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Osame Sahraoui (2001) at Vålerenga IF was our favourite player in Norway this year. He established himself as a starter, racking up 1,900 minutes in 27 appearances for a young side that qualified for Europe – here's a quick thread on his style, skillset and breakthrough.
Vålerenga have put together a strong core of good young players: Aron Dønnum, Christian Borchgrevink, Kristoffer Klaesson and Henrik Bjørdal all had strong seasons, Odin Thiago Holm will be one for 2021, but Sahraoui has been the crown jewel of their 2020 season.
Sahraoui played on the left of the Vålerenga front three, opposite to the more direct Dønnum. At 5'5" and with a slight frame, he's almost always the smallest on the pitch – but it never inhibits him. If anything, it enhances his distinctive style/ability as a playmaker.
His body control is exceptional: nimble agility enables him to switch direction instantly and manipulate his frame through bodies. Mix that with his sharp, impactful burst and it makes him very difficult to contain – see this clip. https://twitter.com/aymenvids/status/1311094504259301376
His skill in smaller spaces is a product of his excellent technique and touch. He has street footballer qualities: good awareness and body positioning, tight control, quick touches, uses both feet. The ways in which he manipulates the ball are really instinctive and creative.
These clips show how Sahraoui coordinates his athleticism and technical ability to escape tight spaces, break pressure, create space. https://twitter.com/aymenvids/status/1311093396572909569
He's shown exciting development + upside as a creative passer too, which elevates him as a playmaker. He has good vision and awareness of movements, his ideas are creative but not always executed. Loves a clipped pass over the top into a runner. Obvious potential.
These clips demonstrate vision, good touch and weight of pass, plus his general creativity when cutting inside and around the box. https://twitter.com/aymenvids/status/1311101931067146243
In terms of weaknesses, he has room/time to improve in decision-making; he over-dribbles at times and needs to get better at knowing where to do so and when to release, fairly typical of a player his age/experience. Would also like to see him develop a goal threat.
As first senior seasons go, Sahraoui's was so much fun. Another 6-12 months in Norway to develop his physique and see out Vålerenga in Europe would be sensible, but don't be at all surprised if the usual clever clubs look at him this winter. He has a big future ahead.
