FC Goa has emerged as one of the most formidable defensive units in the Indian Super League (ISL) this season, conceding fewer goals than all teams except Mumbai City FC. Despite their defensive prowess, they've also gained a reputation for their dynamic and thrilling attacking style under the guidance of new head coach Manolo Marquez.

With 39 goals during the league stage, FC Goa has shown that they can go toe-to-toe with the most potent offences in the ISL, trailing only League Shield winners Mohun Bagan Super Giant and Mumbai City FC. A central figure in their attacking success has been Moroccan forward Noah Sadaoui.

Sadaoui, who was FC Goa’s top scorer last season with nine goals, had to watch as the team missed out on the playoffs. This season, however, has been a different story for both the player and the club. FC Goa secured a spot in the playoffs after a two-year absence, thanks to a decisive win against Chennaiyin FC, earning a place in the semi-finals. Meanwhile, Sadaoui has taken his game to another level, leading the club in both goals and assists. With 11 goals and five assists to his credit, he has been a critical contributor to FC Goa's success and leads the team in both categories.

His ability to both score and create opportunities for teammates makes Sadaoui a key player to watch in the upcoming semi-final clash against Mumbai City FC. The versatile forward could emerge as the X-Factor for the Gaurs in their pursuit of a spot in the ISL final.

A menace for opposition defenders 

Sadaoui's versatility on the pitch has made him a constant threat for FC Goa this season, whether he has played off the wing or as a central forward. His free role in the attacking third allows him to find and exploit spaces, keeping defenders on their toes. This combination of speed, agility, and unrelenting pressure has made him one of the most dangerous players in the ISL.

One key metric that demonstrates Sadaoui's effectiveness is his expected goals (xG) value. This statistic, which assesses the quality of goalscoring chances, shows that Sadaoui has consistently put himself in excellent scoring positions. He ranks second behind Mumbai City FC’s Jorge Diaz, with an xG of 9.62, indicating his high probability of scoring based on the quality of his chances. Interestingly, while Diaz has an xG of 9.85, Sadaoui has actually scored more goals, with 11 to Diaz's tally of eight, underscoring his remarkable finishing ability. 

Stat Sadaoui Rank among FC Goa teammates
Goals 11 1
Assists 5 1
Total shots 96 1
Shots on target 35 1
Chances created 36 2
Big chances created 7 1
Big chances scored  6 2
Touches in opposition box 157 1
Penalty area entries  113 2
Dribbles attempted  84 1
Possession won in final third 30 1
Duels 229 1
Duels won 106 4
Mins/Goal  150.18 2

Sadaoui's impact goes beyond just scoring. His activity across various attacking metrics is impressive. He leads the list within his team for shots on target, dribbles attempted, and fouls won, reflecting his all-around contribution to FC Goa’s attack. His aggressiveness and willingness to take shots are highlighted by his 4.6 shots per game, the highest rate ever recorded by any player in a single ISL season.

Peaking at the right time 

Sadaoui's journey this season has had its share of challenges, with the Moroccan forward struggling for goal-scoring consistency during the first half of the season. FC Goa's rough patch in February, marked by three consecutive defeats, saw them slide from the top spot in the league. Up until that point, the Moroccan had netted only four goals in 13 appearances.

However, FC Goa staged a remarkable turnaround since their defeat to Kerala Blasters FC in February, embarking on a seven-game unbeaten streak that lasted through the end of the league stage. They won five of those games, climbing back up to secure third place in the standings. Sadaoui played a significant role in this resurgence, regaining his magic touch. During this seven-game run, he scored six goals and contributed three assists, including a hat-trick, proving instrumental to FC Goa's success. 

Even though he didn't start in two of those seven matches, he made his presence felt by registering either a goal or an assist in five of them. His performances during this pivotal run highlighted his ability to deliver when it mattered most.

Sadaoui was also on the scoresheet during FC Goa's one-legged playoff tie win against Chennaiyin FC, continuing his rich vein of form. 

FC Goa are back in the semi-finals, but they face the league's toughest defence, Mumbai City FC. However, stopping Sadaoui will pose a stern test for the Islanders' defence and his attacking flair could be the key to propelling FC Goa into the final.

Related tags:

FC GoaMumbai City FC2023-2024 Noah Sadaoui