Rising Star: Anis Hadj-Moussa Impresses with Feyenoord
Mart van Mourik02 dec 2024, 00:07
Last updated: 02 Dec 2024, 00:07
Feyenoord winger Anis Hadj-Moussa is turning heads with his exciting performances.
The 22-year-old, signed from Vitesse, has gone from benchwarmer to a key player for the Dutch club in recent weeks. After initially finding playing time scarce, Hadj-Moussa has found his footing, inspiring confidence with both his attacking prowess and tenacious defending.
His contributions haven’t gone unnoticed.
“A few days earlier, Hadj-Moussa continuously attacked one of the most famous defenders in the world, Josko Gvardiol, against Manchester City,” wrote columnist Willem van Hanegem in his column. “As if the Croat had never seen a false kick, he fell for it so often.”
Van Hanegem, a Feyenoord legend known for his insightful and sometimes outspoken commentary, believes Hadj-Moussa possesses the potential to reach the very top.
“If other managers in the Premier League saw Hadj-Moussa in the Champions League this week, they will think: he is a very nice player. Yes, he is ‘already’ 22, but I do not rule out that he can still reach the top.”
Hadj-Moussa’s ability to trouble defenses with his pace and footwork is clear.
He has found the back of the net twice in his last three Eredivisie outings, and scored in both of Feyenoord’s recent Champions League matches.
This improved form hasn’t solely come from attacking flair. Van Hanegem recognizes the winger’s commitment to both ends of the pitch.
“When he went to Feyenoord, people shouted en masse that he was not defending. And Edward Sturing had probably not left him out of the selection at Vitesse for nothing. But doesn’t that guy get nervous when Feyenoord has lost the ball?”
He acknowledges the need for balance, recognizing that players like Hadj-Moussa need the freedom to express themselves.
“Of course Hadj-Moussa has to keep an overview, but you often have to let these types of players do their thing,” Van Hanegem concludes.
“And then they sometimes choose to shoot themselves instead of making a cross. As long as that is not just the case, that is possible. Hajj-Moussa must continue to do what comes to his mind, because that is his great strength.”
This open-minded approach reflects a respect for the instinctive brilliance that Hadj-Moussa embodies on the field. He’s a reminder to embrace the unpredictability that can make football so captivating.
As Hadj-Moussa continues to grow, there’s a sense that he’s on the cusp of something truly special. If he maintains his current trajectory, the sky’s the limit for this emerging talent.
* How did Anis Hadj-Moussa’s playing time change, and what factors contributed to this shift?
## Rising Star: Anis Hadj-Moussa
**Interviewer:** Welcome to the show. Today we’re talking about Feyenoord’s breakout star, Anis Hadj-Moussa. With us to discuss his meteoric rise is local football expert [Guest Name]. Welcome!
**Guest:** Thanks for having me.
**Interviewer:** Anis went from being a benchwarmer to a key player in just a few weeks. What’s been the turning point for him?
**Guest:** Well, it seems like confidence is key. At first, he was struggling for playing time, but once he got that chance to show what he could do, he really took it. His energy and speed on the wing are really impressive, and his defenders are struggling to keep up.
**Interviewer:** Even Willem Van Hanegem, a tough critic, praised Hadj-Moussa for his performance against Manchester City. Can you elaborate on that?
**Guest:** Absolutely. He was giving Josko Gvardiol, one of the best defenders in the world, a real headache with his clever footwork and deceptive movement. Van Hanegem specifically mentioned how Hadj-Moussa used his skills to get the better of Gvardiol repeatedly, which is a true testament to his talent.
**Interviewer:** Van Hanegem even suggested that Hadj-Moussa has the potential to become a real star. Do you agree?
**Guest:** I certainly think he has the potential. He’s still young, but he’s showing the eye for goal, the dribbling skills, and the defensive work rate that you need to succeed at the highest level. If he keeps progressing at this rate, the sky’s the limit for him.
**Interviewer:**well said. We’ll definitely be keeping an eye on Anis Hadj-Moussa’s progress. Thanks for your insights, [Guest Name]!
**Guest:** My pleasure. [[1](https://www.transfermarkt.nl/anis-hadj-moussa/profil/spieler/917911)]