Montreal Impact: Ryad Boudebouz adds attacking power in midfield

Algerian Ryad Boudebouz is being linked with a move to the Montreal Impact. The Real Betis midfielder would add crucial attacking power to the Impact midfield.

Following a near miss of the playoffs, the Montreal Impact appear to be wasting no time in looking ahead to the 2019 campaign. This week, reports surfaced of the Canadian club’s interest in Ryad Boudebouz of Real Betis in La Liga.

Boudebouz is an Algerian international who has spent his entire career playing in France up until recently when he made the move to the Spanish top flight in 2017.

In fact, the 28-year-old had actually started out in the France national team youth system before moving on to the Algerian national team in 2010.

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Having plenty of experience in top European leagues, the reported transfer fee of €10 million is not all that surprising. Boudebouz has done well throughout his career and will further add to Montreal’s attacking options.

Saphir Taider would likely be his partner in the midfield and the two countrymen might provide chemistry right at the heart of the team that has not been seen in a while for the Impact. Taider is coming off a successful season after getting off to a rather slow and frustrating start and more support in midfield would be invaluable.

Boudebouz’s transfer would come after a less than stellar start to his playing time in Spain. He has made eight appearances in all competitions for Real Betis this season and has yet to score or record an assist. He was not included in the squad in the last two La Liga fixtures.

Although he has not performed as well in La Liga, his time in Ligue 1 showed his real ability and if he arrives in Montreal supporters should not be worried by his lack of playing time in Spain. There’s plenty to be excited about with the playing style Boudebouz could bring the club.

Moreover, after reports towards the end of the season hinted at the departure of Ignacio Piatti, this move could be seen as the direction the Impact are taking following the loss of their star player. Boudebouz is somewhat of a similar player who doesn’t necessarily score mass amounts but makes up for it in his creativity and assists.

It will be a tall order to fill in for Piatti. The Argentian had a tremendous season that saw him named to the MLS Top XI of the season. Boudebouz most likely will not put up the same numbers but he is someone who can only help the Impact.

The Montreal Impact require some extra power in the midfield. Boudebouz could be the perfect player to supply it.