Bouaddi's first touch serves as to direct the ball into space/ generate separation his marker.

Tight space control: Able to shift the ball between his feet using quick, small touches in congested areas.

Synergistic passing: Involves his teammates in the rhythm of play. Subtly, anchors and sometimes acts as the pick and drive in passing combinations.

Penetrative carries: Has an attentive and aggressive edge to drive the ball and generate positive attacking momentum.

Claw-like interceptions : Bouaddi leverages on his long limbs to snatch/ recoup posession of the ball from a carrier with minimal body adjustments and physical power.

4. Temperament.

Unflappable under pressure: Disposes himself in a calm demeanour under duress. Less likely to give the ball away / rush his actions.

Enterprising: Unafraid to craft inventive play in tight spaces or finding teammates in open spaces.

5. Projections.

Deep playing making potential: Should settle on a deeper playing position when/ if educated to meet the demands of dictating play at at the highest level.

Presently, thrusting him in wide midfield and central midfield will expand his capacity to adapt in different match situations.