06/16/2024
On at 09:46
CEST
Chadi Riyadh He is already a Crystal Palace player and will have the enormous challenge of proving himself in one of the most demanding leagues in the world, the Premier Leaguewho is destined to be a ‘top’ central defender after clearly passing an extremely difficult exam in The league.
No options in Barça by Xavi Hernandez, Ramon Planessports director of Real Betis At that time, he took him to Seville in an operation that, in the long run, has been positive – economically speaking – for both parties. From the hand of Manuel Pellegrinithe Moroccan center back has not stopped progressing, taking one hundred percent advantage of each of the opportunities that the Chilean has given him.
It began to gain importance with the march of Luiz Felipe to Saudi Arabia the last day of the transfer market. Shortly after, a severe injury to Marc Bartra It opened the door to ownership. Beside German Pezzellabecame untouchable in the Betic scheme and only the Africa Cup (except for specific matches) has left him without adding green and white minutes.
KEY TO PELLEGRINI
Not counting the commitments of Europa Leaguewhere he Real Betis could not register it, Chadi Riad has played 30 games this season (26 in LaLiga), of which he has been the owner in 26. Total, He has played 2,493 minutes which makes him the second most used centre-back in the squad by Pellegrini (only the experienced Pezzella surpasses him with 3,483 minutes).
Chadi Riad has been synonymous with solvency and leadership throughout the season. A forceful central defender, who goes very strong in the crosses, but who knows how to measure his actions. He presents a clean ball output, is capable of finding the inside with his deliveries between the lines and is very strong in the aerial game (1.87 meters tall), intelligent in correcting, covering gaps and closing the dominant leg of the attackers in the one against one.
VERY ‘PREMIER PROFILE’
According to data from ‘BeSoccer’, in April it was the LaLiga center back with the best average of defensive duels won (78.22%). In this way, he surpassed defenders such as Antonio Rüdiger, Ronald Araujo, Pau Cubarsí and Robin Le Normand. Furthermore, with 20 yearsthis average also made him the U-23 central defender who won the most defensive duels in the five major leagues with at least 1,000 minutes played.
Another interesting fact that highlights his ability to make decisions under pressure is his ridicule. number of cards What have you seen this season: one in 30 games. It has even more value considering that he is 20 years old and has not even played 50 games in the elite.
EXHIBITION AT THE DEBUT WITH MOROCCO
His last major exhibition was with Morocco, just hours after announcing his signing for Crystal Palace. Chadi Riad, who He debuted with the senior team in the overwhelming victory against Congo (0-6) last Tuesday, June 11has played in all possible categories -from under-15- with the African team.
It was a duel qualification for the 2026 World Cupwhere Morocco has not yet given up a single point. He started, played the ninety minutes, scored a goal – his second – and managed to keep a clean sheet.
WILL HE SUCCEED AT THE CRYSTAL PALACE?
Now comes the challenge of the Premier League. Due to his abilities and style of play, he fits in wonderfully in the British tournament, where the physical and tactical demands are maximum against the best players on the planet.. Most likely Oliver Glasner give him a lot of weight in their defense three, and in London they are fully aware that they have taken a great player at a bargain price.
chadi Riyadh sets course for Selhurst Park in exchange for 15 million euros plus 2 in variables, so it is an operation with practically no risk for a player who is becoming more and more a reality, with elite conditions and maturity at 20 years old. Without a doubt, the Premier will show what stuff it is made of.
