High-flying Rangers faced a Ross County side looking to increase their gap from the relegation/relegation playoff places in a truly enthralling battle in Dingwall. Notably, this game was the debut for Rangers’ January recruit: Amad Diallo. Amad’s debut performance is analysed below.
Amad Diallo Traoré
Player Profile:
- Nationality: Ivorian
- Age: 19
- Date of Birth: 11/01/2002
- Current Club: Rangers (Loan)
- Career: Atalanta, Manchester United, Rangers (Loan)
- Position: Winger
- Preferred Foot: Left
Amad Diallo had a brilliant debut. After less than five minutes, he put Rangers ahead. His clever poacher-like movement allowed him to enter this goalscoring position and a calm left-footed tap sent his new followers into chants of his name. He also played a crucial role in the second goal, cutting in and releasing a powerful shot parried by Ross County’s goalkeeper into the path of James Tavernier to draw Rangers level. These interventions would have proved game-winning had Rangers not let their lead slip deep into injury time. Nonetheless, regardless of the ultimate result of the game. Amad made a debut that will resonate with Rangers and Manchester United fans alike.
Amad showed his technical excellence aplenty in this game. So often, his trickery on his left foot off the right side allowed him to bypass defenders with a minimum of fuss; whether it be a stopover, body feint or a Maradona flick. Amad was able to draw fouls or pass players with ease. Furthermore, this technical excellence was shown in his control of the ball. His first touch was omnipresently perfect. On one occasion, Amad took the ball down whilst simultaneously scooping it past his marker. His innate ability to invert from the right-wing and carry towards goal makes him an extremely dangerous attacking asset. Amad made passes with composure and good technique and subsequently rarely misplaced them. Moreover, Amad proved to be effective in both attacking and defensive transitions- He would often break forward with a penetrative run aided by his outstanding pace and provide a counter-attacking outlet or hunting the ball immediately after turnover, respectively. Technically, Amad genuinely seemed like a complete player, albeit this can be somewhat caveated by his relatively weak opposition (worst defence in the SPFL). I look forward to seeing if he replicates such against Celtic, a much tougher opponent.
Another outstanding element of Amad’s game was his synergy with his teammates. This seems especially innate considering his lack of training time with the rest of the team (after only sealing the deal on Thursday). This inexperience was unnoticeable, he efficiently moved into spaces and so often was a free man in the wide-left channel. His positional interchanges with fellow teammates and combinational play were extremely effective in unlocking Ross County’s low block. The best examples of this are his nucleus-like role which allows for Tavernier to underlap/overlap and move into the space that Amad’s movement has created for him or his multiple ‘give-and-go’ and/or ‘one-two’ passes.
Rating: A2
For now, I must settle with the rating of A2 although I will conduct further assessment upon Amad providing he is playing on Wednesday in the Old Firm. This may not be possible due to a minor injury concern that forced him off in the 65th minute. Amad looked a class above any of his counterparts but the contextual importance of Ross County’s poor defensive record inhibits a higher rating (as of now).