Scout Report – Mimoun Mahi
Mimoun Mahi has been linked with both Nottingham Forest and Stoke City of late, and he has a season left on his contract with his current club Groningen. The 23-year-old forward is regarded as one of the brightest young talents even though he has had issues with discipline in the past.
The player, known as a prolific goal-scorer, has been attracting interest from a lot of clubs in England but which one should he join?
Let’s take a look at Mahi’s profile.
History
Mahi’s goal scoring record in the Netherlands, where he was born, makes him an attractive proposition, and at low cost too. The player has 5 goals in 9 Eredivisie matches this season to add to the 17 goals he notched up in the previous campaign, putting his goal-scoring credentials beyond question.
Before joining Groningen, Mahi played for Sparta Rotterdam, where he came through their young system and scored 3 times in 32 matches. Mahi may now play in Morocco colours, but he played his youth international football for the Netherlands, representing them from under-18 to under-21 level.
He switched allegiances at senior level though, owing to his parents being from Morocco, and scored on his debut, in a 6-0 win over Mali in September.
Playing Style
The player’s main strength lies in the fact that he is equally adept at attacking and defending. His dribbling and finishing skills are sensational, while he also has a penchant for long shots.
A constant counter-attacking threat, Mahi loves tackling and making incisive cuts. However, he is weak at holding on to the ball and aerial duels. His crossing and discipline can be off at times but besides that, the player can be extremely beneficial for any club.
Mahi’s Future
Mahi looks destined for bigger things if he continues to score for Groningen, and a move to England would be no surprise given the recent speculation. He has emerged as Groningen’s star man since moving from the wing into a more central position at the start of the 2016/17 season. However, it seems unlikely for him to continue at the club because of the various disciplinary issues which the club has condemned.
Although Stoke City and Nottingham Forest are both interested in him, the latter appear more in need of improving their defence than reinforcing an attack already containing Daryl Murphy and Jason Cummings. Thus, Mahi’s speed, versatility and cool finishing would make him an asset to Stoke City, if the club manages to secure his signature.