FEATURE | Lyon’s new signing Amin Sarr: The Swedish Kylian Mbappé? | OneFootball

Olympique Lyonnais’ recruitment model and scouting network have been scrutinised intensely by the French media and fans of Les Gones. The non-coincidental arrival of former players and constant re-opening of negotiations for former targets has seen Bruno Cheyrou criticised for lacking ambition and his level of talent identification. Despite this perhaps fair criticism since his return to OL as director of recruitment, the recent signing of Amin Sarr from Heerenveen could evidence signs of change in the recruitment department at Lyon.

Sarr is somewhat a mystery to Lyon fans. Signing for €12m and on a contract until 2027, the club has targeted him as a youthful but versatile addition to a forward line that lacks depth, after the departures of Karl Toko-Ekambi and Tetê to Stade Rennais and Leicester City respectively. The monetary value is quite high considering only €124.9m was spent in Ligue 1 in January and the player’s market value. However, his skillset and output show that this could be quite a shrewd piece of business for Lyon.

Sarr isn’t a natural centre forward. His strengths include dribbling with the ball, being highly involved in build-up play and hurting teams on the counterattack. These qualities make him a versatile option for both flanks, predominantly the left, despite his preference for a central role. This appeals to Blanc’s current needs. The loss of options on both flanks and the impending departure of Moussa Dembele on a free transfer meant that a versatile option across the forward line was necessary and in Sarr, he may have just found that.

Making things happen in the final third is the former Malmo striker’s biggest asset. In just 20 appearances in all competitions for Heerenveen this season, Sarr contributed with 10 G/As, equivalent to an involvement in 50% of the goals the club has scored this season. He’s majorly involved in effective attacking phases of play, with 0.53 goal-creating actions per 90. A number that sees him rank in the top 7% of forwards in Europe.

The requirement for a wide forward in a similar ilk to Toko-Ekambi is possibly something that made Sarr an OL’s target. Despite being a centre forward, he often likes to drop into the left half-space and occupy spaces you would naturally expect a left winger to possess. With a tendency to drift wider into the left channel, this could see him deputise on the left flank more often than through the centre where competition for places is rife with Alexandre Lacazette and Moussa Dembele.

The ability to create and find teammates is possibly the most striking element of his final third play. His passing range is diverse and often accurate, something that would aid the likes of Cherki – a master in the development of intricate transition play. 1.06 key passes per 90 suggests that he’s not constantly searching for teammates, but his output of 5 assists and 0.16 xA per 90 suggest that the chances he creates are often of high quality.

Creating high-quality chances in positions of danger is enabled through Sarr’s terrific dribbling. Completing 1.6 dribbles per 90, he ranks in the top 5 per cent of strikers in Europe. This combined with blistering pace creates a problem for opposition defences.

Modern forwards are often required to be the leaders of a press and win the ball back in high areas. The Swede is adept in this area completing 1.39 tackles and interceptions. His underlying numbers present a player who could be highly suited to Lyon but a question to be seen is if he has the necessary quality to complete the step up to French football and make an instant impact in a Lyon team lacking in confidence.

The Swedish U21 international only made the switch to his former club Heerenveen in the winter of 2022, but he made a big impression among fans of the club and they believe he has what it takes to succeed at the top level. Joshua Leemburg, SC Heerenveen season ticket holder and member of fan group Nieuw Noord, gave his thoughts on the new Lyon striker:

What can Lyon fans expect from Sarr?

Lyon fans can expect a highly-talented multi-purpose striker. He has similarities in his game to Kylian Mbappé. He’s very capable of creating his own chances and is extremely fast and strong on the ball. There were times when he didn’t showcase his full potential, but when he did like against Vitesse this season, he is one of the best forwards in the Eredivisie.

Do you think he can make it at the top level of European football?

If he keeps working hard and continues on his current trajectory, there is no reason why he couldn’t play for a top club in Europe. After Lyon, I could see him featuring at a club like Napoli or Spurs, in the future.

Are Heerenveen fans sad to see him go?

I enjoyed the player and the time he spent at the club, and he held a decent relationship with the fans. It’s so sad to see him leave after just one day less than a year after he signed for the club. However, fans are really happy with the fee and I’m excited to see him take his next step at Lyon.

This glowing review from Joshua and other Heerenveen fans makes for promising viewing. Pair this with his impressive underlying numbers and winning mentality after tasting success in two Allsvenskan title victories with Malmo could see him be a success for Les Gones, whilst relieving pressure on Cheyrou.

GFFN | Liam Wraith