Ratings
- A1 – Very good, could play higher
- A2 – Strong potential to play higher
- B1 – Good, strong player at level
- B2 – Potential to be strong player at level
- C – Average for the level, rewatch
- D – Below average, don’t follow up
Player profile:
- Nationality: French
- Age: 19
- Date of birth: 26/03/2001
- Current Club: AS Monaco
- Career: Limoges (Y), SC Malesherbes (Y), AS Monaco
- Position: Central Defender
- Preferred foot: Left
Benoit Badiashile had a great game for AS Monaco as they drew 2-2 with Strasbourg. The 19 year old dominated defensively whilst also regularly showing experience and composure beyond his years when in possession. Physically, Badiashile is very well equipped to compete, standing at 6’4″ and with a strong build and decent turn of pace, he is perfectly suited to his centre back role.
Playing on the left of a back three, he was able to win several aerial duels, some of which proved vital to prevent his team from conceding. The frenchman also showed good strength in the tackle and covered well for his teammates when he was required to. His positioning was often key to his success, finding himself in the right areas to attack the ball aerially or to get a head start on his opponent. However, his youth did show once or twice through a lack of awareness, by either failing to check his shoulder or committing a foul when the opposition player had nowhere to go.
On the ball, Badiashile was very impressive for the most part, demonstrating a good level of composure to step out of the defensive line and drive into the space when the opportunity presented itself. His passing range was also good, making some accurate switches and forward passes. These long passes did not always come off though and on a couple of occasions he probably could have taken a better option in order to retain possession.
Overall, it was an excellent display from the young French central defender who showed he has quality in abundance.
Rating: A1
Player profile:
- Nationality: Russian
- Age: 23
- Date of birth: 30/05/1996
- Current Club: AS Monaco
- Career: CSKA Moscow, AS Monaco
- Position: 10
- Secondary Position: Central Midfield / Left Wing
- Preferred foot: Right
Golovin put on a stand out display playing as one of three central midfielders for AS Monaco. The Russian showed great creativity in possession, finding himself at the base of the majority of his side’s attacking moves. He made some good passes out wide and to the forwards as well as showing some nice close control in tight spaces and dangerous deliveries from corners. Once he had played a pass, Golovin’s movement was excellent, drawing defenders away or driving into space to receive a return pass, he also posed a real threat to the Strasbourg goal in the final third with some powerful shots whistling just wide of the goal.
Occasionally Golovin was too relaxed in possession, with a couple of loose or overhit passes but most of the time he linked up well with his teammates across the pitch, allowing his team to progress forwards. Defensively, the 5’11” midfielder works hard for his team, using his body well in challenges and sticking tight to his man, not allowing him much time to think. At times the Russian can be quite weak but he also used his ability to read the game to nip in front of opponents to win the ball.
Overall, a thoroughly professional performance from the 23 year old who was a source of creativity all game.
Rating: A2
Gil Dias
Player profile:
- Nationality: Portuguese
- Age: 23
- Date of birth: 28/09/1996
- Current Club: Granada, on loan from AS Monaco
- Career: Sporting CP (Y), Sanjoanense (Y), Braga (Y), AS Monaco, Varzim (L), Rio Ave (L), Fiorentina (L), Nottingham Forest (L), Olympiacos (L), Granada CF (L)
- Position: Right Wing
- Secondary Position: Left Wing / Central Midfield
- Preferred foot: Left
Playing as a central midfielder in this match, Gil Dias but in a particularly promising performance. The Portuguese 23 year old linked up well with his teammates in attacking situations, with some nice one-twos and off the ball movement allowing him to create some opportunities for his side. The 6 foot midfielder had a good level of acceleration and used it to burst through the Strasbourg lines either to look to receive pass or with the ball at his feet.
His close control was impressive and allowed him to keep the ball despite being under pressure, although he did give the ball away on occasion through some bad touches or loose passes. His reaction to losing possession was important, showing a high work rate to track back and make some tackles and recoveries. At times Dias struggled to see much of the ball, especially in the second half, but he looked lively when he was involved and was unlucky not to grab a goal as well.
On the whole a good performance from Dias who demonstrated he had some real quality.
Rating: B1
Player profile:
- Nationality: French
- Age: 23
- Date of birth: 03/01/1997
- Current Club: AS Monaco
- Career: PSG (Y), Lille, AS Monaco
- Position: Left Back
- Secondary Position: Left Wing Back / Left Midfield
- Preferred foot: Left
Ballo-Toure played as a left wing back in AS Monaco’s system in this game and the frenchman had a solid game with glimpses of real quality. When defending, the 5’10” left wing-back stood up well and rarely overcommitted, instead opting to try and jockey his opponent backwards. He was strong in the tackle and read the game well to make some interceptions. However, Ballo-Toure was beaten too easily on occasion and also failed to track his man’s run for Strasbourg’s second goal.
He showed an impressive turn of pace which he used in attack and defence and used his body well to get in front of the ball. His passing was generally to a decent standard, with some good creative ideas when looking forwards. The 23 year old also made some effective flick ons, almost getting an impressive assist.
Overall, Ballo-Toure had a good game that for the most part demonstrated his talent and potential.
Rating: B1