Why Amad Diallo’s Best Position Is RWB
Since the arrival of Ruben Amorim in November, young African talent Amad Diallo has seen more consistent game time at Manchester United. But could Amad Diallo be used best at RWB?
Diallo has showcased his technical ability, intelligence, directness and fluidity since becoming a starter and has bolstered Manchester United offensively and defensively, contributing 8 G/A in his 12 games under Amorim.
Amad has been used in two roles in Ruben’s 3-4-3 as a RWB and a right-sided 10 (RAM). The 22-year-old has seen more time in the RAM, being used there in his last 7 games, contributing 4 G/A. In the 5 games prior to this, Diallo was utilised at RWB and in 5 games there, he contributed 4 G/A.
Amad obtains so much quality in his game that he will be beneficial for Manchester United in either position he is deployed. But where will he truly excel?
Analysis of Amad at #10
Amad Diallo at RAM is less involved in buildup play and touches the ball a lot less, meaning Amad’s attacking qualities are prioritised. This still benefits Manchester United, leading to goal contributions and an emphasis on his offensive abilities.
This was seen in Manchester United’s Carabao Cup tie against Tottenham Hotspur, which ended in a 4-3 loss. Amad Diallo was subbed on in the 55th minute at RAM in this game and contributed 2 G/A. His goal came from him being deployed high up the pitch and impacting the game with a fantastic press, forcing a mistake from Forster.
Amad was incredibly influential and direct in this game, earning an 8.2 Match Rating (FotMob) in 35 minutes of football. Throughout those limited minutes, he was able to get off 5 shots, create 2 chances and have 23 touches overall, with just under one third (7) being in the opposition’s box.
This game is an example of why Diallo is being used at RAM right now. As the squad grows and the correct profiles of players are in the correct positions, Amad Diallo could do a phenomenal job as one of the starting Number 10s. But what about at RWB?
Analysis of Amad at RWB
When used at RWB, Diallo has the perfect qualities to compliment Manchester United’s 3-4-3, with the wingbacks being Manchester United’s only form of width when attacking. He has the eagerness and intelligence to drive forward and make quick runs to provide this width in attack and also is defensively secure.
This profile of player was seen used in the same position and format Amorim operated at Sporting, in Geovany Quenda, a 17-year-old left-footed right-sided midfielder/winger who possesses similar qualities to Amad. This includes a directness to carry the ball forward from deep and making quick runs to support counterattacks to provide width. This justifies the points in the Ivorian being utilised at RWB to benefit the team.
In Manchester United’s 4-0 win against Everton, Amad Diallo was deployed at right wing back and contributed 2 assists whilst also being essential in providing great quality as an option, linking up play from deep and progressing the ball whilst also contributing offensively.
Amad’s Defensive Security
The 22-year-old may be questioned defensively as a RWB due to traditionally being an attacking player and his small size and build; however, his size is not a drawback of his defensive ability. In the Everton game, Diallo won 4/4 tackles and contributed 2 clearances while not being dribbled past. In duels, Amad was superb in winning 79% of his ground duels (11/14) and winning 12/17 of his overall duels. This presents his security defensively and ability to be competent in a defensive role.
Amad’s Benefit on the Team at RWB
Amad Diallo at RWB also contributes to the team in retaining possession more fluently. With Manchester United keeping 60% of possession in this game, the 22-year-old Ivorian allows other players in positions around him to benefit, hold their position and be more effective.
This is due to Amad having more touches (71) and being more involved in play in the deeper phase of buildup and providing the correct width needed as a RWB in a back 3. Diallo’s good positioning is a factor that allows him to provide the correct width and be in the optimal positions when attacking and defending. Using the 22-year-old at RWB is not a waste of his offensive qualities either, as in this game he managed to create 3 chances, have 4/4 successful dribbles, was fouled 3 times and had 6 touches in the opposition box.
Having this quality of player in this role allows another offensive player to occupy the RAM role. Which in turn lets Manchester United be more effective in attack and defense, with Amad doing his defensive duties to a high standard and being an even greater outlet in attack. This lets the No. 16 have more influence on games.
Manchester United’s Performance Without Amad at RWB
In contrast, Manchester United’s 2-0 loss to Newcastle can be analysed despite a clear quality difference. Amad Diallo Played RAM, which saw Manchester United only retain 53% of possession and had the Ivorian limited to 53 touches on the ball, meaning less influence on the transition from defence to attack. It is great to have such a quality player in an advanced position; however, if the ball is not able to be effectively transferred from defence to attack, Manchester United will not benefit as efficiently from this.
For example, Amad only had 3 touches in the opposition box in this game as opposed to 6 at RWB, which supports my point as Diallo in a less advanced position had more touches in the opposition box as opposed to an advanced position.
Amad’s Influence at RWB
This summarises Manchester United’s benefit from using Amad Diallo at RWB; he matches the profile of this role exceptionally and is very similar to Amorim’s previous RWB, which is what Manchester United need: the correct profile in the correct roles.
This does not mean he has not got the correct profile as a RAM. It is more important at this moment in time and potentially the future for Amad Diallo to play RWB, because even though as a RAM Amad’s attacking qualities are highlighted, this will not benefit the team consistently enough as opposed to being deployed at RWB.
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