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Scout Report – Karim El Ahmadi

13 July 2012 1267 comments
Paul Paul
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Paul Lambert’s first foray into the transfer market as manager of Aston Villa saw the midlands outfit snap up Karim El Ahmadi from Feyenoord last week. The 27-year-old arrives on a three-year contract for around £2.5m and will help address the gap left in the Villa midfield after club skipper Stiliyan Petrov was diagnosed with leukaemia in the latter part of last season:

With his central midfield options largely limited, Lambert’s move to boost the ranks is an obvious one. The new Villa boss prioritised the signing of El Ahmadi shortly after arriving at Villa Park and expects the defensive midfielder to make a substantial impact in the Premier League, as he looks to improve on the club’s 16th place finish under the previous boss, Alex McLeish.

Karim is a player who I feel could definitely improve our squad. He has experience of big club football and also at international level. He can pass the ball well and he could be an important player for us in central midfield.

The Statistics

El Ahmadi was snapped up by Dutch club Twente as a youngster and progressed through the youth academy before being handed a professional contract. His debut came as a 19-year-old in the 2003-04 season and over his five years at the club, he showed plenty versatility by playing on the right of midfield and in defence, in addition to featuring through the centre. In total, he made 89 league appearances for Twente, scoring three times and providing six assists.

His displays as a combative defensive midfielder caught the eye of Feyenoord and, in April 2008, El Ahmadi signed a five-year deal to join the Eredivisie club the following season. After a couple of campaigns as a regular, El Ahmadi was loaned out to Al-Ahli FC in the United Arab Emirates before returning in time to produce his most successful season at the club last time out. Under the guidance of Ronald Koeman, El Ahmadi returned two goals and five assists as the club finished second in the Dutch top-flight and clinched a Champions League slot for the season ahead. His time at Feyenoord produced four goals and seven assist from 94 games, while El Ahmadi has also picked up experience on the international stage, turning out for Morocco on 17 occasions and finding the net once.

The Prospects

While the above-mentioned stats hardly look the most enticing, El Ahmadi’s arrival could help provide a better balance at the back for Villa in the season ahead. As manager of Norwich in the previous campaign, Lambert saw his side concede in all 19 of their away games, with just three clean sheets produced at Carrow Road; clearly, a more combative player who is willing to sit in front of the back-four and break up the opposition’s play will be vital, given Lambert’s attacking ethos.

A low to mid-price valuation across the Fantasy games can be expected, with a cost of around 5.0 – 5.5 looking likely in the Fantasy Premier League (FPL) game but he could struggle for investment, given his limited attacking returns – more attacking options such as Charles N’Zogbia or even Stephen Ireland will hold greater appeal in Lambert’s midfield from a FPL perspective.

Indeed, it seems likely that El Ahmadi’s tackles and passes may be more suitable for the new bonus rule in the Sky game; coming in at just 4.7, the Moroccan, who was nicknamed “The Governor” in Holland due to his influence in the middle of the park, should prove better value there. Commenting on the style of play the Villa fans can expect, he revealed:

As a player, I always want to have the ball and that is my main quality. I always want the ball and to dictate the game. That’s what I did at Feyenoord and hopefully I can show the fans, the club and the manager my quality.

Certainly, analysis of their opening schedule suggests Villa have the potential to produce over the early stages. Home clashes against Everton, Swansea and West Brom look prosperous, while trips to West Ham and Southampton are also on the agenda by Gameweek 5, handing El Ahmadi the perfect opportunity to hit the ground running in his new surroundings.

Further Reference

Karim El Ahmadi Wikipedia
Karim El Ahmadi Statistics
Karim El Ahmadi YouTube

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1,267 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. Bøwstring The Carp
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 5 months ago

    Anyone think Adams for Dempsey with Carroll on short loan (til start/end of January) is a fair deal?

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    1. Conrad.
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 5 months ago

      if i were 'Pool, i'd do that deal for sure.

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  2. andy85wsm
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 15 Years
    13 years, 5 months ago

    Many congratulations to Celtic, who won the 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2014-15 SPL titles this afternoon

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    1. Dan - We want our Trophy ba…
      • 16 Years
      13 years, 5 months ago

      Yep expect to hear Gerrard has signed for them.

      The only way he can guarantee a League Title. 🙂

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  3. Scroobius Mac
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 5 months ago

    Terry not guilty.

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    1. Bad Pen
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 5 months ago

      Ridiculous.

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      1. FPL Daniel
        • 16 Years
        13 years, 5 months ago

        Fair trial. Anton said he didn't' hear nothing That was decisive IMO

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        1. Bad Pen
          • 13 Years
          13 years, 5 months ago

          There's a video that clearly shows what he said - what more evidence do you need?

