His coach, Marco Rose, preserved him on Saturday against Borussia Mönchengladbach and he only came in three minutes at the end of the game. Victim of a kick during the week, Mohamed Simakan should be available to face Manchester City on Tuesday evening. Leipzig is playing its future in the Champions League, after defeating the English team in the round of 16 first leg (1-1).
At 22, Mohamed Simakan is having a high-level season in Germany. Even if he has missed several matches since the beginning of the year, in particular for muscular problems. Arrived from Strasbourg in the summer of 2021, he quickly established himself across the Rhine. To the point of extending his contract last December. The defender is now tied to Leipzig until June 2027.
From central to lateral
And since his debut in Alsace in 2019, Mohamed Simakan has cultivated a certain versatility. “I am a central training, but today I no longer have a preference between central defender and right side. It’s true that at the beginning it was complicated, it’s not the same races, the same posture, the same efforts, but there are certain qualities to exploit as a full-back. I’m going pretty fast and I can repeat these races, ”he revealed in February at the Canal Champions Club.
A position in which the native of Marseille enjoys many advantages. Athletic and fast, his physical qualities allow him to resist duels. He is rarely overwhelmed by opposing attackers on the run and multiplies sharp returns. Ball at the foot, Mohamed Simakan is precious to the recovery. He does not hesitate to carry the ball if the space is free in front of him. His long game is also of quality. This is evidenced by one of his favorite gestures: lying along the sideline from his right side to launch his attackers.
The Leipzig player convinced Marco Rose as soon as he arrived at the head of the team in September 2022. Especially since he also knows how to be dangerous higher up the field. The Frenchman is able to step up and over the wing when the opportunity arises. Author of three goals this season, the rear has also distilled six assists. Most on deep crosses after breaking through near the box.
“The Blues, I think about it and I believe in it”
His profile could eventually lead him to the France team. The national pool at right-back is quite thin. Benjamin Pavard lost credit at the 2022 World Cup and that’s not Jules Koundé’s preferred position. Mohamed Simakan is now observed by the tricolor staff and would have received a pre-call for the rally in March (match against the Netherlands on March 24 and against Ireland on March 27). This does not ensure his presence in the group but confirms that he is in the waiting room. Like other players, such as Pierre Kalulu. Or Wesley Fofana and Jean-Clair Todibo as central.
If the defender of Leipzig honored his first selection with the Hopes in November, the A team is already a goal. “As a dreamer, the Blues I think about it and I believe in it. It’s the country where I was born, it’s the selection that makes all the French dream. For me, it’s even more than a dream. I have to do everything to get him. There is always a place to take. One day, when luck arrives, we will have to show that we can stay there, ”he confided to Téléfoot in February.
Mohamed Simakan has a major advantage in the equation: he already knows the top level. He has ten Champions League matches to his credit, including benchmark performances. This was the case during Leipzig’s victory against Real Madrid in October (3-2), at the end of which he was voted player of the match. The journey is not over, but the way to Clairefontaine is taking shape.