Iddrisu Baba Scout Report
Iddrisu Baba, the Ghanaian stalwart showcasing his prowess at Almeria in La Liga, solidifies his admirable mark in the game as a robust defensive midfielder. At a ripe age of 28, he stood firmly in the game, breaking up plays with his efficient ball recoveries and demonstrating substantial resilience in duels. His impressive knack in winning battles, both in the air and on the field, demonstrates the strength that anchors Almeria's field presence.
Baba exhibits tremendous command in ball retention, often acting as Almeria's stronghold against the onslaught of opposing offenses. However, doubt lingers around his creative potential, with the chance creation department being his critical weakness, hinting at a somewhat limited range outside his primary defensive duty.
His goal threat and goal efficiency stats are nothing to write home about, showing a defensive midfielder largely sticking to his job description. His passing, both progressive and in terms of accuracy, leaves much to be desired indicating a limited role in build-up play. His shot frequency and goal ratios tell a similar tale, with few personal threats to the opposition net.
Interestingly, despite his relatively fewer touches, Baba is an influential dribbler, prudently channeling a solid chunk of his possession into unexpected territorial gains. However, his positional heatmap indicates his primary sphere of influence is centered around the midfield, and less so in the attacking areas.
While his aggressive style often serves Almeria well, it sometimes comes at a cost, with a somewhat high record of fouls committed and yellow cards received - a tighter control over his tackling approach could augment his overall midfield presence.
The most astonishing trait lies in Baba's recoveries’ sphere, with a perfect score conveying an exceptional ability to regain control over the ball, providing Almeria with an additional layer of tactical defensive flexibility.
In conclusion, Baba's command in ball recovery and duels, coupled with extraordinary ball retention skills, makes him a noteworthy defensive force in midfield. Yet, his lackluster offensive input and a pressing need to improve discipline highlight areas for potential growth. Nevertheless, Baba's performance in La Liga offers an intriguing study in a defensive midfielder's prowess in holding the fort while adding unexpected dynamism to the game.
