2023-09-29 19:25:43
Wissam Ben Yedder et Folarin Balogun. Norbert Scanella / Norbert Scanella / Panoramic
Competing to occupy the forefront of the Monegasque attack, Wissam Ben Yedder and Folarin Balogun will be eagerly awaited during the clash against OM on Saturday evening at Louis-II.
One wears the captain’s armband, has played at the club for four years and has exceeded the mark of 100 goals scored in the Monegasque jersey (102). The other signed this summer from Arsenal for 30 million euros after a remarkable year at Stade de Reims. Wissam Ben Yedder and Folarin Balogun, the two AS Monaco attackers who are completely opposite in status and profile, should host the clash against OM on Saturday evening (9 p.m.) counting for the 7th day of Ligue 1 at the Louis stadium -II.
It remains to be seen who will be established by Austrian coach Adi Hütter who does not seem afraid of the competition in attack. For the moment, Ben Yedder (33 years old) and Balogun (22 years old) are competing for minutes at the forefront of the Monegasque 3-4-3. The remote duel is launched and everyone has arguments to tip the scales to their side.
Adapting to the Hütter style: Balogun advantage
This is perhaps the most important point. Appointed in the off-season on the ASM bench in place of Philippe Clément, Hütter imposed his touch from the Bundesliga by offering an offensive and fast forward game. A “modern” style which seems, on paper, to suit Balogun more, formidable in taking up space and moving in depth. Very fast unlike Ben Yedder, who relies on his above-average technique and his sense of positioning in front of goal, the American international has all the qualities to flourish in this system. For his part, the Frenchman shone more often when associated with a second attacker on the same line. Even if Golovin and Minamino, established as number 10, provide support, the numerous efforts requested (pressing, calls) by the Monegasque coach from his only scorer do not go his way.
High-level experience in Ligue 1: Ben Yedder advantage
A very valuable argument in favor of the captain of Monaco. 18, 20, 25 and 19 are his total goals scored per season since his arrival in the Principality. Reference of the championship, by the former Toulousain is the 2nd best director in the elite behind Kylian Mbappé over the period. He knows the demands of the high level in France, that of fighting for the podium until the end of the season. Despite delicate periods under the mandates of Nico Kovac then Philippe Clément, with stints on the bench, Ben Yedder always ended up proving decisive and indispensable to his team. Balogun is only playing the second year of his career in Ligue 1 after his debut with Arsenal’s U23s and a loan to Middlesbrough (2nd English division). Last year in the Stade de Reims jersey, he impressed with 21 goals scored in 37 days. He must now do the hardest part in football: confirm.
Dynamics: slight advantage Ben Yedder
During the defeat against rival Nice (0-1) last Friday, Monaco and Balogun experienced the (very rare) misfortune of missing two penalties in the same match. Obviously, these failures tarnished the performance of the ex-Gunner, who still came out to the applause of his audience and was replaced by his competitor. The latter having delighted his trainer. “Wissam showed a superb mentality, a very good attitude. He is an elegant, very intelligent and super professional playerdeclared Hütter this Thursday at a press conference. When he’s on the pitch, he’s the one who takes the penalties.” Despite his status as a substitute for the Côte d’Azur derby, Ben Yedder is confident with his 4 goals in 6 matches, including a double in Clermont (4-2) in the opener. Balogun also opened his account on the Lorient pitch (2-2) but could pay for his clumsiness of last week. Hoping for him that this unfortunate episode will be forgotten when it comes time to challenge Gennaro Gattuso’s OM.
The coach’s choice to play OM: the two winners?
Since Balogun’s first steps against RC Lens (3-0) on September 2, the two attackers have never been associated in attack, one always giving way to the other and vice versa. Will Adi Hütter finally try against the Marseille defense? Several elements beyond his control could convince him. Golovin suspended and Minamino uncertain for the match, the ASM offensive sector risks finding itself orphaned by its two strong men of the summer. The Austrian coach is therefore considering reviewing his plans but blurs the lines before the clash: “I like having several solutions at my disposal. In any case, we have already trained with other systems, with two attackers or with two leaders. If the two-point system was chosen, Ben Yedder would then play in support of Balogun while the Dutchman Myron Boadu will still have to make do with crumbs.
The possible association of the Frenchman’s class with the explosiveness of the American is enough to make Monegasque supporters salivate, and intimidate their Marseille opponents. 4th in Ligue 1 (11 points), AS Monaco hopes to strike a big blow by leaving OM (8th, 9 points) in doubt. Ben Yedder and Balogun, announced competitors but complementary and very motivated to win, would be wrong to miss this meeting. Will they pass it next to each other on Louis II’s lawn? Place your bets.
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