One of the stars under Ruben Amorim early for Manchester United has been Amad Diallo.
In-form Amad Diallo has three assists in three games under Ruben Amorim, a particularly impressive figure as he has been playing at wing-back.
While Amorim has credited the work Ruud van Nistelrooy did with Amad as key to the youngster’s recent impact, he also acknowledges the player’s own impact.
Amorim has come to United with his own system, playing three at the back, and shifting players around into it, and he is pleased Amad is a ‘perfect’ fit.
Ruben Amorim on Amad
Speaking at his press conference, Ruben Amorim believes Amad is the ideal player to play multiple roles in his system.
Amorim explains that Amad’s ball carrying and close control help him really stand out. He said: “I think it’s one of the great advantages of Amad, for me. He’s very good playing in that position but also playing between the lines because he has good control and he seems faster with the ball than without the ball.
“So it’s something that he has and he is capable of playing in both positions. And he can play in different systems.
“So in the in the future, we will play in a different system, maybe. So it’s that kind of player that we need in team.”
A player as technically gifted as Amad gives Ruben Amorim the opportunity to change tactics if he wanted, even if that’s not his current plan. Amorim likes adaptable players, praising the versatile Noussair Mazraoui as ‘incredible’.
Amad at wing-back
A shortage of fit centre-backs meant Noussair Mazraoui was needed at centre-back, opening up a slot for Amad at wing-back.
Amad has grasped his spot, and Amorim has broken down why he is so well suited to the role on the right, commenting: “His left foot, it’s sometimes in that position, the way he receives the ball, if you are right footed, sometimes you don’t have the space to come inside.”
He adds that Amad is good at ‘breaking pressures’ due to his ability to go either way, and adds that Amad’s physicality helps.
While Amad is smaller in height than some, Amorim makes clear he is referring to the footballer’s athleticism, that helps to set him apart.
“You need to to have good physicality. Good physicality is not the size, but he can run. And that is a key point in that position. So you try to choose players that you can put in that position and then the technical characteristics are perfect for him.”
It is great to hear the head coach speak so coherently about his players, from an individual and tactical standpoint, you can see he really knows their strengths already, despite spending such little time with them.
Amorim has won two and drawn one game in charge of United so far. His biggest test come next up with the away trip to Arsenal.
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