Scouting Thread

Discussion in 'The Transfer List' started by reids, Aug 25, 2022.

  1. UEA_Hornet

    UEA_Hornet First Team Captain

    And what will we owe you for the finished report?
     
    reids likes this.
  2. lowerrous

    lowerrous First Team

    Cool!
     
  3. RoyalPip

    RoyalPip Academy Graduate

    Be good to see the stats for Louis Patris at OH Leuven and your thoughts, he can play RB and CB.
     
  4. Aylesburyorn

    Aylesburyorn Academy Graduate

    would be more likely to go to Leicester as they are a linked club
     
  5. reids

    reids First Team

    Right backs - let's try and unearth an affordable right back starlet based on a mix of data and video.

    Statsbomb tells me there are 8911 players in it's database to have played at least 1 minute in RB/RWB in 22/23, 21/22, 2021 and 2022 seasons. We want a youngster, someone up and coming that is immediately ready for the Championship and that we can hopefully sell on for big money in the future. So let's focus that search to 18-21 year olds that have played at least 900 mins. That drops the number of 348 potentials, much better! But what makes a good full-back? What are we looking for in the data that can hopefully narrow down our shortlist to take into the video scouting.

    The top 10 full-backs (5 LBs, 5 RBs) by market value on Transfermarkt are as follows:

    1) Alphonso Davies (Bayern)
    2) Nuno Mendes (PSG)
    3) Theo Hernandez (AC Milan)
    4) Marc Cucurella (Chelsea)
    5) Andrew Robertson (Liverpool)
    6) Reece James (Chelsea)
    7) Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool)
    8) Joao Cancelo (Man City)
    9) Achraf Hakimi (PSG)
    10) Benjamin Pavard (Bayern)

    We can then go and compare their data from this season (which are likely to be very full radars), to their first season on record (Statsbomb only goes up to the 18/19 season, so for some of these players who might be slightly older like Pavard and Cancelo they might already be well established) to give us some indication of how they're likely to develop.

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    Davies: It did have his first season in the MLS but he was primarily used as a winger which through the data out, so the 19/20 season (red) was the first season he had regular minutes as a full back for Bayern vs his current season. Still a pretty full radar which doesn't give us much insight.

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    Mendes: Has his first full season for Sporting aged 18 in red compared to this season for. Gives us more insight than the Davies radar, good but far from perfect. Good numbers for dribbles, xGBuildup and Deep Progressions as well as slightly above average defensive numbers.

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    Hernandez: Was already 21 in the 18/19 season for Real Sociedad (in red) so have probably missed an important couple of years of stats. Largely average stats defensively but very good successful dribbles stats that set him apart. Also doesn't look to be having the greatest season with Milan (blue).

    Cucurella: Wasn't really used as a full-back in Spain, so can't really take much away from his time before his big move.

    Robertson: Would've loved to see his Hull radar but sadly Statsbomb started after that so we've only got his 18/19 radar (red) when he was already 25 which won't tell us much.

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    James: Interesting one as his early radar (red) was in the Championship at Wigan. 50th percentile for successful dribbles and deep progressions, not great defensive stats

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    TAA: Hasn't changed much between the 18/19 season when he was 20 (red) vs his current season in blue. He's a bit different to most other offensive full backs as he doesn't dribble much, but obviously ranks highly for deep progressions and xGBuildup which makes sense the specific role he plays for Klopp.

    Cancelo: Was 25 in 18/19 so pointless looking at his data.

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    Hakimi: An absolutely offensive monster aged 20 for Dortmund (red) but very poor defensively.

    Pavard: Was 23 in 18/19 and playing CB so data pointless as only started playing RB at Bayern the next season.

