Monaco progressed to the Champions League round of 16 on the back of conceding just one goal during the group stage. But while Arsenal's primary task on Wednesday will be to break down their visitors' defence, they should also be wary of the threat the Ligue 1 side carry on the counter-attack, where Yannick Ferreira Carrasco is their primary menace.
Ferreira Carrasco was born in Ixelles, Belgium to a Portuguese father and a Spanish mother and moved through the youth systems of Stade Everois, Diegem Sport and Germinal Beerschot before joining Genk in 2009. A year later, at the age of 16, he left Belgium to join Monaco. It was his first experience away from family and friends and it took him a little time to settle, but he was still part of the side who won the Gambardella Youth Cup in 2011.
The promising forward began to receive regular minutes in the reserve side in early 2012 before ascending to the first team for Monaco's successful Ligue 2 promotion campaign; he also notched eight goals in 31 matches in all competitions. The club spent heavily ahead of their return to the top flight, but Ferreira Carrasco still made a good impression despite a relative lack of minutes. A change of operational tact has since given him his chance to shine.
Ferreira Carrasco has been one of the primary beneficiaries of Monaco's reduced spending and the reinstatement of a youth-orientated approach. Five of the 11 players who have played the most minutes for the club in Ligue 1 this season are aged 22 or younger. Of those, only Fabinho has played more often than the Belgian, who is already close to doubling his minutes from last season. Four goals and five assists represent a solid return to date.
The 21-year-old renewed his contract for a further four years last August in the wake of strong rumours linking him with a move to Roma. He has represented Belgium at every level from U-15 up to U-21 and has thrice been called up to the senior team (he also turned down interest from Spain and Portugal) without yet making an appearance. A place in their squad for Euro 2016 is a distinct possibility if he continues to perform well.
Style
Ferreira Carrasco is a well-built, quick and direct wide forward who consistently seeks to run at opposition defences -- he is the fourth most prolific dribbler in Ligue 1 this season -- before delivering a cross or taking a shot at goal. He is confident in his own ability and willing to take risks with the ball at his feet. While it is not a perfect comparison, he shares a lot of stylistic similarities with his international colleague Nacer Chadli of Tottenham Hotspur.
Major Strengths
- a quick and direct dribbler
- strikes the ball very well
Major Weaknesses
- rushed passing
- consistency of his end product
Assessment Breakdown
Tackling: One of Monaco's least prolific tacklers, although this should come as little surprise as their tactics so far this season have emphasised a solid defensive shape over winning the ball back high up the pitch.
Marking: Does a solid job of tracking back with opposition full-backs, although he does have a tendency to switch off in and around his own penalty area. However, this area of his game is showing signs of improvement under Leonardo Jardim's command.
Heading: Relatively tall but very rarely provides an aerial threat, with an average of just one headed attempt on goal for every 10 league matches he takes part in. He loses just under two-thirds of his aerial battles.
Close control: Very solid technically, although the ball can sometimes get away from him in full flight. However, in combination with good upper-body strength, pace and balance, his quality of touch is sufficient to make him a real threat on the dribble. His first touch is often a positive one as he seeks to gain an immediate advantage over his direct opponent.
Passing: The accuracy of his passing suffers from the speed with which he tries to move the ball on, often resulting in needless giveaways. Can be guilty of failing to get his head up to pick out a specific option when he gets into dangerous positions in the final third, although he does also make good choices at times, as illustrated by his neat set up for Joao Moutinho's late equaliser in the 2-2 draw with Caen last November.
Positioning: Generally sticks to his designated flank until he receives the ball. Does not provide a regular threat from off-ball runs in behind, but this is likely due to tactical instructions rather than an inability to do so. His ball-carrying ability has simply proved more valuable to a side who largely play on the counter-attack.
Crossing: Usually provides low and driven crosses into the area after skipping past a defender, with varying accuracy. Capable of whipping the ball into dangerous areas from set-pieces, with three of his assists in all competitions coming from dead-ball deliveries. Does, however, need to improve the consistency of his supply from these situations.
Finishing: Strikes the ball very cleanly off of his favoured right foot and is able to generate impressive pace and swerve with minimal back-lift when hitting it back across himself. Over half of his unblocked shots find the target, although he is sometimes guilty of missing good chances from inside the area. A threat from direct free-kicks.
What The Experts Say
Monaco coach Leonardo Jardim: "YFC has improved a lot this season. I have a lot of faith in him."
Wenger on Monaco: 'I watched them against Lyon. They're a really tough team to play, in great physical shape. Carrasco really impressed me'
- Matt Spiro (@mattspiro) December 19, 2014
Trivia
Ferreira Carrasco has moved some of his childhood friends to Monaco to help guard him against the dangers of a city where vices are easily acquired and indulged.
Conclusion
After a stop-and-start campaign last time around, this has been the season in which Ferreira Carrasco has really started to make good on his ability. Barriers to progress have been lifted and under a coach who trusts in his talent, he is getting the regular playing time that will allow him to improve his game and provide a more consistent end product. The 21-year-old will certainly benefit from working with a coach as fastidious as Jardim.
Arsenal will have to be wary of a player who leads his club in direct goal contributions so far this season and also ranks in their top three in all of the major offensive statistics (shots, key passes, crosses and dribbles). Monaco are not especially impressive in attack but if they do cause problems on Wednesday, Ferreira Carrasco is likely to be at the heart of it.