Achraf Hakimi 2020/21 — Scout Report
Player Profile: Achraf Hakimi
- Nationality: Moroccan
- Age:21
- Date of Birth: 04/11/1998
- Current Club: Inter
- Position: Right Midfield
- Other position: Right Back / Left Back
- Preferred foot: Right
- Transfermarkt value: £48.6m
Despite his tender age of 21-years-old Achraf Hakimi has a wealth of experience which he has accumulated for Dortmund over the last two seasons. In 2020/21 the Moroccan played 3,571 minutes and also clocked up 2,379 in 2019/20. He was also a part of Madrid’s Champions League-winning squad in 2012/18 in which he featured twice, both games against Spurs in the group stage.
Capable of playing across both flanks, Hakimi’s versatility is an added bonus for Antonio Conte and Inter, however, it is likely he will be utilized on the right to provide an attacking option down the flank. Hakimi has also been capped 28times by Morocco, scoring two goals.
In this scout report, we explore the important role which Achraf Hakimi plays in Antonio Conte’s system at Inter, examining the Moroccan’s contributions across September in the defensive, middle and attacking thirds of the pitch, in his role as a Right Midfielder through a tactical analysis.
Tactical profile
Under Conte, Inter have generally favoured a 3–5–2 formation, the Italian has utilized this tactic in 68% of matches in Serie A last season. Last season, Inter created most of their chances through the centre of the pitch.
One of the possible contributing factors towards this was the fact that Inter were missing an out and out wing-back, playing former wingers or full-backs in their system.
Adding to that, in January Christian Eriksen a creative playmaker was added to their squad, Lautaro Martínez also operated more as a false 9 initiating attacks from the centre of the pitch.
With Hakimi on the wing, Inter’s playing style is already changing, adding another dimension to Conte’s system, specifically in regards to progressing the ball, while historically they over-relied on their midfield to create for their strikers, the introduction of Hakimi and potentially another left-sided player will change this.
Attacking outlet
One of the most important aspects of wing-backs is their off-the-ball movements during the match. Hakimi is well-known for his overlapping runs which an example is demonstrated in the below image against Fiorentina.
Arturo Vidal is in possession looking to progress the ball into the final third, in the central position both Romelu Lukaku and Lautaro Martinez are positioned high against the defensive line, with Fiorentina looking to force Inter to play through a congested zone 14. As the ball is played forward Lukaku receives and then lays off the pass to Sanchez who loses his marker.
Instead of playing towards the goal, the Chilean decides to stretch the defensive line with a pass out to the wide area, noticing Hakimi’s movement off the back of Biraghi. This pass forces the defensive block to react and shift across to cover the space.
As the line moves Lukaku makes a burst through the gap in the defensive line and into a position to connect with the cross for a goal. It is the key positioning within the build-up with players dragging the opposition out of position which creates the space for Lukaku to score his goal.
Blistering pace
Hakimi’s pace is complemented with absurd acceleration. His ability to move through the gears, with relative ease will see him get the better of many opponents in Serie A.
Hakimi’s ability to smoke opponents make him the perfect option to play in behind a high defensive life, making him a threat for defensive units.
Here against Benevento with Hakimi in possession, Sanchez offers himself as an easy pass into a central area.
Instead of admiring his pass Hakimi is eager to offer an attacking outlet for his team-mate, the Moroccan uses his pace to get in behind the scrambling defence.
Hakimi does not sprint to the byline, he drifts more centrally and plays a pass cross towards Lukaku who slides the ball home in record time, in terms of wing-play, Hakimi has developed into a superb assister.
Hakimi’s ability to scan the box and finding an open teammate for a cutback is impressive. The Moroccan often likes to hit his crosses, often with imperative weight and timing. This leads us to believe that he should easily contribute towards 10+ goals this season for the Nerazzurri.
Another example of Hakimi’s pace was on display again against Benevento. In the above Hakimi plays a smart 1–2 with Stefano Sensi to advance into space in the wide area, a similar movement to his link-up play with Sanchez earlier.
You may see defences double up on Hakimi as he progresses into the attacking third, which in turn could again create more space centrally for Inter to exploit.
Defensive Contribution
Hakimi´s offensive playing style is fascinating. However, as a wing-back, he is responsible for defensive work as well. Due to Hakimi’s offensive playing philosophy, the Moroccan has often struggled to get back into the backline.
In defensive transitions, Conte demands his players get behind the ball as fast as possible, well known for being regimental the Italian will certainly look to develop this side of Hakimi’s game.
In the above image, you can see how the Moroccan is connected with his defensive line covering the vacant space at the far post in order to intercept, block or clear the delivery.
Conclusion
The Moroccan has certainly developed his game a lot during his loan spell in Dortmund, his transfer to Inter is a tremendous coup for Conte and his acquisition certainly strengthens Inter significantly in their quest to loosen Juventus’ grip on the Scudetto.
Under Conte Hakimi will play under a coach which is renown for his defensive pragmatism, this, in turn, should help to improve this side of the Moroccans game. In Hakimi, Conte also gets a dynamic offensive weapon who is perfect for the system which he implements.
