Mamelodi Sundowns have once again flexed their financial muscle in securing a top talent from a domestic rival, with reports indicating that the Brazilians have reached a multimillion-rand agreement to sign 23-year-old Jayden Adams from Stellenbosch FC.
The signing marks Sundowns' third acquisition of a player from Stellies, following in the footsteps of Iqraam Rayners and Junior Mendieta. For some time now, Sundowns have been eyeing the dynamic midfielder, with interest dating back to the tenure of coach Rulani Mokwena. However, Stellenbosch had been adamant about keeping hold of their prized asset until Sundowns finally made an offer that was too good to turn down.
Now that the move is understood to be complete, the burning question on everyone's mind is: where will Jayden Adams fit into Sundowns' star-studded squad?
With the team already brimming with talent in the midfield, the integration of Adams could provide both exciting possibilities and tactical challenges for coach Miguel Cardoso.
Before diving into tactical considerations, it's worth noting what makes Adams such an exciting addition to Sundowns. His creative abilities have been one of the standout features of his play at Stellenbosch. Adams was instrumental in the team's attacking build-up, registering 13 assists, the most of any Stellies player. His vision, technique, and ability to carve out opportunities for teammates saw him rank among the league's leaders in chances created.
This impressive contribution to Stellenbosch's attack, combined with his ability to unlock opposition defences, is exactly the kind of skill set Sundowns have been missing in certain phases of their play. If he can replicate this form at Sundowns, Adams could prove to be a vital cog in their quest for success across the numerous competitions they are involved in this season.
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However, the question remains as to where exactly Adams would fit into Sundowns' highly competitive midfield setup. Coach Cardoso already has a wealth of options at his disposal, including Teboho Mokoena, Marcello Allende, Erwin Saavedra, Neo Maema, Siphelele Mkhulise, and the in-form Lucas Ribeiro. Then there's also the ever-reliable Themba Zwane, who is currently sidelined with injury but will eventually return to the fold.
To better understand Adams' potential role, it's essential to break down the functions of some of the midfielders Sundowns currently have:
Teboho Mokoena has been one of the club's central midfield mainstays, providing energy, ball recovery, and linking play. Marcello Allende is more of an attacking midfielder, often tasked with breaking down defensive lines and creating chances in the final third. Erwin Saavedra brings a combative presence in midfield, with a knack for controlling tempo and breaking up opposition attacks. Neo Maema and Siphelele Mkhulise offer creativity and versatility, often drifting into wide areas or playing between the lines.
With such a strong and versatile midfield, Adams may find himself competing for a starting role. However, his ability to create chances for teammates suggests he could slot into a more advanced role, perhaps similar to that of Allende or Maema. Sundowns tend to favour a fluid and dynamic attacking setup, with multiple players interchanging positions, so Adams' versatility in the attacking third could be a key asset.
One potential role for Adams at Sundowns could be as an attacking midfielder, in the vein of an advanced playmaker who could link up with the forwards. Sundowns' system often involves quick transitions and creating overloads in the final third, and Adams' vision and ability to make incisive passes could help feed the likes of Peter Shalulile, Iqraam Rayners, Lucas Ribeiro Costa and other attacking options that Sundowns have at their disposal. His vision would complement the speed and movement of Sundowns' forwards, helping them create the chances needed to convert in crucial games, particularly in continental competitions.
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Another area where Adams could thrive is as a wide playmaker, cutting inside from the right, similar to how Mkhulise or Maema operate. This would allow Adams to exploit space in central areas while also providing width and attacking balance, something Sundowns value highly in their tactical approach.
Mamelodi Sundowns are not just focusing on winning the DStv Premiership, but are also heavily invested in their campaigns across six major competitions, including the CAF Champions League and the Nedbank Cup. There is also the FIFA Club World Cup to look forward to.
This makes squad depth crucial, and Adams' potential to influence matches from the midfield will be vital as Sundowns navigate a congested calendar. His ability to provide key passes and create goalscoring opportunities will give Sundowns' forwards the tools they need to stay sharp and competitive on multiple fronts.