    Summary: Defensive stats don't really matter in young full-backs and can get by with the bare minimum so I won't focus on those yet. Offensively i'll set the 3 main offensive stats we're looking for (deep progressions, successful dribbles and xGBuildup to the top 60th percentile for each

    This returned a list of 19 names:

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    Some of those can immediately be removed - Frimpong, Dest, Neco Williams, Vanderson (who we were linked with but has now moved to Monaco), Couto and Gusto are outside of our price-range which leaves us with 13. Jack Scott is on loan from Wolves which may also price us out. Kasius has been pinched by Bologna which may also price us out. Some players can get removed for being too low down on the footballing pyramid: Tabinas, Bode Davis, Rik Mulders, Belghali, Kasius, Sun Anderson and Leatherman. Lewis Miller has joined Hibs in Scotland and has barely played so can also be removed. Carstensen joined Genk in the summer but has barely played for their first team which now at the age of 22 suggests he's not Championship ready. Jimmy Maguin Perez Rodriguez has played more minutes in central midfield than he has at RB this season which doesn't give me confidence the data will reflect what we're after so can also be removed.

    This leaves us with a list of 2 names:

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    Lora didn't flag in the data for the 2022 season (blue) as his attacking numbers took a big hit over the 2021 season (red). Josafat Mendes radar is below, this was his debut season so no previous seasons to compare it to.

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    Will now watch the videos of both to compare!
     
  6. lowerrous

    lowerrous First Team

    Good work!

    From the clips I could find online for the pair both seem good.

    Joe Mendes looks the most ready and I'd have no qualms at all about us signing him and slotting him straight in this January from the limited amount I've seen. He has that powerful running style which you like to see from full-backs a la Alphonso Davies and Reece James, as well as a good touch on the ball. Him linking up with King Ken on the right flank might also be a minor selling point!

    Jhilmar Lora seems like he'd need a bit more time and work on his game to adapt, but there's also a lot to like. His long-range passing seems great, and in general there seems a TAA-style silkiness and craft to his play. His technique seems very good and he has a nice drop of the shoulder. He doesn't seem afraid of a challenge either. But the key thing is he really looks as if he'd need to bulk up to play as a defender here. He too often slides in to tackles, and this in some part seems to be because he is currently incapable of holding off, or shrugging off, opposition attackers to make a less risky ball dispossession.

    I don't know why his dribbles would have plummeted this season though?

    What if you set these three down to 50th percentile? Does it throw up any additional names performing in a slightly tougher league already than the two players highlighted above? I ask this considering as you point out previously, Reece James was " 50th percentile for successful dribbles and deep progressions" at Wigan in the Championship and things didn't turn out too badly for him!
     
  7. reids

    reids First Team

    Name: Jhilmar Lora
    Club: Sporting Cristal (Peru)
    Nationality: Peruvian
    Position: RB
    Birthday: 24/10/2000 (22)
    Height: 177cm (5"10)
    Foot: Right
    Contract: 31st December 2023
    Estimated cost: €1.5m-2m
    https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/jhilmar-lora/profil/spieler/740464

    Tactical role + team details: Sporting Cristal are one of Peru's top teams, consistently finishing in the top 2/3 teams in the league and regularly qualifying for the Copa Libertadores/Sudamericana. Lora has mostly been used as a right-back, but has also played some minutes at right wing back and at left-back. Lora joined the club at 11 years old and has worked his way through the Cristal academy to the first team. He was uncapped for the Peruvian youth teams, but has played 6 times for the national team - coming off the bench in the Copa America quarter finals, semi finals and third place playoff.

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    Attacking Phase: Would frequently look to take players on, attempting multiple dribbles per game, although had an odd dribbling style where he'd often slow down and let the opposition full-back jostle with him for the ball when he had plenty of space to try and run into which would often slow down attacks. Would also frequently attempt dribbles inside rather than going to the by-line which also limited the effectiveness of some attacks, although there were occasions that this created good chances for the team, but ultimately I felt this was more of a negative than a positive. Positioning in the final third was good and was always eager to get forward and join in attacks. Crossing ability from both deep and from the edge of the penalty were mostly delivered to good areas, although was noticeable that he didn't cross well under pressure and needed time and space to cross accurately, often taking too long to get the cross away. Looked comfortable with either foot, often attempting crosses + sometimes shots with his left foot, although primarily used his right foot.