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          1. stilicho
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 15 Years
            13 years, 5 months ago

            Intent.

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            1. Bad Pen
              • 13 Years
              13 years, 5 months ago

              You are right, of course. Whether he meant it or repeated it is very hard to say without hearing each version of events. For other players there's a lot to be learned from this case. Why they talk smack to eachother on the pitch in the first place is beyond my understanding.

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          2. Willis.
            • 14 Years
            13 years, 5 months ago

            Whether he said those words as an insult, or whether he was simply repeating what Ferdinand claimed for him to have said.

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          3. Woy of the Wovers
            • 15 Years
            13 years, 5 months ago

            Which is a good reason why you were not on the jury.

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        2. GreenWindmill
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          13 years, 5 months ago

          Not sure that matters does it?

          Nobody hearing someone be racist doesn't actually make it not racist. Terry admitted saying it.

          Just to be clear I'm not saying he should have been guilty/not guilty, just that Ferdinand hearing it or not surely can't be pivotal?

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          1. GreenWindmill
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            13 years, 5 months ago

            *clumsily worded but hopefully you get the meaning 🙂

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    2. COMH
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 5 months ago

      He is not racist he just says racist things. What a joke.

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    3. Woy of the Wovers
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 5 months ago

      Always seemed to be the likely judgement.

      It sounds like it should never have gone to trial.

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      1. Tomlette Greggs
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 5 months ago

        +1

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      2. Nomar
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        13 years, 5 months ago

        Huge waste of time and taxpayers money when this was always going to be the only realistic verdict.

        Least its over now and we can all move on now.

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    4. applebonkers
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 16 Years
      13 years, 5 months ago

      of wearing shin pads

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  4. FPL Daniel
    • 16 Years
    13 years, 5 months ago

    Premier League ‏@premierleague
    OK, try again: Today's three Fantasy player values are Nikica Jelavic (EVE) £8.5m, Olivier Giroud (ARS) £9m & Carlos Tevez (MCI) £9m. #fpl

    Well done 🙂 There was so hard?

    Cheers FPL good job

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    1. kimjobil
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 5 months ago

      let them launch the new fpl and be done with all this bullshit

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  5. Bøwstring The Carp
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 5 months ago

    Not guilty? Lot of injustice dont this week in the courts (i.e. Michaela Macareavey)

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    1. Bøwstring The Carp
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 5 months ago

      done*

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    2. Drogba "Unstoppable, U…
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 5 months ago

      u must be hating mauritians?

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      1. Bøwstring The Carp
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 5 months ago

        I'm in mixed minds to be honest. I mean who is to know if they really did it or not? The only people that know is Michaela and the murderer(s). Unless someone actually witnessed it, then we'll never know.

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        1. Drogba "Unstoppable, U…
          • 14 Years
          13 years, 5 months ago

          So no despise for Mauritians then? (i hope...)

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  6. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 15 Years
    13 years, 5 months ago

    OMG John Terry not guilty

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  7. Mulder
    • 15 Years
    13 years, 5 months ago

    Of course he's not guilty

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  8. Tim Canterbury
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 5 months ago

    Good Sky team?

    Hart

    Hangeland Bardsley Santon Huth Jagielka

    Fellaini Sigurdsson Kagawa

    Rooney Aguero

    This is long term. Will swap rooney for torres and kagawa for hazard for the double

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    1. Tim Canterbury
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 5 months ago

      going for as many clean sheets as possible with the back six as you get 5 points for each.

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      1. kimjobil
        • 13 Years
        13 years, 5 months ago

        surely you should sell hangelaand and get some united cover

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    2. Woy of the Wovers
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 5 months ago

      They will never manage those big climbs in the Pyrenees

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  9. GreenWindmill
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 5 months ago

    Ok, how long until Hitler gets mentioned this time? Oh balls, I just did it 🙄

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    1. Bedknobs and Boomsticks
      • 16 Years
      13 years, 5 months ago

      If John Terry grew a toothbrush moutache he'd have exactly the same facial hair as Hitler! ;P

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      1. GreenWindmill
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 5 months ago

        Careful now 😉

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  10. Portsmouth Bubblejet
    • 15 Years
    13 years, 5 months ago

    If Glenavon's squad list is to be believed, they've acquired a mighty interesting player to wear the number 66 shirt.

    http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Glenavon_F.C.&oldid=501376296

    He's got 99 problems, but the pitch ain't one.

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  11. Bøwstring The Carp
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 5 months ago

    How can he be not guilty? The video clearly showed him insulting Anton. All you need is a lip reader to show what he said and there. Saves 3 days, lawyer fees and tax payers money. And he got to play in the Euros instead of it going straight to the court case. Ridiculous.

