Game Monitoring: Noham Hamdaoua
A two-game report on ESTAC's new 2007-born striker.
This report is based on my observations of Noham Hamdaoua during two matches: one in the French U19 Championnat National against FC93 and another in the Coupe Gambardella (U18 cup) against Paris FC. Born in late December, Noham is a player whose development may naturally lag slightly behind some of his peers born earlier in the year, but his performances already show significant promise.
Although he was born in France, he spent several years in Morocco, where he played football before returning to France last season. He caught the eye while playing for an amateur club in the Paris region and was recruited by ESTAC Troyes starting this 2024/25 season.
These two games provided me with valuable insights into his profile, though it’s worth noting that this evaluation is based on a very limited sample. I’ll be keeping a close eye on him throughout the season to track his progression.
Physical Attributes
Noham possesses a well-rounded physical profile, standing somewhere between 1.79m and 1.83m, his height is a clear advantage, especially when combined with his relatively lean but muscular build. His lower-body strength stood out in both matches, allowing him to effectively shield the ball and hold off defenders in duels.
In the game against FC93, his acceleration and agility were noteworthy. He was able to generate bursts of speed over short distances, which helped him beat defenders when receiving through balls. One sequence that highlighted this was a sharp diagonal run into the box, where he adjusted his body position quickly to hold off a chasing defender.
His endurance, however, remains a work in progress. During the FC93 game, he began cramping around the 70th minute after a particularly demanding aerial duel. While this could be attributed to match conditions or workload, it’s something to monitor moving forward. Across both matches, I noticed a recurring pattern, he seemed to exert significant effort across all phases of play during the first half, often being one of the most active players on the pitch. However, this intensity appeared to take a toll, as he gradually faded in the second half. Managing his energy levels and pacing himself better throughout the 90 minutes could be a crucial area for improvement.
Technical Attributes
Noham’s technical abilities were intriguing but showed areas for refinement.
His first touch was consistently reliable in both matches, especially under pressure. Against FC93, there were several moments where his close control allowed him to retain possession despite facing aggressive challenges. For example, in the first half, he received a difficult ball in a tight space, brought it under control with one touch, and immediately laid it off to a teammate, a sequence that showcased his composure and effective decision-making.
Short passing is another strength. During the FC93 game, his passes in tight areas were accurate and well-timed, allowing his team to maintain fluidity in possession. However, against Paris FC, his passing accuracy dropped slightly, particularly when attempting more ambitious switches of play.
In terms of finishing, this is where Noham struggled the most across the two games I observed. Facing teams that excelled in maintaining a compact low block, opportunities in front of goal were scarce. It’s precisely in these limited moments that a forward is expected to make the difference. Against FC93, for instance, he found himself just a few meters from the goal, receiving the ball with his back to the net, he demonstrated impressive composure and ease in turning quickly. However, being so close to goal, he rushed his shot, striking it straight at the goalkeeper. With time and more exposure to these scenarios, I’m confident he can improve this aspect of his game.
Tactical Attributes
Tactically, his understanding of the game stood out, particularly in his off-ball movements and positioning.
One of his most impressive traits is his ability to find and exploit space. In the two matches, he consistently positioned himself between defenders, making himself an effective outlet for through balls. His runs were well-timed and deliberate, often curving to stay onside before accelerating into the final third. This not only stretched the opposing backline but also created openings for his teammates.
His adaptability in different phases of play was another highlight. In possession, he demonstrated an ability to drop deep, link with the midfield, and then quickly transition into a more advanced role. Against Paris FC, there were moments where he held the ball in wide areas, waiting for his teammates to push forward, showing patience and a clear understanding of the game’s rhythm.
Defensively, his pressing was relentless. He often used angled runs to close down passing lanes and force errors from the opposition. In the Paris FC match, his high pressing led to a great number of errors from the opposition, creating opportunities for his team.
Mental Attributes
Noham’s mentality on the pitch is one of his most promising assets.
He is highly involved in both attacking and defensive phases, showing a commendable work ethic. Against Paris FC, his willingness to track back and recover possession stood out. On one occasion, one of his midfielder lost possession, creating a dangerous counterattack for the opposition but he sprinted nearly 50 meters to dispossess the opposing player and started a counterattack, it highlighted his determination and team-first attitude.
His resilience under pressure is also worth noting. In the FC93 game, he faced physical challenges from defenders but rarely let frustration affect his performance. That said, there were occasional lapses in focus, particularly during set-piece situations, where his positioning could have been more precise.
Despite these moments, his vocal encouragement and positive interactions with teammates suggest leadership qualities that could develop further with time.
Conclusion
Noham Hamdaoua is a player with great potential, combining strong physical attributes, a good understanding of the game, and a positive mentality. His ability to protect the ball, find space, and contribute defensively makes him a well-rounded mobile forward with plenty of room to grow.
From my observations, his key areas for improvement include:
Consistency in technical execution—especially in passing and finishing.
Aerial ability, in attacking contexts.
Endurance, to ensure he can sustain high-intensity performances over 90 minutes.
I believe Noham will continue to develop, particularly as he faces strong competition both at his club and in his position. From what I’ve seen, he possesses the mentality, motivation, and skillset necessary to establish himself, as long as he works seriously on the areas identified for improvement.
Moreover, as a dual-national player, and considering the current options in his position within the Moroccan U18 national team, I believe he could be an interesting option, he could very well be a pleasant surprise for Morocco’s youth teams in the near future.