Analysis: Gifted Aladji Bamba shines in commanding AS Monaco debut vs Auxerre

Fresh off the international break and with a brutal schedule of six games in 20 days ahead of them, Adi Hütter wisely shuffled his pack for the important clash vs AJ Auxerre. And one of those propelled into the starting line-up was Aladji Bamba, who was handed his debut by the Austrian manager.

Ligue 1: Ilenikhena’s late strike powers AS Monaco to victory over Auxerre

And the talented 19-year-old emphatically vindicated his boss’ faith by producing an outstanding shift in the heart of midfield in what was a tremendous bow.

“I’d like to compliment Aladji, who, at only 19 years old, was starting for the first time in his Ligue 1 career. He played like someone with great experience, so I’m happy with his performance. I’d also like to congratulate the Academy and the Elite Group who help prepare young players for the professional team,” Hütter insisted in his post-match comments.

Shining both in and out of possession alongside Monaco captain Denis Zakaria, Bamba delivered a composed and authoritative display throughout his 78 minutes afield, as he was unquestionably one of Monaco’s standouts.

Unfazed by the occasion, it was remarkable how he held his own, looked completely at home and hardly put a foot wrong. Fundamentally sound and tactically disciplined, Bamba certainly executed his responsibilities with a calmness, confidence and maturity that belied his age and experience.

Full of clarity and assuredness in his offensive exertions, how he operated with intelligence and wholly understood his role ensured he was vital in terms of build-up and ball progression.

*Bamba’s successful pass map vs Auxerre from The Analyst*

Neat and tidy in possession, the way he helped recirculate the ball effectively while waiting for a weakness in the AJA setup aided ASM in keeping play ticking over with simplicity and precision. His awareness stood out too, for he was constantly scanning to assess his surroundings and making coherent decisions.

*Monaco’s pass connections map vs Auxerre from The Analyst*

So astute with his movement and positional sense, these were extremely influential aspects towards him assisting his team to get up the pitch. To start with, how he frequently dropped into deep zones on the right to essentially form a situational back three allowed right-back Vanderson to push higher and Maghnes Akliouche to operate more dangerously between the lines. This withdrawn and wide positioning also provided crucial structural stability in case of turnovers and meant ASM could outnumber and smoothly bypass Auxerre’s first line of pressure.

*Bamba positioned to form a situational back three*

Also thriving at finding pockets of space to support the attack either side of the AJA midfield, creating overloads all over and offering himself as a progressive passing option, these were extra upsides associated with his off-ball prowess. Moreover, much positivity could also be seen in his dovetailing with Zakaria, where he’d sharply recognise when to alternate with the Swiss star.

*Bamba creating a 3v2 to help ASM progress. Also note how he’s scanning so he knows he can turn and surge ahead upon receiving the pass*

*Bamba drifting central while Zakaria forms the situational back three*

*Generating a 4v3 to ensure ASM can progress*

*Dropping deep to form a 3v2 in build-up*

Routinely making himself available to conjure numerical and positional advantages and strategically opening forward pass avenues, this not only helped ASM dictate large chunks of proceedings but also meant he could regularly put his polished distribution to good use.

*Bamba drawing multiple markers, which opens the passing lane for Kehrer to pinpoint Akliouche between the lines*

Using his terrific vision and reading of the play, it was impressive to watch him use his eyes and body shape to disguise his intentions, thus ensuring he could manipulate defenders and open passing routes – just like in the example below.

*Masterfully finding Akliouche with a brilliantly disguised pass*

Striking some wonderful line-breaking passes, the odd brilliant through ball and engaging in some slick interplay in close quarters, the press-resistant Bamba illustrated his crafty range and decision-making. Indeed, his capacity to use both feet, absorb pressure and remain level-headed added another element to Monaco’s possession sequences.

*Quality pass to Balogun, who then feeds Akliouche to get dangerous in the final third*

Strong on the ball and with elite ball handling, which came particularly in handy in tight areas, his fantastic first touch and ball control saw him often evade multiple opponents with balance and poise.

*Drawing four players and finding the free man*

His communication and gesturing with his colleagues deserves mention as well, with this reflecting a level of leadership, comfort and football IQ that defies his inexperience.

Excellent defensively too, Bamba’s influence here was significant, as he consistently shielded the backline and provided a crucial layer of protection. His powers of recovery were on full display too, with him anticipating danger exceptionally and positioning himself ideally to stifle AJA and regain possession for his team.

Bamba’s tracking back was also notable, where he demonstrated his sharp turn of speed and the ability to use his long limbs to disrupt and impede foes. Covering the ground admirably, counterpressing with intent to immediately win back the ball and always on hand to bring support increased what a disruptive presence he was.

Physically imposing and attentive to nearby threats, he made several key interventions and dominated his one-on-one battles, which, in combination with his heading dominance, where his timing and knack of swiftly picking up the ball’s path shone, elevated his stopping menace.

By the numbers, the fact he completed 74 of his 78 attempted passes, hit nine accurate passes into the final third, won seven ground duels, reigned supreme in all five of his aerial duels, made four tackles and won three fouls further underlined his immense impact.

Following his fine body of work, Bamba justifiably cut a delighted figure. “Personally, I’m very happy to have made my first start, especially with the victory at the end, so I’m very satisfied. We knew it was difficult to come and play here, with a crowd pushing behind them, but we managed to win, so that’s the most important thing,” he explained.

“In any case, we’re happy to take the three points today, and for my part I’m trying to get some playing time. I work every day in training for that, and I hope it continues. There’s a lot of competition, but I’m getting a lot of advice. I take whatever minutes there are to take, even if it’s five or 10 minutes, I mainly want to gain experience.”

All things considered, Bamba’s debut couldn’t have been more convincing, as he showed absolutely no fear and was assured right from the opening whistle.

With this calibre of performance already, it’s hard not to see a bright future ahead, as this could well be the catalyst for a long and successful professional career. And, in the short term, if this form continues, Bamba looks set to enjoy a seriously impressive season either when starting or coming off the bench.