Earlier this week, L’Equipe reported that Manchester City are locked in a three-way battle for Olympique Lyonnais midfielder Houssem Aouar in this off-season. It is believed that the Mancunian outfit will have to compete with Arsenal and Juventus in the race to seal a move for the promising Frenchman during this summer transfer period. L’Equipe has also revealed that Aouar has received a call-up from France boss Didier Deschamps but is expected to part ways with Lyon to join a top European team this summer.
Aouar’s Excellent Season At The Groupama Stadium
The 22-year-old was recently diagnosed with COVID-19, so he might miss the start of this 2020-21 campaign. However, his form last season was exceptional as he helped Lyon knock out Manchester City and reach the semifinals of the UEFA Champions League where the new European champions, Bayern Munich eventually beat them earlier this month.
The Lyon-born playmaker participated in 41 matches for the French outfit in the last term, registering nine goals and ten assists in multiple competitions. He was in the form of his life in Europe last season as he averaged 1.8 tackles, 0.6 interceptions, 1.1 shots, 1.4 key passes and 4.4 dribbles per game in Champions League football.
Aouar even completed 80.4% of his attempted passes in the prestigious competition which showcases his accuracy when distributing possession from midfield (stats via whoscored).
What Are The French Midfielder’s Greatest Strengths?
Aouar tends to dominate the ball and complete some dangerous dribbles towards the opposition penalty box. He has got the eye to play a killer pass in the attacking third and has proven himself to be a frequent goal-scorer from midfield. The French midfield ace is not afraid to work hard to cover a lot of ground in both halves and has often been brilliant when making plays for his teammates in the decisive end of the pitch.
Is Aouar The Right Fit For Man City This Summer?
Aouar ticks all the right boxes as far as what Pep Guardiola demands from his midfield options at the Etihad Stadium. He will significantly improve the quality of Man City’s match-day squad. The 14-time French U-21 international could potentially form a devastating midfield partnership alongside Rodri and Kevin De Bruyne at the north-west of England in the coming years.
At 22, Aouar is only going to improve his offensive contributions with each season, so the Mancunian giants can expect to get the best out of him if they provide him with a nurturing environment to develop his game. The Lyon star will be a fantastic fit for Man City as he could help them overtake Liverpool in the upper echelons of English football and even challenge for the Champions League crown over the next few years.
