Some notes on Spurs loanee Samuel Shashoua’s performance against UD Melilla:

Spurs youngster Samuel Shashoua helped Majorcan club Atlético Baleares reach the final of the promotion play offs to the La Liga 123 last weekend, when the Chelsea born winger completed 77 minutes of the ‘ Balearicos ‘ slender 1-0 win over UD Melilla in front of a bumper crowd at the Son Malferit. Samuel operated out on the left wing for what proved to be a desperately tight game of football. After tracking back well and showing good defensive discipline during the early stages of the game, Shashoua’s first involvement in the game occurred around the 15 minute mark after he received Marcos De la Espada’s pass, before embarking on a driving run through the middle of the pitch and then giving the ball to Nuha on the left wing. The Gambia international then recycled possession. A couple of minutes later Shashoua went on another good driving run through the middle of the park, from deep. As he surged forward towards the Melilla penalty area, Samuel did well to hold off Otegui before shifting the ball out to De la Espada on the left flank. Nuha Marong gave Manix Mandiola’s side the lead a couple of moments later with a composed finish past the Melilla goalkeeper Dani Barrio. Samuel continued to have a positive effect on the game and he was showing good energy out on the left flank where he was running up and down, nonstop throughout the first half. Nuha Marong attempted to play Shashoua through on goal with a clever lobbed pass however, Melilla defender Chakla managed to get in front of Samuel on the edge of the danger zone to get the ball clear. A couple of minutes later, Samuel received a pass from Rúben González around 20-25 yards out from goal, he then turned before firing an effort over Dani Barrio’s crossbar. Both Óscar Garcia and Moha Traoré came close to finding an equaliser for the visitors before halftime however, Mandiola’s tenacious side held strong and they went into the break with a slender advantage. Samuel hurt himself early on in the second half after he was caught late by Richi however, he was ok to carry on. Continuing to show good movement both inside and out on the left flank, Shashoua was constantly getting himself into good positions to receive the ball but he was also selfless in how he defended and helped out Rúben González down the left flank.

After pulling off an exquisite Marseille turn to beat Moha Traoré in the middle of the park Samuel darted forward before being dispossessed by Alfonso on the edge of the Melilla penalty area. Samuel then came close to picking out Nuha Marong with a cross deep into the oppositions danger zone before he was replaced on 77 minutes for Hugo Díaz, capping off another excellent and selfless performance from the energetic 20 year old. 

Samuel Shashoua for Atlético Baleares this season: 

Appearances: 36

Goals: 6

Assists: 4