3 opposing players to watch in Chelsea’s Champions League group
3. Anel Ahmedhodzic (Malmo)
Age: 22
Position: Central defender
Nationality: Bosnia and Herzegovina
Achievements (Individual): Allsvenskan Defender of the Year 2020, Allsvenskan Young Player of the Year 2020
Did you know? Ahmedhodzic has had a previous spell in English football. The Bosnian signed for Championship side Nottingham Forest in 2016, but despite promises of a clear pathway into first team football, only made one senior appearance for the side. However, he made the bench for the first team on several occasions, including a third-round FA Cup against Chelsea in 2019.
Often, a good measure of a player’s talent is the quality of clubs said to be interested in signing them. By that logic, one can only have high hopes with Malmo’s Ahmedhodzic, given he has been linked with Napoli, Lazio, Atalanta, AC Milan, Manchester United, and of course, Chelsea.
As for his qualities as a player, here’s what the brilliant Scouted Ftbl’s profile reads about him:
"“Ahmedhodzic possesses a rare profile: he is a center-back with size, speed, solid defensive nous, quality in possession, and he has plenty of years before he peaks. Clubs should be battling to buy him…Even clubs at the level of Liverpool and Bayern Munchen would do well to get in on him early because when Ahmedhodzic breaks out, he will break the bank.”"
That’s the impression one gets while watching his individual highlights, as well. Ahmedhodzic’s physique and pace stand out almost immediately on viewing, as does his tendency to go in for clean, crisp, and well-timed challenges. Also remarkable is his ability to bring the ball out of defense, and his long switches of play are a joy to watch. It speaks volumes of his mental character, as well, that despite suffering from disappointment in his first spell in a foreign league, Ahmedhodzic managed to get his career back on track.
The Bosnian is certainly of a profile that interests almost all of the top European clubs at the moment. Luckily for Chelsea, two games against Malmo in the group stage will provide the club with the chance to watch the 22-year-old in action right in front of their eyes. As for the Blues faithful, it brings an opportunity to look out for a talented young centerback, who, in a few years, might find his way to Stamford Bridge.
Next. Chelsea’s Jorginho: From boos to Europe’s player of the year. dark
Who are some of the opposing players you’ll be watching out for in the contest? Let us know in the comments or on Twitter!