This summer’s transfer window still has over a month to run, but already we have seen a host of exciting newcomers sign for Premier League clubs.
As part of our build up to the 2016/17 campaign, tactics expert Adrian Clarke runs the rule over what some of the new faces will offer in the coming months.
Ahmed Musa
Leicester City’s record signing Ahmed Musa has the potential to create chaos for Premier League defenders. His speed and directness should be a major asset to the reigning champions.
The addition of the Nigerian means Claudio Ranieri now has a ready-made back up for Jamie Vardy. If he settles well, he is also talented enough to provide genuine competition for a starting berth at centre forward.
Mobile and with a penchant for making darting runs in behind opposition rearguards, the 23-year-old will give the Foxes a very similar outlet on counter attacks to last season’s top scorer. He will pick the ball up in deep positions, and run with it on breakaways too.
This is a major plus because whenever Vardy was not on the pitch last season, the Foxes lacked this type of alternative weapon.
The pair of them could also feature regularly together because Musa is capable of operating on either flank.
His deployment out wide may pave the way for Riyad Mahrez to take up a central role behind Vardy, with the likes of Demerai Gray and Marc Albrighton battling it out for the position on the opposite wing.
He gives the manager fresh tactical options, and the chance to unleash two pacy forwards at once.
When flying down the left (his favoured side) watch out for the African’s trademark move, which is to knock the ball past a defender’s right leg, and burn them for pace in a 1v1 on the outside. He has the tools to put rival teams on the back foot.
Fitting the Leicester City mould, the former CSKA Moscow man is not afraid of hard work when asked to perform wide man duties either. He will press and chase down defenders, as well as tracking back to keep his shape.
Right-footed Musa is an unpredictable dribbler who will provide occasional moments of frustration, but as a potent goal threat he is clearly improving year on year. During the past three seasons in Russian football he has scored seven, 10 and 13 league goals.
Given their similar styles, Musa’s presence is sure to ease the pressure on Vardy, and when you consider Leicester’s heavier workload this term it was sensible of Ranieri to recognise that.
