Assan Ouédraogo: A Rising Star in European Football
What’s Been Said
According to recent reports from SchalkeZone via Florian Plettenberg, Assan Ouédraogo, a highly touted young midfielder currently playing for Schalke 04 in Germany’s 2. Bundesliga, has garnered significant interest from top clubs across Europe. The 18-year-old talent is valued at €8 million, a figure that reflects his impressive performances and potential. Schalke 04, keen on capitalising on his growing reputation, hopes to spark a bidding war that could drive his transfer fee even higher. Ouédraogo’s contract with Schalke extends until June 30, 2027, giving the club a strong negotiating position. As noted by Goal.com, his combination of physical presence and technical skill has made him a standout player, attracting attention from major clubs looking to bolster their midfield options.
The Key Stats
Assan Ouédraogo, born on May 9, 2006, in Mülheim an der Ruhr, Germany, has had a breakthrough season in the 2. Bundesliga with Schalke 04. Standing at an imposing 1.91 meters, he plays primarily as a central midfielder. In the 2023/24 season, Ouédraogo has made 17 appearances in the league, scoring 3 goals and providing 2 assists, accumulating 825 minutes on the pitch. His performances have not only been pivotal for his club but have also earned him 17 caps for Germany’s U17 national team, scoring once. His stats on FBref paint a detailed picture of his contributions on the field. With 2.29 shots per 90 minutes (96th percentile) and a non-penalty expected goals (npxG) of 0.22 per 90 (96th percentile), Ouédraogo shows a keen eye for goal. His passing game, while not the strongest aspect of his play, reveals room for growth with a pass completion rate of 76.5% (20th percentile). However, his ability to progress the ball through carries (88th percentile) and successful take-ons (99th percentile) highlights his dynamic playing style.
Compare Him To
Comparisons have been drawn between Ouédraogo and England’s young superstar Kobbie Mainoo of Manchester United. Both players, born within months of each other, have shown early promise in their respective leagues. Mainoo, also a central midfielder, has played more minutes in the Premier League and EFL Cup, boasting a higher pass completion rate of 86.2% compared to Ouédraogo’s 76.5%.
Defensively, Ouédraogo’s challenge success rate of 75% per 90 mins in tackles highlights his robust presence, though his defensive contributions in terms of interceptions and blocks are areas where Mainoo currently has the edge. This comparison underscores the potential of Ouédraogo to develop into a well-rounded midfielder akin to Mainoo, if not surpassing him with his physical advantages and attacking instincts.
Likelihood and Fee
With a market valuation of €8 million and a contract running until 2027, Ouédraogo is positioned as a valuable asset for Schalke 04. The article quotes a rumoured fee of around €12 million. His current wages are relatively modest, typical for a player of his age and experience level, but this is expected to increase significantly should a transfer materialise. Clubs across the continent, including those in the Premier League and Bundesliga, have shown interest, and Schalke hopes to leverage this interest to instigate a competitive bidding process. The ideal scenario for Schalke would be an auction-like situation that maximises the transfer fee, ensuring they are well-compensated for their young star. While Premier League fans might hope for his move, he may be best served staying at Schalke for his development. However, interest from Bayern or Dortmund could change the dynamic significantly.
Statistical Analysis by EPL Index
Assan Ouédraogo’s Impressive Performance Data
Assan Ouédraogo, the 18-year-old sensation from Schalke 04, is quickly becoming a name to watch in European football. His statistical performance data, as provided by Fbref, showcases his remarkable potential and current impact on the field.
Key Offensive Stats
Ouédraogo’s offensive prowess is evident in several key metrics. He boasts an impressive non-penalty goals rate of 0.33 per 90 minutes, placing him in the 99th percentile among midfielders. His non-penalty expected goals (npxG) per 90 minutes stands at 0.20, also in the 96th percentile, indicating his knack for finding goal-scoring opportunities. Furthermore, his total shots per 90 minutes (2.29) rank him in the 96th percentile, highlighting his aggressive attacking play. These statistics are a testament to his ability to contribute significantly to Schalke’s offensive efforts.
Possession and Passing
While Ouédraogo excels in attacking areas, his possession and passing metrics suggest areas for improvement. His pass completion rate is 76.5%, positioning him in the 20th percentile, indicating that there is room to refine his passing accuracy. He attempts 21.36 passes per 90 minutes, a figure in the 1st percentile, suggesting that he is not the primary distributor in midfield. However, his progressive carries per 90 minutes (2.29) and successful take-ons per 90 minutes (3.38) are outstanding, ranking in the 88th and 99th percentiles, respectively. These stats underscore his ability to advance the ball effectively and take on defenders with confidence.
Defensive Contributions
Defensively, Ouédraogo shows a mixed bag of results. His challenge success rate in tackles is 75% per 90 minutes, reflecting a solid defensive presence. However, his contributions in terms of interceptions and blocks are relatively low, with percentiles of 1 and 60, respectively. This indicates that while he can win tackles, he may need to improve his overall defensive awareness and positioning.
Overall, Assan Ouédraogo’s performance data and stats from Fbref highlight a player with significant attacking potential and areas to develop in possession and defence. As he continues to grow and gain experience, he could become a well-rounded midfielder, making waves in top European leagues.
