It is a sequence that has become characteristic of the 18-year-old’s game. At 6’1, he already understands how to use his taller frame intelligently, positioning himself between man and ball rather than solely relying on quick feet to improvise a way out of pressure. His first touch is equally deliberate, rarely serving to bring the ball under control. Rather, it anchors the following action, granting him room to turn and combine or drive away at pace. For a winger predominantly operating from the left, such comfort receiving with his back to play provides a significant edge, particularly in a game where clubs increasingly value attackers capable of receiving and progressing under pressure.
Escaping initial pressure, however, only presents defenders with another problem. Completely comfortable on either foot, Alajbegović offers no obvious direction in which to show him. Allow him outside, and he opts for a powerful near post strike using his laces; close that route, and he can swivel inside onto his right foot and hammer a shot away from range. His personality and composure to receive under pressure partnered with his consistent eye for goal, therefore, present defenders with a conundrum: stand him up and gamble on a shot from range or get tight and risk being spun.
There is certainly an element of pace and flair to his game like most young wingers. However, to view him as a conventional one-on-one winger would ignore much of what makes him ‘him’. He possesses a dangerous combination of pace, dribbling and finishing, blending the three in order to become a surprisingly well-rounded winger than the typical 18-year-old. His influence is rarely confined to the touchline, often being willing to shoulder responsibility in progressing attacks, either spearheading them himself or drifting centrally and deeper to push his side up the pitch.
From these areas (with room for further development), his vision becomes clear. Naturally attack-minded, he regularly searches for that killer ball, capable of threading passes through defensive blocks rather than recycling possession and returning to position. Ultimately, this combination of composure, vision and central freedom raises questions surrounding a future role as a No. 10. Especially when given licence to roam, Alajbegović has the tools not only to participate but also to spearhead attacks.
He created 37 chances in the Bundesliga last season, nine of which were classified as big chances, while accumulating 4.83 expected assists. (FotMob). Yet for all his willingness to facilitate, there remains a maverick-like selfishness in the best sense of the word. Given sight of goal, he rarely needs a second invitation. Nine league goals from just 4.7 xG speaks to an impressive efficiency in front of goal, aided by a shooting technique requiring little backlift (FotMob). The result is a consistent ability to shoot accurately on sight, whether that is low and driven after arriving near post or drifting central into a central shot from range. Crucially, he shows little reliance on a particular foot to manufacture these opportunities, adding another layer of uncertainty when attempting to close him down.
Naturally, his mentioned ‘selfishness’ is not without its drawbacks. He can occasionally over-rely on his ability to manipulate opposition, taking an additional touch when the speed of transition demands zero hesitation. Currently, this is not hindering his game much. However, in compact, physical leagues such as the English Premier League, sharper decision-making will be vital in breaking down defensive blocks.
His most notable drawback, without question, is his work without the ball. There are periods in which he can drift through the defensive block rather than remaining engaged, an area that will demand greater discipline as further responsibility and tactical expectations are placed upon him. (Though such is largely typical of one his age in this period of his development.)
