The Silver Lining in Crew’s Leagues Cup Exit | OneFootball

While Columbus Crew’s 2025 Leagues Cup campaign ended in frustration, one name stood out as a beacon of promise: Taha Habroune. The 19-year-old midfielder didn’t just show up—he showed out.

Tournament Snapshot

Minutes Played: 193Matches Played: 3 (vs Toluca, Puebla, León)Average Match Rating: 7.63vs Puebla: 9.0 ⭐MOTMvs León: 8.0vs Toluca: 5.9 (15-minute cameo)

Despite Columbus Crew’s early exit from the Leagues Cup, Taha Habroune emerged as a standout performer, offering fans a glimpse of the club’s future. Over the course of three matches, Habroune logged 193 minutes and maintained an impressive average match rating of 7.63. His best showing came against Puebla, where he earned a stellar 9.0 rating, followed by an 8.0 against León, while his brief 15-minute appearance against Toluca was less impactful.

Habroune’s attacking contributions were particularly noteworthy. He led with team in the tournament with two assists and four chances created (putting him in the 81st percentile for the tournament). He also made nine touches in the opposition box and managed a shot on target, signaling his intent and confidence going forward. In possession, he was composed and efficient, completing 77 passes (96th percentile) at a 79.4% accuracy rate. He also attempted long balls with a 66.7% success rate and completed multiple successful dribbles, demonstrating his ability to drive play and retain control under pressure.

Defensively, Habroune showed grit and awareness. He won 18 duels with a 60% success rate, made four tackles, intercepted three passes, and recovered possession 18 times. Notably, he won the ball four times in the final third, highlighting his pressing ability and work rate. All of this came without a single booking, underscoring his discipline and maturity on the field.

Perhaps most impressively, Habroune maintained discipline and composure throughout the tournament. For a teenager in high-stakes matches, that’s a testament to his maturity and tactical awareness - just look at his Panenka (at the 7:05 mark above) in an international tournament without breaking a sweat. While, he did struggle from time to time with turnovers in tight spaces but with his blend of creativity, work ethic, and composure, he’s quickly becoming a key piece in the Crew’s attack.