Former Manchester United coach and Minnesota United FC manager, Eric Ramsay commented on Bongokuhle Hlongwane, labelling him an interesting case.
Hlongwane, who made 32 MLS appearances last season, netted 11 goals and provided four assists, proving to be an important asset for the Loons.
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However, his exact role on the pitch remains a talking point as Minnesota United gears up for the new campaign.
The South African is Nominally deployed as a right-back, but his position throughout the game changes dramatically, with the 24-year-old regularly taking up positions much higher up the pitch.
The former Maritzburg United star has proven to provide more than just width and delivering crosses. According to Star Tribune, the player actively joins in build-up play and makes penetrating runs into the penalty area, providing another threat for opposition defences to be weary of.
This hybrid role, part wingback, part winger, and part striker, is something Ramsay looks eager to develop further.
The former United coach has been clear that Hlongwane's position is far from a traditional fullback's job, instead likening it to the roles played by Bayer Leverkusen's Jeremie Frimpong – a player Minnesota's coaching staff are said to have used as tactical references.
"It's good for them to have reference points from the very top level because we've got a relatively young group, with players aspiring to progress further," Ramsay explained per Star Tribune.
"I want to ensure the guys know what the next level looks like. For Bongi, [Frimpong] is a perfect reference point."
For the Welsh tactician and his technical team, one of their primary tasks will be to restore the sharpness that saw the South African forward rack up 28 goals in all competitions over the past two seasons.
"Bongi is an interesting case," Ramsay admitted. "We just need to make sure, as a team, that we are set up to bring the best out of him because he's a very good player when he's at his best."
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