Germany’s first round exit of Euro 2004 proved to be a blessing in disguise. Not only the change in German gameplay from defensive to attacking, the youth academies and overall footballing structure in the country changed. Same youth products brought home the most prestigious sports trophy – The World Cup in 2014. The batch of Neuer, Ozil and Muller are still young enough to lead Germany for some time.
However, it is ‘Gen Next’ which is equally as exciting. With Joshua Kimmich, Julian Weigl, Draxler and Leroy Sane, much to the behest of English football, the future looks bright for Germany. One such exciting midfield master is Mahmoud Dahoud. Impressing in the role of Number 8 in Borussia Monchengladbach team, he is considered by many to be Germany’s next Khedira.
Who is Mahmoud Dahoud?
Born in Amuda, Syria on the 1st January 1996, as Mahmoud Dahoud he moved to Germany at a very tender age. He has already represented Germany at U-21 level, with possible call ups to National side on the horizon. He played for Germania Reusrath and Fortuna Dusseldorf before signing for Gladbach at the age of 14.
Graduate of Gladbach academy the young midfielder broke into the first team in 2014 and, after Xhaka left for the Gunners, has filled his role of number 8. His grwing stature as one of the brightest midfielders in the game has led to various stories of a transfer, in fact the Mirror have even gone as far to connect him with a £26 million move to Liverpool.
Style of Play
Often compared to Ilkay Gundogan for his brilliant vision and interceptions, Dahoud can function in multiple roles as a midfielder. His stat of 2.9 tackles and 2.3 interceptions per 90 minutes in the 2015/16 season show different parts to his skill set. He has often displayed a great passing range and high discipline in terms of his movement off the ball.
Right footed ball playing midfielder, Dahoud is praised for his high work rate. Capable of performing in No. 6 as well as No. 8 role, Dahoud has excelled in functioning as box-to-box midfielder. His excellent stamina and positioning off the ball makes him suitable for Defensive as well as offensive behind the attacking midfielder’s position.
His Strengths
Various scouting reports have mentioned him as ‘the needle player’, meaning he has a great ball control and an ability to function in compact and crowded areas of the field. He is good in evading challenges which makes him retain possession for his side. He is also capable of maintaining control of ball in tight spaces which helps in breaking down deep defences. His positioning is also very mature. He takes the withdrawn role in order to facilitate circulation of ball and helps in recycling in the need to basis.
What are his Weaknesses?
Although he looks mature for 20 years old, his touches are often questioned. He is often guilty of taking too many passes and overplaying sometimes. His delayed pass and isolated position has sometimes lead to potentially dangerous situations. Scout reports have suggested he sometimes doesn’t realise where he is on the football field and makes poor decisions which put his team in trouble. His maturity and decision making lets him down. However, he has plenty of time to mould this raw talent into a beautiful footballer.
Can he survive the Premier League?
The German could fit into Klopp’s usual 4-2-3-1 as one half of the midfield fulcrum. He can provide necessary support for attacking trio of Lallana, Coutinho and Mane. His excellent link up play can help Liverpool launch the counter attack in a flash. He looks strong for defensive midfield position but should improve his touches in order to protect the game against quality poachers like Aguero and Costa.