Newcastle United's new midfielder Aladji Bamba possesses a rare ability to play against a low block, according to his former technical coach at Monaco, Abel Lorincz. The 20-year-old completed a deal worth up to £34 million from Monaco last week and is set to make his debut in tonight's pre-season friendly away at Bristol City.
Strength against low blocks
Lorincz, who worked with Bamba at Monaco, highlighted the player's performance against Auxerre in September last year as a turning point. "He was switching the play against a team that was sat mainly in a low block," Lorincz told Sky Sports. "I think his main attribute is playing against a low block, those tiny little passes to break down a low defence, he is really good at it, good at turning under pressure."
"You know, there are not players around, especially in France, which is a league with a lot of physicality, where the game can move up and down the pitch very quickly, who have that ability to control the tempo of the game in the way that he does," Lorincz added.
Versatility praised by Howe
Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe also commented on Bamba's versatility after the transfer was announced. "Aladji adds depth and a range of qualities to our midfield options, with huge potential for growth," Howe said. "His development since breaking through at Monaco has been really impressive and something we believe we can help him build on. He operates in a deeper role but has the ability to contribute all over the pitch, which he demonstrated in both Ligue 1 and the Champions League last season."
Bamba, who has drawn comparisons with Paul Pogba, made his first-team breakthrough at Monaco last season and is expected to feature against Bristol City.
