How Blackburn’s new signings can solve tactical problems
Whilst most of the headlines surrounded Lewis Travis’ exit last Friday, Rovers fans were greeted with two new faces at Ewood Park.
Yasin Ayari arrived on loan from Brighton & Hove Albion, with supporters getting a first glimpse of the 20-year-old as a substitute against Cambridge United.
Ben Chrisene followed, adding much-needed depth and competition at left-back. The Aston Villa youngster may not be a household name just yet but he’s highly rated by those in the know in the Midlands.
So, who are the two new teenage acquisitions Rovers have moved for and what can everyone expect? Here’s a deeper dive into the new recruits.
YASIN AYARI
What’s his profile?
Ayari has arrived on loan from Brighton after his loan from Coventry was cut short. He made 13 appearances for the Sky Blues but with Callum O’Hare and Kasey Palmer returning to full fitness, his game time was set to be limited.
Jon Dahl Tomasson referenced that Ayari’s style of play may suit Rovers better than Coventry’s. Rovers are a more possession-based team than Mark Robins’ side, who place emphasis on direct attacks, getting the ball as quickly as possible.
At 20, he is not a like-for-like replacement for Travis, though he will occupy similar areas to where the captain was used. Tomasson still expects Rovers to sign another midfielder though.
Where will he fit into the squad?
Tomasson and Ayari both said that he can play anywhere in Rovers’ midfield. It seems clear though that he will be best suited to one of the number eight roles.
Sam Szmodics and Adam Wharton currently occupy those and will take some shifting. It’s important for Rovers to have options though, with Joe Rankin-Costello on the sidelines and Travis at Ipswich.
Ayari seems a natural fit as an eight and can drift across the pitch. In terms of positioning, he’s not too dissimilar to Andrew Moran, though he’s even more suited to the middle.
The touch map below shows where the midfielder is most active, looking across his career.
