Taha Habroune: Columbus Crew's Rising Star
Columbus Crew's Most Promising Talent in Recent Years
Columbus, Ohio born and raised, Taha is the son of a Moroccan immigrant family. His parents originally hail from Casablanca, Morocco, which explains his early passion for football. Taha's father was a professional footballer in Morocco in the late '80s before migrating to the US in the late '90s. Two years following their relocation, Taha was born, marking the beginning of his journey influenced by a familial legacy deeply rooted in football.
Taha watched his brother and father play in their house backyard, and later, he joined his neighborhood's local grassroots soccer team, Blast FC Soccer Academy in Delaware, Ohio.
At the age of 13 in 2019, Taha was scouted by the Crews in a local youth tournament and was invited for a tryout spot. Following an impressive performance, he earned a spot in the Columbus Crew Academy, showcasing his skills across various youth categories.
"Taha is a talented young player who has continued to improve since joining our club five years ago. Signing a first-team contract is a testament to his efforts and our club’s commitment to creating opportunities to advance along our player pathway," Crew president and general manager Tim Bezbatchenko
Last season with Crew 2, Habroune tallied four goals and three assists in 20 matches as the side reached a second consecutive MLS NEXT Pro Cup. He also made his first-team debut in the US Open Cup.
Habroune was a 2023 MLS NEXT All-Star and earned U-17 MVP honors at the 2023 Generation adidas Cup. With the US U-17s, he was a key player at the 2023 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Indonesia and has four goals in 11 overall appearances.
Half-Space Mastery:
Taha Habroune displayed exceptional positional awareness, particularly in the half space. He adeptly positioned himself between the opposition's defensive and midfield lines, creating passing lanes and providing a valuable link in the team's build-up play.
Technical Brilliance in High-Pressing Situations:
One notable aspect of Habroune's performance was his ability to pass under high pressing situations. Even when faced with intense pressure from the opposing team, he maintained composure and delivered both forward and simple passes, showcasing his technical proficiency in challenging situations.
Transitional Awareness and Strategic Ball Distribution
During transitions, Habroune exhibited a keen sense of awareness, swiftly distributing the ball to initiate offensive plays. His forward passes, coupled with quick turns of his body, allowed him to maintain control and dictate the tempo of the game. Importantly, he resisted the urge to rush in passing when under pressure, displaying a calculated and strategic approach to decision-making.
Fluidity in Possession:
In collaboration with his double pivot, Habroune seamlessly executed easy one-two passes, contributing to the team's fluidity in possession. His attacking mindset was evident in his ability to identify and exploit empty spaces, offering himself as an option to teammates who were pressed by the opposition.
Defensive Effectiveness:
A highlight of Habroune's performance was his effectiveness in duels, winning the ball and initiating counter-attacks. His defensive contributions were complemented by his adept ability to set the tempo for his team when in possession, showcasing leadership on the field.
Habroune's Costly Errors Under Pressure:
Taha Habroune's performance during the game against Orlando City 2 showcased both strengths and weaknesses. One notable observation was an error in decision-making when he attempted to control the ball despite being heavily pressed and surrounded by four opposing players. Unfortunately, this choice proved costly, as he ultimately failed to gain control, resulting in a goal for Orlando.
Taha Habroune stands out for his goal-scoring prowess, marked by a strategic approach. His impeccable timing and ability to exploit defensive chaos in the final third set him apart. Habroune excels at arriving late for scoring opportunities, consistently slotting home identical, clinically executed goals. His knack for opportunistic scoring, coupled with composure in high-pressure situations, positions him as a valuable asset in any team's attacking lineup. Habroune's ability to capitalize on chaos makes him a standout player with a promising future in football.
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https://x.com/MLSNEXTPRO/status/1689437858719830017?s=20
Stats & Heatmap:
Conclusion:
Taha Habroune showcases a dynamic skill set as a box-to-box midfielder, excelling in various aspects of the game. His ability to exploit the half-space, transition play, and defensive contributions make him a valuable asset. However, certain areas like overconfident passing and late box entries for shots need refinement. With continuous development and tactical awareness, Taha has the potential to become a pivotal figure in both offensive and defensive phases of the game.
The big question: Can Crew’s Develop him properly? Only time can tell!