I haven’t written on here for several months, sorry about that…
According to a handful of reports, we’re about to get the deal done on the Senegalese midfielder Papa Alioune Ndiaye (apparently, according to whoscored.com and goal.com) from Turkish outfit Osmanlispor for around 8-9m.
Yep. I don’t think I’d heard of them either, my avid following of the Turkish Super League has waned of late.
Sky Sports also leading on the rumour of the deal, which of course means its going to happen…
However, if this is true, we might be in for another solid competition for places in midfield. Not the marquee signings we’ve all been promised – I’d agree somewhat with Hamburg Hammers post there, although I still hold out hope for a massive striker signing…
Lets look at Ndiaye then.
26 years old. Excellent and solid pass rate (80% success rate last season), 47% shot accuracy – doesn’t sound amazing, but compare him with some of our recent campaign stats…
Andy Carroll – 50% shot accuracy
Manuel Lanzini – 39%
Andre Ayew – 50%
Jonny Calleri (God bless him) – 33% (yes I was surprised too, although I think he only had 3 shots, one was that tap in)
Michail Antonio – 41%
And even Kouyate is only on 24% shot accuracy – who looking at how Ndiaye plays (only going on YouTube) he feels a similar player to me, drives forwards, fast, not afraid of running at players. Looks a potential good signing.
Not one to want to bring up sore wounds, but Ndiaye’s stats bear a slight resemblance to he who shall not be named before he left for Marseille…
Both 80% pass accuracy rate, both 47% shot accuracy, both got 17m average pass distance (one of the largest in the team last year) 56% duels won for Papa, only 47% for DP.
So clearly this lad can pick a pass…
But its more that just shot accuracy and pass rate.
In comparison to some of our other players – the excellent Antonio, and the Jewel… lets take a look…
As you can see – even compared to two of our most attacking midfielders his stats stands up.
One to watch… he might fit in well…