According to La Provence, as cited by Sport Witness, Manchester United are among the clubs monitoring the situation of Marseille’s wonderkid Isaac Lihadji. The 17-year-old has impressed the onlookers with his performances in the youth leagues and is courted by a host of top clubs across Europe, including FC Barcelona, Juventus, AC Milan as well as Inter Milan.
It is believed that Marseille manager Andre Villas-Boas is keen to take a look at the youngster, who is likely to train with the first-team. But, if the French club does not begin negotiations with the player over a new deal, a move away from France could be on the horizon.
What is Lihadji all about?
Lihadji is a product of the Marseille youth academy, who also plays for the French international youth teams. A left-winger by trade, the 17-year-old loves to take on defenders.
He is blessed with quick feet and is capable of accelerating with the ball without losing his balance. He can wriggle through tight spaces as well, thanks to some excellent close control.
Another key asset in Lihadji’s game is his physical prowess. Although the youngster may not be as strong as the likes of Ante Rebic or Romelu Lukaku, he is undoubtedly capable of shielding the ball and ride challenges from the opposition.
However, what makes him such a sought after talent is his ability to thread through balls in behind the backline. Indeed, the Frenchman is blessed with brilliant vision, which allows him to pick the runs of his teammates. And then he often looks to pass the ball into an open space, giving his teammates more freedom and time to whip in crosses into the box.
Should Manchester United make a move for Lihadji?
If anything, Lihadji will only strengthen the Manchester United academy as he is far too inexperienced to be a part of the first-team. But, the 17-year-old is brimming with immense potential and could be nurtured into an excellent attacker in future.
Manchester United already signed Noam Emeran from Amiens earlier this year. And the addition of Lihadji could be a step in the right direction as the Red Devils look to add more young talents to the rank, which tunes in well with Ole-Gunnar Solskjaer’s footballing vision for the club.
