CF Montréal youngster Jean-Aniel Assi is currently in his second loan spell in the Canadian Premier League with Atlético Ottawa. The 18-year-old plays a crucial role for Ottawa as a U-21 domestic player, having contributed half of the required 2,000 minutes of playing time for the CPL U-21 domestic initiative.
Assi started for Ottawa this past weekend in their 1-0 win against first place Cavalry FC, with whom he was loaned out last year. Primarily a right winger, Jean-Aniel started in a 4-1-4-1 system as a right midfielder. He had an early opportunity to double the lead in the 16th minute of play from a cross from Salter, but his shot went over the net. He had time to take a touch but opted to take the shot first time with his preferred right foot. All in all, it was a good game for the Ivorian-Canadian, as he completed his 82-minute stint on the field with 75% pass completion, completing one of two attempted dribbles, and providing a defensive effort by winning more than half his duels, all three of his tackles, and clearing the ball on several occasions.
Assi has shown decent growth during his spell in Ottawa, earning his first professional goal in their 2-0 win against his former team. He’s also picked up three assists, one more than his stint in Calgary. Having surpassed last season’s playing time in fewer games, he’s also been able to improve his playmaking abilities, having created twice as many chances and completed twice as many dribbles compared to last year. There are still seven games left in the regular season and the possibility of making the playoffs for Jean-Aniel to further increase his tally.
CF Montréal’s Sean Rea and Jonathan Sirois were able to earn themselves a spot in the club’s roaster following two seasons on loan in the CPL. Will Assi’s performances allow him to follow suit?
