World Cup 2018 scouting report: The jury is out on what Egypt's Trezeguet can offer Everton or Leicester

It was a display that summed up the best and worst aspects of the winger's abilities

Sunday 17 June 2018 14:19 BST
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Egypt World Cup profile

Mahmoud 'Trezeguet' Hassan, nicknamed after French World Cup winner David Trezeguet, has been tipped to be one of the breakout stars at this summer's World Cup - and today's performance certainly pointed to the raw talents of the 23-year-old, who has reportedly caught the eye of Leicester City, Everton and Burnley.

It was a lively and charismatic display, one that highlighted the winger's desire to take the fight to his opponents. Unafraid to challenge his opposite man out on the left flank, Trezeguet repeatedly tried his luck in an attempt to exploit the space behind. He enjoyed varying degrees of success but it was telling that the majority of Egypt's forward play was channelled down the left.

Of course, Trezeguet lacked the sort of quality and composure we're accustomed to seeing on Egypt's opposite wing - but with Mohamed Salah on the bench, it was down to the youngster to deliver. It came as no surprise, then, to see the winger dipping into his box of tricks as he sought to outfox Uruguay's hardened backline. Sometimes it worked, sometimes it didn't.

One of the criticisms levelled against Trezeguet has been his tendency to overplay the ball, and so it proved in the 26th minute after intercepting a stray pass only to charge head first into a cul-de-sac. It required two Uruguay defenders to dispossess him but his eagerness to prove a point looked to have clouded his decision-making when there were more viable options on offer.

But unfazed by such setbacks, the player persevered with his game-plan and his direct running certainly kept Uruguay's defence busy. Indeed, it was often the winger who kickstarted Egypt's most promising surges forward, picking up play inside his own half before charging down the left flank or cutting inside where appropriate.

In all, it was a display that cut to the essence of Trezeguet's abilities. On one hand, it highlighted his striking pace, unabashed confidence and ability to kickstart a surging forward moment. But, on the other hand, it was a performance that underpinned the winger's tendency to rush play, to overlook the simple option and to concede possession in promising areas.

With this in mind, the likes of Leicester, Everton and Burnley will likely be interested to see what comes. The Foxes in particular will be paying a close eye to his performances this summer as they prepare for life after Riyad Mahrez, with the Algerian expected to sign for Manchester City. The potential is certainly there but, on the back of this afternoon's 1-0 defeat, it seems more time is needed to reach a definitive conclusion on the winger.

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