[Football] Yasin Ayari

[Change at Barnham]

See what you mean but he reminds me more of Billy Gimour tbh both in his physique, mentality and skill (he’s our Angel Gomes!)

In recent live matches, Ayari is the player that has most caught my eye - not because he is the best on the pitch but on and off the ball, he always seems to move with more purpose and intelligence than the players around him.

Technically he is as good as WBG and the workhorse attitude is similar. WBG got into our regular starts because he fought hard for it and his efforts on the pitch were 110% - that gets rewarded by managers. Ayari didn’t really stick out for me until this season, His loan spells were unremarkable at best. I thought we would lend him out again this summer but he is proving to be a testament to Fabian’s eye for developing young players imo and the decision not to send him out on loan again is proving the right one. This season because of injuries to Milner, O’Reilly and Wieffer we have probably used him more than we would have but he’s maximised that opportunity. His intensity is refreshing and he sustains it too. Players like Ayari up the tempo and improve the intensity of the whole team.

For me (and the reasons why I think Fabian likes him so much)

• He’s the player most likely to score out of ‘nothing’
• He is one of the best progressers of the ball on the pitch
• He’s positionally versatile and can follow the ball
• He willingly tracks back to defend
• His passing is consistently good and well timed
• Off the ball he attacks the space and reads the play

It’s not been easy for players that are used as wide midfielders like Ayari to carve a role in FH’s system as he tends to use false 9s - (Rutter and Pedro dropping into CAM ) also O’Reilly (and Wieffer) was brought in for that central midfielder role. However, for me O’Reilly is not at a level we need him to be (as I have mentioned a few times on match threads) - maybe he is one for a summer loan? Ayari is ahead of him now in the pecking order IMO and his versatility ensures him a place in FH’s plans - a January signing that might prove as important as Ally Mac.

I think you could swap Ayari’s name for Jack Hinshelwood’s.
We are blessed with two technically excellent young players, both with a wonderful attitude.

 

[Wardy's twin]

I think you could swap Ayari’s name for Jack Hinshelwood’s.
We are blessed with two technically excellent young players, both with a wonderful attitude.

You could except one has been injured for nearly 50% of his first team career and one hasn't.

Don't get me wrong Jack's a brilliant player BUT the best player is the one you have on the park.

I have said it before, I think we have too many technically good footballers and not enough match winners ( i know it sounds stupid ) and I think he is a match winner , direct, energetic, dogged.