Technically superior, Sofiane Boufal must erase his efficiency deficit with the Union: “He has exceptional moments for Belgium”

Against Bruges, the 37-year-old coach once again did not hesitate to give a lot of freedom to the man who took number 23 on his arrival at the club. A number which belonged to Cameron Puertas, the Unionist playing master who was already at twelve decisive actions after eleven championship matches (Boufal was selectable from the seventh day). This is where the problem lies for the Moroccan: if he enjoys the ball at his feet, he has not yet managed to combine that with real efficiency.

Three months after his arrival, the executioner of the Devils at the 2022 World Cup has so far only managed two assists: one from a free kick against Antwerp and another this Sunday by giving the ball to Ivanovic who then scored his twelfth goal with the Union alone following a solitary raid. “Sofiane has moments out of category compared to the Belgian championship, says his trainer Sébastien Pocognoli. He could have made an assist without Mignolet's magnificent save (Editor's note: on a strike from Ivanovic in the first half). This has already happened quite a few times this season, he could have had a lot more assists. He has not yet been rewarded for his efforts in statistical terms.”

Less work in losing the ball

However, the Union's tactical system allows it to concentrate almost primarily on its offensive tasks. Against Bruges, Boufal was positioned at the top of a middle triangle in which Sadiki and Vanhoutte had a more defensive role than usual. “He perhaps gives us less ball loss but he already does a lot for a creative player, analyse Pocognoli. He obviously has to adapt to the Belgian championship which is very physical and to a team like ours which presses high by attacking the second balls.”

In the end, Sofiane Boufal only had an Xg of 0.01 (expected goal) and an Xa of 0.02 (expected assist) against Nicky Hayen's men. He was the Unionist who attempted the most dribbles but lost 12 balls in the entire match. Including the one that led to the reduction in the Bruges score. The other side of the coin of his game is risk-taking.

The good news comes from his playing time against the reigning champions: even if he seemed to drag his feet at the end of the game, Boufal had never played so much in a match (81 minutes) this season, he who was slowed down in its evolution in the Union through small glitches. Starting with an overload at the beginning of October then an adductor injury which caused him to miss four matches a few weeks later. The Unionist management knew in September that they were not getting back a player in full possession of his means. But step by step, Sofiane Boufal is gaining momentum with a clear objective for the staff: to be able to count on him during the probable Champions Playoffs. Where he will then have to succeed in combining technical ease to bring the crowds to their feet and efficiency to achieve his team's objectives…