A Scouting Report For Alhassan Yusuf
A Scouting Report For Alhassan Yusuf
We have quotes from head coach Caleb Porter, sporting director Curt Onalfo, and journalist Ayomide Oguntimehin.
The New England Revolution bolstered their central midfield corps on August 12 when they acquired Nigerian international Alhassan Yusuf from Belgian club Royal Antwerp FC.
The 24-year-old has championship pedigree, having lifted three trophies in three years, including the 2022-23 Belgian Pro League championship and 2022-23 Belgian Cup.
In the Revs’ press release, sporting director Curt Onalfo said, “We are pleased to add an impactful player with elite European experience to our roster in Alhassan Yusuf, whose arrival makes us even stronger in the central midfield position.
“Alhassan is a talented player with title-winning experience in the prime of his career. His competitive drive, excellent vision and passing, and tenacious tackling will all raise the level of our team.”
Head coach Caleb Porter later told RevolutionSoccer.net, “[Yusuf is] just a modern midfielder. Very complete, box-to-box, incredible range and athleticism to be able to cover ground, a high level of fitness, on both sides of the ball. You’ll see a tremendous work rate out of him, which in MLS is really important.
“And he does a little bit of everything – he wins balls, he’s technical and provides rhythm in the build-up, but also he can push on and break lines and run through the lines to provide an attacking threat out of midfield. He does it more with his late runs and his ability to drive and break lines. But he’s just a very well-rounded player.”
We reached out to journalist Ayomide Oguntimehin to get his perspective on the new signing.
1. First, can you tell me a little about yourself?
A: My name is Ayomide Oguntimehin, CAF accredited journalist, and a Chief Editor for one of Nigeria’s leading football websites, Soccernet.ng.
2. What can you tell me about the history of Alhassan Yusuf?
A: Yusuf kick-started his European career in 2018, when he joined IFK Goteborg, from there, he moved to Royal Antwerp where he won the Jupiler Pro League Cup, Belgian Super Cup, and the Belgian Cup.
Last season, his assists against Barcelona and his goal against Porto played a key role for Antwerp and one of the things that piqued Jose Peseiro’s interest in handing him a call-up ahead of the AFCON tournament.
3. What are Yusuf’s strengths?
A: Yusuf is a box-to-box midfielder. He has the physical strength to win duels, and aerial challenges. Yusuf has composure under pressure. He has the ability to make quick decisions and put himself in a good position for shots.
4. What are areas that Yusuf could work on?
A: Yusuf needs to work more on ball distribution. Also, he needs to understand the game’s flow, read opponents’ movements, and anticipate the threats that are vital for breaking up play and initiating counter-attacks.
5. Why does it make sense for Yusuf to come to Major League Soccer?
A: MLS is turning out to be more popular compared to the Saudi Arabian league following Lionel Messi’s move to the league. Yusuf tends to take the same stage with the best players who have achieved more in the world of football. Also, Yusuf joins the ranks of Super Eagles stars like Chidozie Awaziem and Obinna Nwobodo who are currently in the league.