Transfer Analysis: Why Reims have brought in this versatile attacker from Bundesliga

Maolida usually played as a centre-forward for Hertha in Bundesliga 2021/22. The viz above shows the percentile rank of the player’s stats compared to other centre forwards. He played 14 matches for his club and performed well in terms of his ability to create. He fares well when it comes to maintaining possession and making accurate passes. He also managed to find success in dribbling and winning defensive duels.

The above viz represents the players’ rank as compared to other right-wingers in Ligue 1 in 2020/21. Myziane Maolida was part of Nice in the French top division and appeared in 19 matches for the club. As a winger, he performed well in terms of his attacking and ranked decently in goal contributions and expected goal contributions.

It can be concluded that the player is extremely versatile on the pitch and has been used by different managers in different positions. He can play in any of the positions in the front three on top, and this versatility of his is what has been the reason behind Reims’s securing him in order to be used on the pitch.

The above viz depicts Maolida’s winger actions in the Bundesliga for 2021/22. He attempts 5.71 dribbles per match, with 51% of them being successful. Most of his action is on the left flank. Some of it is also seen in the central attacking areas. He averages 2.46 progressive runs per match and makes penetrating carries into the penalty area, averaging 2.01 touches in the opponent’s penalty area and making 1.34 crosses per 90.

In the 2020–21 Ligue 1 season for Nice, Maolida was used more often on the right flank. He makes 5.46 dribbles per 90 and has a success rate of 53.6% for dribbling. He averages 1.66 progressive runs per match and makes penetrating carries into the penalty area, averaging 2.85 touches in the opponent’s penalty area and making 2.61 crosses per 90.

Again, his versatility on the pitch can be observed by comparing the two visuals. He is efficient in attacking from both flanks and has shown the same level of consistency while playing from any position on the pitch. There are also glimpses of attempts from more central areas, indicating his presence on the pitch as a centre forward.

The above radar compares the performances of Myziane Maolida for Hertha in 2021–22 and Junya Ito for Reims in the current season. Maolida was used as a left winger most often for Hertha. He has an advantage in terms of making progressive passes. Although Ito displays better numbers in most of the departments, Maolida has greater experience overall. Additionally, owing to the versatile nature of Maolida, it is difficult to assess who would be the most likely player to be replaced by him.

In conclusion, Reims have brought in Myziane Maolida from the Bundesliga in order to bolster their attacking options. Maolida is a versatile attacker who can play either in a central role or on either wing. He has the potential to become a star for Reims and provide much-needed depth in the attack. His addition to the squad will help them in their quest for a top–flight finish and potentially European football.