Why the arrival of Malang Sarr could be a nice blow for AS Monaco?
AS Monaco has formalized the arrival of the French central defender (23) from Chelsea in the form of a loan. Long awaited, the arrival of an axial able to densify the hinge has finally materialized. Without the Champions League, the question now is whether Malang Sarr arrives to complete the axis or to succeed Benoît Badiashile.
Because he knows Ligue 1 perfectly
This is the story of a precocious player, who showed up in the first team at the age of seventeen. Launched into the deep end during the 2016-2017 season alongside Dante, Malang Sarr played a total of no less than 119 games with OGC Nice during the four full seasons he spent with his training club. .
Born in Nice, originally from the Moulins district, the imposing central defender has known everything under the GYM jersey. From the football school to the first team, via the new training center and the handover between the Stade du Ray and the Allianz Riviera, Malang Sarr is one of the symbols of Nice training.
An arrival that does not remember the fate of a certain Benoît Badiashile. With more than a hundred Ligue 1 games, the defender, who spent time with Chelsea and FC Porto, knows the French championship like the back of his hand and his integration should pose no problem. Especially in a region he knows by heart.
Because he still has room for improvement
With already six professional seasons on the clock, Malang Sarr has solid experience for his young age. At 23, the former French international hopeful has still made progress, especially in the regularity of his performances. Certain of his potential, Chelsea did not hesitate to offer him a five-year contract at the end of his four years in Nice.
If since his departure from OGC Nice, Malang Sarr has seen his playing time melt like snow in the sun, after a loan to FC Porto and a season at Chelsea where he was barred by fierce competition in his position (Thiago Silva , Antonio Rüdiger, Andreas Christensen, Cesar Azpilicueta, Trevoh Chalobah…), the former eaglet should find in Monaco a favorable ground to revive.
But in a young central defense, with Benoît Badiashile (21) and Axel Disasi (24), Malang Sarr could lack experienced support, as Pepe could have in Porto. Unless Guillermo Maripan (28) fills this role. Or even the arrival of a new recruit in this sector.
Because it brings a new solution in the axis…
The elimination of AS Monaco in the third preliminary round of the Champions League may have changed the situation. Left-handed, like Benoît Badiashile, the defender on loan from Chelsea could actually land on the Rock to replace the latter.
With another year without the Champions League, the Monegasque leaders should not retain Badiashile in the event of an offer that lives up to their expectations. If a major European club offers a sum of around 50 million euros, the native of Limoges should pinch the luggage.
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Malang Sarr could thus form the hinge alongside Axel Disasi and/or a second recruit in this sector (Éric Bailly?) depending on the game system put in place by Philippe Clément, in 4-4-2, in 4-2-3-1 or 3-4-3.
Accustomed to evaluating left ax in a three-man defense during his rare appearances with Chelsea, Sarr is just as much in a four-man defense. In the event of the departure of Benoît Badiashile, the former Nice would quickly be brought to hold.
… but also on the left side
This is not his preferred position, where his qualities are increased tenfold. But in Nice, sometimes even in Porto, Malang Sarr has already evolved as a left back, in an organization with four defenders.
In a position where Caio Henrique and Ismail Jakobs respectively occupy the role of holder and substitute, the Niçois could offer a third solution to his coach depending on the absences.
Eventually, Malang Sarr could even become the main left-back alternative behind the Brazilian. In a system with three defenders, with two pistons, Sarr would then be used exclusively as a left axial, reserved the corridor for Caio Henrique or Ismail Jakobs.
Because he has Champions League experience
At OGC Nice (3 games), FC Porto (6 games) then Chelsea (2 games), Malang Sarr played a total of eleven Champions League games. A significant experience in the most prestigious of European competitions for a club which will have to be content with playing the Europa League again this year.
Last season, Malang Sarr was established alongside Andreas Christensen on the last day of the group stage against Zénith Saint-Petersburg (3-3), before coming into play in the first leg against LOSC in the round of 16 (2-0).