France has a large pool of talent in pretty much any department.
In defence, especially, they have so many talents with wide range of abilities and unique skillsets.
From ball-playing defenders who can play in the midfield, defensive full-backs who can play as a ball-playing centre-back, attacking full-backs, limited centre-backs, or any other types of players France has it all.
One talent that has been particularly impressive this season is RC Strasbourg Alsaces Mohamed Simakan.
The Marseille-born defender only made his debut this season but has immediately earned the trust of manager Thierry Laurey and has been consistently producing magnificent displays throughout the season.
Though naturally a centre-back, Simakan has been deployed mostly as a right-back throughout the season, playing the role of defensive full-back.
In this tactical analysis and Mohamed Simakan scout report, well be taking a detailed look at the Simakans abilities, tactical tendencies, as well as role in Strasbourgs tactics.
Mohamed Simakan Style Of Play & Player Profile
Simakan is 1.87 m and weighs around 82 kg.
He seems to have medium build, with a decently developed upper and lower muscles.
Certainly not a bulky player but not skinny as well.
He seems to be naturally fit and athletic.
Talking about strength, Simakan possesses good upper and lower strength and this helps him a lot in both ground and aerial duels.
The 2000-born defensive full-back is strong and difficult to shrug off the ball.
Even when going against an opponent with larger frame, Simakan is usually still able to fare well in physical duels.
Meanwhile, smaller opponents tend to be easily dominated physically by him.
Not only good at jostling for the ball, Simakan is able to use his body well to protect the ball when hes in possession.
Hes certainly quite hard to push off the ball although his technical ability on the ball is rather limited.
Of course, aside from his impressive strength, his aggression, as well as determination, plays a big part in winning duels.
Hes not the type of player that goes down and gives up easily and will look to do everything he can in order to win the duel.
Though at times he may be beaten in an offensive/defensive duel, hell try to take responsibility for it and chase down the ball carrier or quickly recover and get back into position to defend.
Simakan is quite strong in aerial duels.
Having a good height combined with excellent athleticism and coordination, Simakan is able to reach good vertical height when leaping.
Aside from his physicality and athleticism, Simakan also reads the flight of the ball very well, thus allowing him to get into good positions and then time his jump perfectly.
Statistically, Simakan records an average of 4.77 aerial duels per game with a success rate of 51.8% which is pretty decent but certainly can be improved in the future.
Hes quite active in engaging in aerial duels and hes certainly quite useful in offensive and defensive set-piece situations.
One particular thing that stands out in his aerial duels is hi
