According to the latest reports in Goal, Leeds United are still interested in bringing in free agent Yasin Ben El-Mhanni to Elland Road after his contract with Newcastle United expired last month. However, the Whites would have to show some urgency as the player is currently training with Brentford.
The winger left his previous club Newcastle United under bitter circumstances as he alleged that the coaches at Newcastle United bullied him. Rafael Benitez used him in the senior team twice last season, but the player and club decided to part ways after the incident and allegations in the summer.
Player Profile:
Full name – Yasin Ben El-Mhanni
Date of birth – 26/10/1995
Born In – Chelsea, England
Height – 5ft10in
Position – Left-Winger
Current Club: Free Agent
National team: England
Brief History
Born in London, El-Mhanni started his footballing career in AG Academy and was later picked up by Barnet. His initial footballing days were spent with non-league sides, and he played at the youth level for Aldershot and Farnborough. When the winger was with Lewes, he was spotted by the Toon scouts.
He impressed with the u-23 side at the Tyneside club, and Benitez soon drafted him into the senior team. He made just two senior team appearances in the FA Cup before the controversy and tension around him and the coaches started happening.
Player Strengths
The winger of Morrocan heritage is extraordinarily skilful, and he has loads of video on Youtube where he is showcasing his freestyling abilities. He is quick and nimble on his feet while his dribbling skills are top notch. The winger’s pace would also put a lot of defenders in the Championship in trouble.
The 22-year-old had impressed at the u-23 level for the Magpies. The left winger often tries to take on defenders, and he has a certain sense of directness to his game.
Player Weaknesses
The 22-year-old doesn’t have much of an experience of playing at a competitive level week in week out. His skills look good when it comes off, but he needs to do the basic things right as well. He often goes in for the spectacular and sometimes loses the ball away cheaply. That was one of the reasons why he didn’t play regularly for Newcastle’s senior team as Rafael Benitez often wants his players to be tight and organised.
His work rate is also sometimes under scrutiny. People often compared him with former United player Hatem Ben Arfa who used to blow hot and cold with his performances.
Verdict
Given that he is a free agent, Marcelo Bielsa can take a punt on him, but he is still undeveloped to take on the challenges of the Championship. The potential and skill set in the player is enormous but football is much more than that. Honestly, our answer has to be no on this one.