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    1. Bedknobs and Boomsticks
      • 16 Years
      13 years, 5 months ago

      I suppose they couldn't disprove his defence - that he was repeating something back - beyond all reasonable doubt. It seems like BS, until you think about the last time you were quoting Pulp Fiction or something. Maybe. Who knows?

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      1. Bøwstring The Carp
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 5 months ago

        True. Would've been nice to see him demoted to 3rd division with Rangers though 🙂

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  12. Drogba "Unstoppable, U…
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 5 months ago

    Terry in my team

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    1. Tim Canterbury
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 5 months ago

      yup

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    2. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 5 months ago

      just got him in.

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    3. lazybones18
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 5 months ago

      ditto

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  13. Christina.
    • 15 Years
    13 years, 5 months ago

    I can't wait for FPL to open(eventually). Should be a major feck up and a good laugh at this rate. I would never have thought they could possibly top last year's screw up.

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    1. Woy of the Wovers
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 5 months ago

      So what have they done wrong now?

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      1. The Finnisher
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 5 months ago

        A typo.

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        1. Willis.
          • 14 Years
          13 years, 5 months ago

          But not just an ordinary typo....

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          1. Christina.
            • 15 Years
            13 years, 5 months ago

            69

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    2. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      13 years, 5 months ago

      But they will, they will ...

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    3. SOM.... This is Fellaini�…
      • 16 Years
      13 years, 5 months ago

      Ridiculous comment.

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  14. Drip Doctor
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    13 years, 5 months ago

    I haven't really been following the Terry saga, can someone explain how this is different from the Suarez-Evra situation? Can Terry still get a FA ban?

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    1. Back on the horse
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 5 months ago

      doubt he can now

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    2. Bedknobs and Boomsticks
      • 16 Years
      13 years, 5 months ago

      First big diference is that this is a criminal trial with a higher level of proof required. FA investigation will now restart.

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      1. Drip Doctor
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        13 years, 5 months ago

        That is what i want to know, why is this one a criminal trial and the other wasn't?

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    3. SOM.... This is Fellaini�…
      • 16 Years
      13 years, 5 months ago

      Terry is English is the only difference

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      1. Bøwstring The Carp
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 5 months ago

        +1

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  15. Coldplay
    • 13 Years
    13 years, 5 months ago

    The court's decision is final decision. You have to respect the law. Terry is 'officially' not a racist. Get over it.

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    1. pompeyfan
      • 16 Years
      13 years, 5 months ago

      well that's not necessarily true, he has been found not guilty of racial abuse. That's all you can take from this

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    2. GreenWindmill
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 5 months ago

      Not true - he was found not guilty of racism on that occasion, doesn't mean he's not a racist.

      It's like saying Harold Shipman didn't kill JFK therefore he's not a murderer 😉

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      1. Efan Ekoku Pops
        • 13 Years
        13 years, 5 months ago

        Nice analogy 🙂

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  16. Back on the horse
    • 15 Years
    13 years, 5 months ago

    Wonder how the FA feel now- stripping the captaincy from an innocent man.

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    1. Drogba "Unstoppable, U…
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 5 months ago

      ^^^^^^^
      THIS!!

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      1. FPL Daniel
        • 16 Years
        13 years, 5 months ago

        And firing Capello for that

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  17. Thomass
    • 13 Years
    13 years, 5 months ago

    JT U Legend Not Guiltyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy !!! JT CAPTAIN LEDAER LEGEND !!

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    1. Drip Doctor
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 5 months ago

      🙄

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  18. AriseSirGiggsy
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 5 months ago

    Tevez £9m is about right to get use out of him
    Given his history no-one's gonna pick hum over other premium strikers if he was at £11-12m

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  19. Pinoche
    • 13 Years
    13 years, 5 months ago

    NEW POST http://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/2012/07/13/todays-fpl-prices/#comment-3418757

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  20. thetinkerman
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 5 months ago

    So, after the schoolboy error and now we've got the correct price for Tevez, what do we think of the prices for him, Giroud and Jelly?

    Again they're pricing the new big club's new signings in the mid-price bracket, no surprise there for Giroud. Probably leave him out until he shows us what he can do.

    I'm not surprised that Jelly is 8.5m, although I think that might put me off a bit if I can pick up Fellaini or Pienaar for less. That said, I might avoid Everton all together, we know what they're like at the start of the season!

    Tevez's price is great for 9m. When you consider the amount of game time towards the end of the season despite his fitness and his legendary 2010-11 campaign, he could be a really cheap route into the City attack!

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  21. Dan - We want our Trophy ba…
    • 16 Years
    13 years, 5 months ago

    SSN needed a split screen option for those two stories happening at the same time.

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