A career of criticism: Trezeguet is proving his doubters wrong under Dean Smith

November 14, 2020, 1:11 pm 22 Views

Despite failing to succeed in Belgium, former Anderlecht player and Egypt international Ahmed Hassan, dubbed “The Pharaoh of Anderlecht”, spoke about the winger’s potential and progress in the Jupiler League – but there were key comments about the forward’s mentality, stating he was capable of individual brilliance and that he has the right mindset.

It’s this mindset that is mentioned over, and over again. It’ll be mentioned again in this piece. Following his disappointment at struggling in Belgium, Trezeguet would move to Kasimpasa in the Turkish Super Lig. – where he would impress enough to attract interest from Galatasaray, Inter Milan and Slavia Prague – with the latter two clubs coming exceptionally close to signing the Egypt international before deals collapsed.

In his final season at the Turkish side, Trezeguet would pick up dribbling numbers that would surpass Lionel Messi – and performances for Kasimpasa and Egypt, despite a lacklustre appearance in the 2019 African Cup of Nations, would convince then Aston Villa Sporting Director Suso and Dean Smith to plump for his services over Said Benrahma.

In the same year, Trezeguet reflected on his tough journey so far, saying that he had ‘started a journey that he would not quit’.

Despite patchy form for the Birmingham based club in his debut season, Dean Smith turned to Trezeguet on a number of occasions – mainly due to his mentality – as he showcased determination to succeed. Turning to him eventually paid off, with the winger providing a much needed spark at the end of the 2019/20 season to help keep Aston Villa in the league.

The Kafr El Sheikh native has a habit of proving his critics wrong. He did it when Aston Villa fans slated his performances by appearing at the back post on numerous occasions, becoming a nuisance for the opposition – causing supporters to jokingly post on social media about his performances in the hope that he’d score to prove them wrong again.

Despite his survival-clinching heroics, most fans will agree that the highlight of Trezeguet’s season was his late goal, again at the back-post, against Leicester City to secure Aston Villa’s place in last season’s Carabao Cup Final.

This season, he is proving those who had slated him during his time in Belgium wrong. Whilst he was lambasted for a lack of tactical astuteness and poor positioning, under Dean Smith and the coaching staff’s guidance, Trezeguet has not put a foot wrong as Aston Villa continue their unbeaten start to the season.

The Egyptian works himself into the ground in every game, offering a counter-attacking presence, accurate balls into the box but also providing support for his full-back by tracking back almost instinctively throughout his time on the pitch – making perfect tackles for a player that looked as if he would be nothing like the evolved Trezeguet we’re seeing now.

Against Leicester City, despite being subbed off for Bertrand Traore, the winger was one of the most prominent players on the pitch. Media outlets glowed over Aston Villa’s “midfield four” in Grealish, Barkley, McGinn and Douglas Luiz – but fans argued back and stated that Trezeguet was being forgotten.

Whilst Trezeguet was strong going forward, with a 75% dribbling success rate, it was the defensive side of his game that drew attention. With three successful tackles – the second best amongst both teams, behind team-mate Matty Cash – as well as four interceptions, placing him just behind Cash once again, and three clearances.

His awareness has improved, and that’s illustrated in the numbers the winger is now consistently putting up. Trezeguet patrolled the right hand side, visible in his heat-map, whilst also supporting his side in their own box when needed.

No longer does our Egyptian Prince ‘run everywhere but the place where he’s supposed to be’ – in fact, he’s doing quite the opposite. The 26-year old is a prime example of Smith’s ability to improve a player and also a prime example of how far grit and determination can take you.

He’s proving his doubters wrong, and proving that the decision, as it stands, to pick him over Said Benrahma was the right one – and is keeping new signing Bertrand Traore stuck to making fleeting appearances from the bench.

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By: Regan Foy
Title: A career of criticism: Trezeguet is proving his doubters wrong under Dean Smith
Sourced From: underagaslitlamp.com/2020/10/21/a-career-of-criticism-trezeguet-is-proving-his-doubters-wrong-under-dean-smith/
Published Date: Wed, 21 Oct 2020 12:19:57 +0000