Chadi Riad: Leading the Pack in LaLiga

Chadi Riad has emerged as one of LaLiga’s top defenders, solidifying his place as a cornerstone for Manuel Pellegrini’s Betis this season. While somewhat overshadowed by the likes of Antonio Rüdiger and Ronald Araujo, as well as emerging talents like Pau Cubarsí, Riad’s stellar performances have not gone unnoticed.

The departure of Luiz Felipe to Saudi Arabia on the last day of the summer transfer window, coupled with Marc Bartra’s early-season injury, opened the door for Riad in the starting lineup alongside the experienced Germán Pezzella. The Moroccan seized the opportunity with both hands, establishing himself as a mainstay in Pellegrini’s plans, with only the African Cup of Nations interrupting his consistent run of appearances for Betis.

A Pillar of Reliability To date, Riad has featured in 21 LaLiga matches this season, starting in 19 of them and amassing 1,714 minutes on the pitch, making him the second-most utilized center-back in the squad behind Pezzella. Riad epitomizes reliability and leadership, combining defensive solidity with astute decision-making and a composed style of play.

Dominating Defensive Duels Remarkably, at just 20 years old, Riad boasts the highest percentage of defensive duels won among LaLiga center-backs this season (78.22%), outperforming established stars like Rüdiger and Araujo. His dominance extends to aerial duels and ground duels, where he excels with remarkable consistency, making him a standout performer in the league.

A Natural Ball-Winner Riad’s defensive prowess extends beyond winning duels; he excels in one-on-one situations and interceptions, showcasing his ability to read the game and make crucial interventions. Despite his young age and limited experience at the elite level, Riad’s disciplinary record is exemplary, having received just one yellow card in 21 appearances—a testament to his maturity and composure on the field.

Future Prospects and Potential Transfer While Riad’s loan spell at Real Betis will soon become a permanent move, Barcelona retains the option to repurchase 50% of his rights for €7 million. However, it is likely that he will be used as a bargaining chip in future transfer dealings. Nevertheless, Riad remains focused on showcasing his abilities during pre-season and beyond, eager to make a lasting impact wherever he plays.