Arsenal-linked 19-year-old wins MOTM in Europa League win in new position – No. 9 in 4-2-3-1

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Reported Arsenal target Abdallah Sima put in a superb display in the Europa League last night, winning the Man of the Match award despite playing in a new position.

The 19-year-old winger is enjoying a superb season at Slavia Prague, with 19 goals and six assists under his belt from 33 games in all competitions.

Sima, who has been compared to Arsenal legend Thierry Henry, was linked with the Gunners earlier this season, as reported by Goal.com.

Earlier this month, Slovakian coach Dusan Vrto told the Talking Fitbaw podcast: “Teams like Arsenal are interested in him, Barcelona also are interested, he’s a very, very talented player.”

Normally deployed on the right side of attack, Jindrich Trpisovsky opted to name Sima as the No. 9 in a 4-2-3-1 formation in the Europa League last-16 second leg against Rangers.

It proved an inspired decision as Sima did amazingly well, helping his side to a shock 2-0 victory at Ibrox to win 3-1 on aggregate and reach the quarter-finals.

Indeed, he won the Man of the Match award, with BBC Sport saying “he showed an elegance in possession in both legs, gliding over the pitch and posing a serious threat”.

Speaking to iSport earlier this month, Slavia president Jaroslaw Tvrdik said Sima is free to leave in the summer, but only if they receive an offer in excess of £20million.

Though Arsenal have plenty of attacking talent in their ranks, Sima looks a cut above, has proven himself at the top level, and has so much more untapped potential.