In a recent report with Caughtoffside, Ben Jacobs mentioned that Leeds United are still in the hunt for Angers midfielder Azzedine Ounahi. It has been claimed that the Whites are eyeing a late move for the Morocco international during this January transfer window.
Ounahi’s Excellent Numbers In French Football This Season
Ounahi has proven his worth as a decent performer at the heart of Angers’ midfield as he has managed to put in a string of dominant displays in Ligue 1. The Moroccan sensation has made 15 appearances for the French club this season but is yet to score or assist a goal for them across all competitions.
The 22-year-old has given a good account of himself at the centre of the park and has done well to average 1.3 tackles, 1.0 interceptions, 1.5 shots, 1.1 key passes and 2.6 dribbles per 90 minutes in Ligue 1. He has even been excellent when distributing the ball from midfield, based on his pass completion rate of 88.3% in the top tier of French football (stats via whoscored).
Ounahi is under contract at the French club until the summer of 2026. Thus, it won’t be easy for the Whites to land him on the cheap before the end of this month.
Is Ounahi A Good Option For Leeds United Head Coach Jesse Marsch?
Ounahi is a good tackler of the ball and can read the danger well to earn the ball back for his team in the middle of the park. He can shoot the ball with venom and accuracy from long range and has got the eye to create some decent plays for others around him in the opponent’s half.
The 17-time Morocco international can even make a few driving runs with the ball from midfield. He is primarily a box-to-box midfielder but can also fill in as a holding midfielder or operate in the number ten position for his team if his manager tells him to do so.
At 22, the future is quite bright for Ounahi as long as he continues to develop his all-around game with each season. We can expect him to add more bite and steel to Leeds United boss Jesse Marsch‘s midfield and could even help the Whites challenge for a major trophy in domestic football. However, only time will tell whether he can make a smooth transition to life at the West Yorkshire club.
Still, the pros outweigh the cons of recruiting Ounahi which makes him a great option for Marsch to consider this month.
