Hate him or love him, Todd Boehly delivered what no other could’ve delivered. A complete rebuild in two transfer windows. Enzo Fernández, Mudryk, João Félix, Badiashile, Madueke… career mode stuff.
Ange-Yoan Bonny will be one of the most complete 9s in world football. Big clubs should/will be knocking post World Cup.
Bonny combines both worlds by being his team's structure AND his own goal threat as a 9.
Let me explain in 3 parts:
Firstly, his intelligence in and around the ball means the picture is almost always more dangerous after he touches it.
With Bonny, every touch has purpose — and that purpose is to create danger, whether it be for himself or a teammate who needs it. Bonny is great at creating separation before the ball even arrives.
Secondly, Bonny has the technical gift to manufacture his own goals:
> Under 2-3 touches
> In tight spaces.
> Creating angles that didn't exist before he moved.
That is not coached. That is a natural gift that can only get better.
Lastly, his physical gifts despite being 6'2”:
> Bonny is able to set his feet and beats his man with the quickness of a winger.
> His frame fools defenders to unknowingly commit to him. And he uses it by dragging them out of position. What's left is will be space, fluidity and teammates in situations they wouldn't have been in without him.
The better version of Bonny though?— Mr, Hugo Ekitike.
These are your complete 9s. Like Suarez. Like Benzema.
You don't need to scratch your head calling them "SS" or "9.5" or whatever people call it these days.