Youan's form proving a bright spark in Hibernian's mixed Scottish Premiership season
With Kevin Nisbet joining Martin Boyle on the Hibernian treatment table, the Hibees have needed somebody to step up to the plate and become their talisman in the final third. It’s taken some time, but it appears as though Elie Youan is beginning to fill the void.
With three goals in as many Scottish Premiership matches, the 23-year-old has certainly found his shooting boots in recent weeks to accompany the six assists he’s registered so far in the 2022/23 campaign.
In fact, no player outside the top two teams has registered more assists than Youan (6) in the Scottish Premiership this season.
The New Year appears to have brought a new found confidence and cutting edge, given the only other goal that the former France U21 international had scored was in a 6-1 defeat to league leaders Celtic at Parkhead back in October.
The St Gallen loanee is perhaps fortunate that his teammates are able to make the most of opportunities he provides, given his expected assists is just 2.83. But he appears to be flourishing on the flank - or through the middle - as he aims to become Hibernian’s leading marksman.
Only injured duo Mykola Kukharevych and Kevin Nisbet (2.7 and 2.6 respectively) have averaged more shots per game for the Hibees than the former Nantes youth academy product (2).
Against Aberdeen, he played his part in Josh Campbell’s opener when cutting onto his favoured right foot and looking to bend beyond Joe Lewis. After looking menacing in the early exchanges, he headed home the Hibees’ third from a Joe Newell corner and played his part with a tidy backheel in helping create Kevin Nisbet’s goal against the Dons.
Hibs were held in the Highlands after drawing in Dingwall with Ross County. Despite losing the aforementioned Nisbet to injury against Ross County, the Frenchman moved centrally. Shouldering the responsibility proved no problem, as he pounced on Jack Baldwin’s slack header back to Ross Laidlaw.
A cool nutmegged finish against the Staggies was succeeded by the winner against St. Mirren. After receiving from substitute Ewan Henderson, who whipped a pass out the left flank, Youan shifted onto his right foot once more.
He skipped past Ryan Strain and slammed past Trevor Carson – kissing the ball off the goalkeeper’s right hand post - to hand the Buddies only their second Premiership defeat in Paisley all season, their first since July.
What remains to be seen is whether Youan will continue to thrive in the wide areas. Hibernian clinched the deadline day signing of Matthew Hoppe on loan from English Championship side Middlesbrough, and he arrives with a decent pedigree.
The 21-year-old American will be the most likely candidate to replace the likes of Kevin Nisbet, Harry McKirdy and Mykola Kukharevych up front. Standing at 6ft 3in, it’ll be up to the likes of Youan and Aiden McGeady to provide the former Schalke striker sufficient service.
Having just found the Midas touch in the final third, Youan’s role may change back to providing the ammunition in attack. But given his exploits earlier on this season, that shouldn’t be a problem to accompany his current confidence and killer instinct in front of goal.
With the way that Hibs play, full-backs are expected to help out others in offensive areas. Marijan Cabraja and Chris Cadden are averaging similar or more key passes per match (0.9 and 1.3 respectively).
Youan’s 0.9 is fewer than Martin Boyle (2.4), as well as midfield duo Joe Newell (2.2) and Aiden McGeady (1.1). The 36-year-old Irishman could prove the perfect mentor for Youan to keep contributing assists alongside his hot scoring streak.
With 1.2 dribbles per match, the 23-year-old’s been accused of being pretty raw and with no end product. We’re beginning to see glimpses of his development, which is ideal for Hibs when you consider that they’re without numerous key players in the final third.
All in all, 10 goal contributions - the Frenchman has four goals to go with his six assists - is an impressive tally across 1667 minutes of action. When you consider that it appeared as though Hibs were seriously struggling, it’s made all the more impressive that Youan has emerged as a standout.
But three victories and two draws in their last five Scottish Premiership matches has Hibernian rightfully looking up the league table as opposed to peeking over their shoulder. With the way he’s playing right now, Youan could continue to prove the difference for the Hibees.
