In the summer of 2020, Manchester United spent a reported fee of €25, rising to €40 million to sign Atalanta winger Amad Diallo. Much was unknown about Amad, but after a debut goal against AC Milan, the sky was the limit for the youngster, but he found himself starved of opportunities.
After a lacklustre loan spell at Rangers, some called for Diallo’s sale, stating that this was another example of United wasting money. However, as the famous chef Yotam Ottolenghi once said, “ One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.”
Analysis of Amad’s Performance and Case for Automatic Starter
Amad shined for Sunderland in the 2022/23 season, accumulating fourteen goals and three assists. The winger was exceptional, to the point that Sunderland fans begged the Ivorian to stay.
For Manchester United, Diallo struggled for game time. However, towards the end of last season, Amad shone. If reports are to be believed, the youngster is now seen as a vital player for Erik Ten Hag’s side.
I’m going to analyse Amad’s game and look at the two factors as to why he should be an automatic starter.
Style of Play
Amad plays predominantly on the right wing with a style of play akin to Antony. However, the speed of thought is what puts Amad ahead of all of United’s wingers. United’s wide players are accused of either being too safe or rash in the final third. Amad is the latter. Amad Diallo is left-footed and likes to cut in; however, there is a lot more to his game.
Antony strikes the ball with the inside of his foot, which allows the ball to bend into the far corner; however, that is where it ends with Antony. Amad has a wide range of goals, whether he strikes the ball with his laces or calmly passes the ball in the net. Amad’s diminutive stature allows him to drift past players, which is a physical trait that neither Antony nor Alejandro Garnacho possess.
Amad can play one-twos with his teammates and makes runs off the ball. This trait has placed the idea of Amad playing as a number 8. Amad has many of the traits of a mezzala, someone who operates in the half-spaces and creates chances with his runs off the ball.
IQ
The one thing that separates the youngster from the rest of United’s wingers is his IQ. Diallo’s decision-making is exceptional, and this was on show against Liverpool in the FA Cup. When the winger received the ball from Alejandro Garnacho, the pass was behind him, so Amad used a body faint to open up room for a shot. The attacker’s finish was fantastic, but the way he engineered room for the shot displayed the youngster’s IQ.
Amad’s IQ helps him create chances for his teammates and himself. Young striker Rasmus Højlund can only benefit from this. One of the biggest issues with United’s front three is that the wingers are always going for goal. None of United’s wingers look to try and feed their number nine—none but Amad Diallo.
Impact of Amad Diallo on Team Dynamics and Possession
Having a winger who isn’t goal-hungry will only benefit the team. One of the biggest criticisms United get is the lack of service Rasmus Højlund receives. With a winger like Amad, United’s number eleven will have a lot more opportunities in front of goal.
The whole United team will benefit from having Diallo there to create chances. When one of the Red Devils wingers gets the ball, they will either try to take their man on or go for goal. This means that Eriks Ten Hag’s side is unable to keep hold of the ball. Having a player who recycles possession the way Amad does will allow Manchester United to keep the ball, which in turn will see the Red Devils dominate games.
Maximizing Amad Diallo’s Potential at Manchester United
Amad embodies the profile of a player coveted by top teams, making him a significant asset for Manchester United. His presence on the squad allows the club to allocate resources strategically across other areas. Erik Ten Hag must ensure this talented youngster thrives in United’s environment and prevents the club from squandering the potential of this mercurial winger.
