During the summer of 2016, Newcastle fans oversaw a rebuild around their club with Rafael Benitez remaining at the helm. This rebuild involved developments to the training ground but also various signings being made to bolster the squad and push for automatic promotion back to the Premier League.
One of these signings was labeled as a ‘hidden gem’ and the ‘non-league Riyad Mahrez’ – Yasin Ben El-Mhanni. A 21-year-old from London whose real claim to fame is he has almost double the likes of many global superstars, such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar, across certain videos on YouTube.
El-Mhanni has been tipped as a YouTube sensation for the skills he showcases on the platform. The way he maneuvers the ball is like it’s attached to a piece of string which is tied to his foot.
The latest upload from FFDTV compiles multiple videos to showcase El-Mhanni’s insane footwork in a training ground environment.
YouTube: Yasin Ben El-Mhanni Skills Compilation 3
According to various outlets, the young player has actually worked with Neymar in showing him how to do certain tricks to get past players. He was asked to demonstrate them to the Brazilian superstar for TV commercial work.
A street player, he grew up playing on the concrete and on the courts. This has helped him with developing his skills. Whilst Newcastle fans are suggesting he may be a ‘one trick pony’, he shows true raw talent. He can maneuver out of tight places and can select the right pass most the time and this is due to his futsal background.
YouTube: 50 Unbelievable Skills
The player has Moroccan heritage but grew up in London. He attended a training scheme at 17 which attracted scouts’ attention and he eventually signed for Barnet where he had a tough year and moved on from the club. After a year without a club, Lewes of the Ryman league picked him up. West Bromwich Albion and Chelsea scouts were looking at the player but heavy interest from Newcastle, alongside a tour around St James Park, Yasin Ben El-Mhanni was sold and signed for the Magpies.
A raw talent indeed but the right coaching under the Rafalution and we could see him develop into a very good player.
