Leicester City lead race for World Cup star after lower bid

Regardless, the Moroccan international was of integral importance to their World Cup campaign, which saw the African side reach the semi-finals – becoming the first African team to achieve such a feat. To better understand the player, let us briefly explore his positionality, stylistic preference, and value before determining whether the move would be a particularly beneficial one. Spoiler: I like this one.

As Transfermarkt illustrate, the midfielder is certainly just that: a midfielder. Ounahi takes up the centre-mid and/or attacking-mid positions, typically aiming to link up play between defence and attack. There is no evidence of a prolific goal scoring record or even assist record, but the player certainly creates and is involved in build-up from that very central position.

Stylistically, FB Ref shows us the player is more of a progressive midfielder than a creative or defensive one. Rated in the 99th percentile for dribbling, 95th for progressive passing, 92nd for touches, 75th for interceptions. Clearly, the player is your archetypical Tielemans player.

The Moroccan prefers to be involved all over the centre, getting forward to assist build up, getting back to help kick start turn overs. Regularly intercepting passes from opposing midfielders to attackers, Ounahi takes up an integral role in breaking up plays, creating plays, although frequently failing in finishing plays: his lack of goals is concerning when compared with his shooting.