Anderlecht’s Winter Transfer Surprise: Elyess Dao Joins the Ranks
On the final day of the winter transfer window, Anderlecht made a move that caught many off guard—signing 18-year-old Franco-Moroccan attacker Elyess Dao from Amiens SC. Known for his speed, technical prowess, and explosive dribbling, Dao is seen as a player with immense potential, drawing comparisons to Francis Amuzu and Jérémy Doku.
A Necessary Addition
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the signing of Dao was far from a luxury for Anderlecht. With kasper Dolberg sidelined due to injury and Luis Vázquez struggling to find consistency, the club was in dire need of a reliable striker. Dao’s arrival fills this gap, offering Coach David Hubert a promising option upfront.
From Toulouse to Anderlecht
Dao’s journey to Anderlecht began in Toulouse, where he made a name for himself as the top scorer in the U17 category. Despite his impressive performances, he was not offered a professional contract by Toulouse FC in the summer of 2024. Instead, he moved to Amiens SC, where he initially struggled but gradually showcased his talent in recent months.
A Versatile Attacker
While Dao’s preferred position is as an advanced attacker, he is also capable of playing as a right winger, a role that allows him more opportunities to influence the game. Olivier Renard,Anderlecht’s sporting director,praised the young talent,stating,“He corresponds well to the game style of the club,is very comfortable with the ball at his feet,and has high speed. Several clubs were interested in him, so we are happy he chose the project of RSC Anderlecht.”
Constant progression
Dao’s development has been on an upward trajectory. Omar Daf, his coach at Amiens, noted, “He is starting to understand what is expected of him. on the offensive level, when he comes into play, he brings combativeness and verticality. He always makes good entries into play.”
A Secret Operation
Anderlecht managed to keep the transfer under wraps until the official declaration. Dao had already arrived in Belgium on Sunday and completed his medical tests on monday. Mo Ouahbi, his coach with the Moroccan national team and a former Anderlecht coach, described him as “an extraordinary player.”
Not a Pure Number 9
Dao’s playing style sets him apart from conventional strikers. He is not a pure number 9 or a finisher like Vázquez. Instead, he thrives in one-on-one situations, challenging defenders with his dribbling skills. His profile is reminiscent of Francis Amuzu, and in Morocco, he is frequently enough nicknamed “Doku” due to his similar morphology.
Key Points at a Glance
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Player | Elyess Dao |
| Age | 18 |
| Position | Advanced Attacker / Right Winger |
| Previous Club | Amiens SC |
| Transfer Fee | Undisclosed |
| Contract Duration | Until 2029 |
| Comparisons | Francis Amuzu, Jérémy Doku |
Anderlecht’s acquisition of Elyess Dao is a testament to their commitment to nurturing young talent. As the club looks to the future,Dao’s development will be one to watch,with the potential to make a significant impact on the first team.
Anderlecht’s New Moroccan Attacker: Elyess Dao
Anderlecht recently made a surprising move by signing 18-year-old Franco-Moroccan attacker elyess Dao from Amiens SC. Known for his speed, technical skills, and explosive dribbling, Dao is seen as a player with immense potential, drawing comparisons to Francis Amuzu and Jérémy Doku.
Why Was Dao a Necessary Addition?
The signing of Dao was crucial for anderlecht. With Kasper Dolberg sidelined due to injury and Luis Vázquez struggling for consistency, the club needed a reliable striker.Dao’s arrival fills this gap, offering Coach David Hubert a promising option upfront.
From Toulouse to Anderlecht
Dao’s journey began in Toulouse, where he made a name for himself as the top scorer in the U17 category. Despite his impressive performances, Toulouse FC did not offer him a professional contract in the summer of 2024. Instead,he moved to Amiens SC,where he initially struggled but gradually showcased his talent in recent months.
what Makes Dao a Versatile Attacker?
While Dao’s preferred position is as an advanced attacker,he is also capable of playing as a right winger,a role that allows him to influence the game more. Olivier Renard, Anderlecht’s sporting director, praised the young talent, stating, “He corresponds well to the game style of the club, is very comfortable with the ball at his feet, and has high speed. Several clubs were interested in him, so we are happy he chose the project of RSC Anderlecht.”
How Has Dao Progressed Recently?
Dao’s development has been on an upward trajectory. Omar Daf, his coach at Amiens, noted, “He is starting to understand what is expected of him. On the offensive level, when he comes into play, he brings combativeness and verticality.He always makes good entries into play.”
How Did Anderlecht Secure This Transfer?
Anderlecht managed to keep the transfer under wraps until the official declaration. Dao had already arrived in Belgium on Sunday and completed his medical tests on Monday. Mo Ouahbi, his coach with the Moroccan national team and a former Anderlecht coach, described him as “an extraordinary player.”
What Sets Dao Apart From Other Strikers?
Dao’s playing style sets him apart from conventional strikers.He is not a pure number 9 or a finisher like Vázquez. Rather, he thrives in one-on-one situations, challenging defenders with his dribbling skills.His profile is reminiscent of Francis Amuzu, and in Morocco, he is often nicknamed “Doku” due to his similar morphology.
key Points at a Glance
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Player | Elyess Dao |
| Age | 18 |
| Position | Advanced Attacker / Right Winger |
| Previous Club | Amiens SC |
| Transfer Fee | Undisclosed |
| contract Duration | Until 2029 |
| Comparisons | francis Amuzu, Jérémy Doku |
Anderlecht’s acquisition of Elyess Dao is a testament to their commitment to nurturing young talent. As the club looks to the future, Dao’s development will be one to watch, with the potential to make a importent impact on the first team.
