Recruited by OM this winter after having terminated with Arsenal, Sead Kolašinac is a left-back with a formidable physique focused on the offensive. Here is what the experienced Bosnian international, hero of Mesut Özil in his spare time, can bring to the Marseille club.
Mainly known in France for having put on his costume as the savior of Mesut Özil, in London, when two thugs tried to steal their vehicle during a carjacking filmed and widely broadcast on social networks, Sead Kolašinac is nonetheless a player with his qualities, but also his faults, like everyone else. The native of Karlsruhe, who evolved in the youth categories of Germany before opting for the Bosnian selection (43 caps with the Zmajevi), will now defend the colors of Olympique de Marseille, where he is committed until 2023 this Tuesday.
Passed by Stuttgart on the other side of the Rhine, he was especially revealed during his time at Schalke 04, as evidenced by his place in the typical team for the 2016-2017 season in the Bundesliga. In any case, Arsène Wenger did not hesitate to bet on Sead Kolašinac, who landed at Arsenal for free in the summer of 2017. On the side of the Emirates Stadium, the Bosnian was one of the important elements of the Gunners, at least during about 3 seasons. Unai Emery had gradually begun to dispense with his services. But the arrival of Mikel Arteta, combined with competition from Kieran Tierney and the advent of Bukayo Saka, has definitely thwarted his plans in north London. Loaned to Schalke in the second half of the 20-21 season, he has only played 5 games since the start of the 21-22 season, even though an ankle injury kept him away from the field for a long time.
Kolašinac, a more offensive than defensive side
The current 3rd in Ligue 1 therefore recovers a player out of form who has not played an entire match since October 26, who will have to recover his health before treading the lawns of France. On the other hand, once the one we nicknamed the “Tank” (because of his imposing physique and his upper body more developed than the average in football), will be fully operational, his profile and his qualities have everything to appeal to Marseille supporters. His warrior mentality too.
Sead Kolašinac is indeed mainly renowned for his offensive qualities. Left side carried forward, the Bosnian is an excellent counter-attacker. Endowed with an interesting quality of center with his left foot and very present around the opposing surface, he always knows how to make himself available during the offensive phases of his team. If “Kola” is also a fierce player, rough, playing hard on the man and strong in the duels, defending is certainly not his strong point. Its positioning sometimes leaves something to be desired and its ability to contain very lively and fast elements remains limited.
Interesting versatility
One of his other strengths for a coach, however, is his versatility. The former Gunners No. 31 is capable of playing as a left midfielder as well as a central defender. A real plus on which Jorge Sampaoli will be able to rely, eager to blow Luan Peres into his atypical 3-3-3-1 game pattern. Sead Kolašinac should thus be used within the defensive trio, or even a notch higher, by El Pelado. A role that could just suit the qualities of the Bosnian.
The Olympian coach was looking for whatever happens to strengthen his defensive sector, especially after the departure on loan of Jordan Amavi to OGC Nice. It is now done, with the acquisition of an element of experience, both at national level (111 Bundesliga matches, 80 Premier League) and European (43 matches in the Champions League and Europa League). Like Arsène Wenger, who described Kolasinac’s arrival at Arsenal in 2017 as ” good deal “, this operation once again looks like a great coup carried out by Pablo Longoria and his teams. It now remains for Kolašinac to prove it on the field.
