Malick Fofana at KAA Gent 2023/24: The 18-year-old becoming a key player under Hein Vanhaezebrouck – scout report

At the beginning of the 2021/22 Belgian Pro League season, a 17-year-old Malick Fofana was handed his senior debut by Gent boss Hein Vanhaezebrouck. Fofana ended last campaign with 19 appearances in all competitions, with the now 18-year-old already matching his total in the league this season as we approach the winter break in Belgian football.

In all competitions so far this season, Fofana has four goals and six assists, with him becoming one of Gents key players and showing his development on the attacking side of his game in his second full season in Belgian football. 

This tactical analysis and scout report will take a more detailed look at Malick Fofanas style of play, how he fits into Hein Vanhaezebroucks tactics, and the strengths and weaknesses of the Belgian U21 international. 

Positional overview & fit in Vanhaezrboucks tactics

Regarding a preferred position for Malick Fofana, he has excelled playing as a left midfielder or left wing-back for Hein Vanhaezebrouck and Gent. 

The data viz graphic above shows the touch map of Malick Fofana this season in all competitions for Gent. As the graphic illustrates, most of the 18-year-olds touches have occurred on the left side of the pitch, with a lot of his actions coming close to the touchline. Vanhaezebrouck prefers to set his Gent side up in a 3-4-1-2 formation, with Fofana being deployed as the left wing-back/left midfielder. 

With the way Gent prefer to play, the wide midfielders look to hold the width, with Fofana tasked with taking on defenders and often being isolated 1v1 against opposition fullbacks. He also sends plenty of crosses into the box per 90 minutes, with deliveries from wide areas, which is another tactic Vanhaezebroucks Gent side often does. Fofana also demonstrates an excellent work rate, with the Belgian youth international working tirelessly up and down the left flank.