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The talent factory that is the Federation Francaise de Football has churned out another hot property. Boubakary Soumare, the latest young midfield maestro to come from France, is reportedly very close to joining Leicester City.
The 22-year-old’s form had earlier caught the attention of both Manchester clubs and also AC Milan. However, reports are now confirming that the Lille midfielder is close to signing a five-year contract for the Foxes.
Here we go soon for Boubacary Soumaré to Leicester from Lille, confirmed! The deal is expected to be completed soon for less than €30m 🔵🦊 #LCFC
…and @Wesley_Fofanaa “confirms”! 😂⏳👇🏻 https://t.co/AJ4iCni1u5
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 9, 2021
Soumare has been tipped to follow in the footsteps of Paul Pogba and Tanguy Ndombele. The midfielder possesses has stark similarities but also possesses qualities of his own that could make him the Premier League’s new sensation.
PLAYER PROFILE
Soumare is a box to box midfielder but is also capable of slotting as a defensive pivot. The youngster possesses incredible maturity for his age and is capable of playing in a three or two-man midfield.
Soumare has shown incredible maturity in Ligue 1 this season. The 21-year-old is hot property is one of the biggest pacesetters in the European circuit. He has made 40 appearances in all competitions for Lille this season as they sit top of the League three points ahead of PSG with two matches to go.
Soumare has been one of Lille’s incredible season, as they look to win Ligue 1. Image Courtesy: Lille Website
There was no question of the talent the midfielder possesses. After initially starting on the bench, Soumare has forced his way into the starting line up and has become a regular. Often being compared to his compatriot Pogba, Soumare possesses excellent technical ability and an imposing physique.
His dominance in midfield is owed to the fact of his superior height of 6ft 3 and long legs. Using his attributes to dominate possession Soumare has become a nightmare for opponents trying to challenge him.
Despite the fact he has been deployed as a defensive midfielder, Soumare is noted for his relative lack of defensive contributions. However, he is very hard to dribble past with just 0.78 dribbles passing him per 90 minutes. He is also a good reader of the game1.81 interceptions per 90 in the French league.
He is also not the player to carve out defences on his own just yet, he relies on his influence as a midfielder to carry the ball to the final third and act as the link between defence and attack. He ranks around the 90th percentile for most carrying stats with a large chunk of them being progressive ones.
WHAT WOULD HE BRING TO LEICESTER?
Soumare has been described as a very modern midfielder, relying on his physique, technical ability and athletic prowess to dominate the ball in the middle of the park.
It looks certain the Frenchman will be joining the Foxes next season. But how will he fit in Brendan Rodger’s outfit which already possesses Wilfred Ndidi, Youri Tielemans, James Maddison and Harvey Barnes?
Boubakary Soumaré’s game by numbers vs. Angers:
100 touches
89% pass accuracy
6 ball recoveries
4/4 tackles won
3/3 take-ons
3/3 long balls
2 key passesMidfield maestro. 🇫🇷 pic.twitter.com/azNIAPl385
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) September 24, 2019
Youri Tielemans has been one of the Foxes top performers this season. The Belgian has registered six goals and three assists in 35 league appearances. Tielemans is one of the first names on Rodgers’ team sheet and has formed a strong partnership alongside Wilfred Ndidi in the middle of the park. The Premier League will be a different ball game for Soumare, so he could also be deployed as an understudy to Tielemans in the initial stages of his time in England.
Injuries have derailed Leicester City’s hopes of firmly securing a top-four finish this season, the addition of Soumare could further add depth and cover to the Leicester City squad. His addition could spark the end for fringe players like Hamza Choudhry, Daniel Amartey and Nampalys Mendy who have played a bit and part role and have struggled to provide an attacking outlet in the absence of injured players.
Given his reputation as one of the best young prospects, at 22 he could be one of the biggest coups for Leicester and could potentially be a Premier League midfield maestro.
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