Amadou Haidara: RB Leipzig’s newest shining star

Amadou Haidara has been the jewel in Marco Roses Salzburg diamond midfield. His transfer to FC Salzburg has yet again proven the Red Bull scouting network to be a rousing success. Haidara is a 20-year-old Mali international who joined Salzburg from Malian side JMG Academy Bamako before being sent out on loan to feeder club FC Liefering in 2016.

Upon his return to Austria, the Malian capitalised on several injuries and contributed two goals in six appearances for the club. The majority of his appearances thereafter came in the UEFA Europa League. His immense potential and consistent performances for the Austrian club have earned him a move to Bundesliga contenders RB Leipzig.

African players have played an important role in European club successes with many notable names elevated to legendary status for their service. Didier Drogba, Yaya Toure, Samuel Eto’o and George Weah have made their mark on European football and lead their clubs to numerous domestic and European titles. Amadou Haidara is another young African player looking to make his mark in Europe. He has caught the attention of the German club, making a favourable impression on Europe’s elite.

Naby Keïta made the move from RB Leipzig to Liverpool in a monstrous £53m deal in the summer. RB Leipzig has been on the lookout for a replacement and may have found one in the 20-year-old Salzburg midfielder. This analysis will profile and explain the strengths the Mali international will bring to the Bundesliga.

Driving force from midfield

Amadou Haidara can be classified as a box-to-box midfielder. He plays as a right-sided central midfielder in a midfield diamond for Marco Rose’s Salzburg. Tasked with the responsibility of interrupting opposition rhythm, late runs and defensive support, Haidara’s dribbling ability has been an effective weapon for Salzburg. The Malian has the ability to drive from deep and dribble centrally before looking for a passing option.

His runs into the box have proved dangerous. Haidaras long strides are comparable to Brazilian midfielder Ramires, whose unorthodox style of play caused havoc for the opposition. One player he will benefit from is Yussuf Poulsen. The Danish strikers knock downs and hold-up play will create space for onrushing midfielders like Hadiara to take advantage of and score.

Haidara can make marauding bursts forward catching teams off-guard and creating space for his teammates to exploit. Above, for example, a single run from Haidara has committed six Olympique Marseille players to defend against him. He was still able to weave his way through the crowd.

This isn’t to say his dribbling style is aesthetically pleasing, but rather sufficiently effective. If he runs into a crowd of players he will lose the ball. This hasn’t stopped him from attempting an average of 4.33 dribbles per game with a 75.8% success rate. If the opposition successfully doubles up on him he loses momentum and the ball is lost.