Ellyes Skhiri
FrankfurtCM
Creative Playmaker
May 10, 1995 (31)
Right
6'1"
163 lb
Costly mistake in defeat
Skhiri had two tackles (zero won) and two interceptions in Sunday's 5-1 loss against Sweden.
Analysis: Skhiri was Tunisia's hardest-working midfielder in Sunday's 5-1 defeat to Sweden, registering two tackles and two interceptions in a match where his side were consistently outmuscled and outpaced in central areas by a Swedish midfield that controlled the tempo from the first whistle. The Frankfurt midfielder was also directly responsible for Sweden's third goal, losing possession under pressure before Alexander Isak recovered the ball and immediately fed Viktor Gyokeres, who finished clinically to effectively end the contest as a competitive match, a moment that encapsulated Tunisia's collective inability to deal with Sweden's relentless pressing intensity throughout the evening. His experience and leadership on the ball remain Tunisia's most important midfield assets heading into the remainder of the group stage, but avoiding costly turnovers in dangerous areas will be essential if his side are to make the step up needed to stay in World Cup contention.
Steady midfield contributor
Skhiri should be in contention for a key role in the middle of the pitch for Tunisia after being included in the country's 26-man roster.
Analysis: Skhiri remains one of Tunisia's most influential players and will likely be tasked with setting the tone in midfield throughout the tournament. The veteran has built a strong reputation in European football thanks to his tireless work rate, defensive intelligence and ability to keep possession moving under pressure. After making 25 appearances (16 starts) in the previous Bundesliga season, he could stand out for his experience at the top level of European play, although he's likely to be busier in defensive midfield tasks rather than attacking numbers. Skhiri frequently ranks among his team's leaders in tackles, recoveries and interceptions, giving him a decent fantasy floor even against the strong opposition he'll face in the World Cup.
Select Player
Search and select a player to compare