Scout Report – Mohamed Elyounoussi
Southampton are reportedly interested in a move to sign up-and-coming Norwegian winger Mohamed Elyounoussi, who currently plays for FC Basel. The Saints have been monitoring the 23-year-old’s progress and are happy with what they have seen so far.
He has emerged as one of the most promising young talents in Switzerland. Although some other clubs are also interested in landing his signature, Southampton seem like the front-runners at this point.
With the January window coming up, it will be important for the club to make a move before their rivals. Landing a prized target like Elyounoussi will be a coup but let’s take a closer look at the player’s profile.
History
Born in 1994 in Al Hoceima, Morocco, Elyounoussi was a part of Sarpsborg’s youth set-up. He steadily rose through the ranks to establish himself as a skilled forward and joined the club’s first-team in 2011. He went on to spend 3 years at the club, during the course of which he appeared 64 times for the club.
However, in 2014, the player chose to join Molde. In his debut season with the club, Elyounoussi was their top-scorer with 13 goals and appeared in all their league games too.
In search of pastures anew, the winger then chose to join FC Basel on a four-year contract and has been with the Swiss club ever since. As far as his international career is concerned, Elyounoussi has spent time with every Norwegian team from the U17 to the U21 level. He recently even appeared for the senior team and has scored 4 goals already.
Playing Style
The winger is a quintessential dribbler and is strong at holding on to the ball. His passing accuracy remains unmatched for Basel and Elyounoussi loves to cut inside on the left to make things happen.
An indirect set-piece threat, Elyounoussi seems to prefer making short and quick passes to maintain a sense of fluidity in the game. He can be deployed in either the right or left flank and possesses blistering pace which often helps him weave past opposition defenders seamlessly.
Elyounoussi’s Future
The player does seem like a bright individual but Southampton already have a similar player in their ranks. Sofiane Boufal is much like the 23-year-old and is yet to establish his dominance at the St. Mary’s stadium.
It might seem unnecessary to bring another player with a similar skill-set for the same position but both players are versatile enough to make it work, somehow.
Moreover, tougher challenges await the Saints and perhaps that’s why they are targeting Elyounoussi. That said, the Norwegian youngster can prove to be valuable if they make a move and bring him to the Premier League.