    Build Up Phase: Took up good positions to receive the ball and was always eager to receive. Generally good decision making shown on when to keep things neat and tidy and when to try and take risks. Good range of passing shown, liked to play diagonal balls across to the opposite flank to switch the play with good power + accuracy shown. Was good enough but not exceptional at playing in tight spaces.

    Defensive Phase: Good reading of danger, would get tight in 1 vs 1s and was always eager to put a challenge in. Good recovery runs shown. Mostly good tackling style, although sometimes gave dribblers too much space. Was noticeable that the teams he struggled most defensively against were the other top teams in the league which might be an issue if he were to move to a tougher league. Adequate in the air but far from good.

    Physical: Whilst not slow, I felt his pace was probably only slightly above average which could be an issue. Very slight build, strength is an issue. Agility looked fine but not fantastic.

    Limitations:
    Question marks over his physical attributes like pace/strength.

    Coachable Aspects To Improve: Decision making in the final third. Crossing under pressure.

    Next Step: Really couldn't get a gauge on his level. There's some good qualities for sure but think his ceiling is pretty limited and I think most European teams could find similar qualities from a less risky market, but I can see him moving to a better quality league in South America like the Brazilian or Argentinian leagues. Could also potentially be a good fit for the MLS.

    Current Level:


    10 - Champions League level player
    9 - Top Half PL player
    8 - PL player
    7 - Top half player in Serie A/La Liga/Bundesliga/Ligue 1
    6 - Serie A/La Liga/Bundesliga/Ligue 1 Player
    5 - Top Championship player
    4 - Championship player
    3 - League 1 player
    2 - League 2 player
    1 - Awful

    Potential:

    10 - Champions League level player
    9 - Top Half PL player
    8 - PL player
    7 - Top half player in Serie A/La Liga/Bundesliga/Ligue 1
    6 - Serie A/La Liga/Bundesliga/Ligue 1 Player
    5 - Top Championship player
    4 - Championship player
    3 - League 1 player
    2 - League 2 player
    1 - Awful

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  8. reids

    reids First Team

    I've not watched Mendes yet, but after watching Lora (full report above!) and seeing the data for Mendes, whilst knowing that Mendes playing in a better league that's European and will require less of a transition whilst also being 2 years younger I have a gut feeling I'm going to like Mendes more.

    [​IMG]

    Our internal tools rate their data pretty similarly. As for his dribbles, I'm at a loss for that. His choice of run was often so poor this season, either not getting the ball out of his feet early enough or choosing to cut inside when taking it down the line is definitely the better option. So much space to run into as well! I went back to 2021 and this was something he did a lot then, so could be tactical? Or could be a loss of confidence for some reason, or could just be poor decision making.



    Sorry, think i've made a typo there. I'd already set it at 40th percentile (4.70 deep progressions, 0.9 successful dribbles, 0.41 xGBuildup)!
     
  9. LeedsOrn

    LeedsOrn Reservist

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  10. Heidar

    Heidar Squad Player

  11. reids

    reids First Team

    Name: Josafat Mendes
    Club: AIK
    Nationality: Swedish
    Position: RB
    Birthday: 31/12/2002 (19)
    Height: 177cm (5"10)
    Foot: Right
    Contract: 31st December 2025
    Estimated cost: €2m
    https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/joe-mendes/profil/spieler/579284

    Tactical role + team details: AIK are traditionally one of Swedens biggest teams but have had mixed fortunes in recent years, finishing 5th this season, 2nd in 2021 and 9th in 19/20. They most typically play a 4-4-2 formation, although have also used a 4-2-3-1 formation at times this season, with Mendes deployed as a right-back. Mendes moved to AIK at the age of 12 before getting sold to Hammarby Talang in 2021. AIK bought Mendes back in December 2021, he made his debut for the first team in the 2022 season which is first season in the top flight. He has been capped for the U17 and U21 Swedish sides.

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    Attacking Phase: A confident player in the final third, was always very eager to join up with attacks and wasn't afraid to take on the opposition full-back, although he was a bit one-dimensional in trying to beat the opponent, by quickly dropping his shoulder and using his pace to get to the by-line, when the opponent was read this though he didn't seem to have an answer. Was comfortable on the ball and wasn't afraid to bring the ball inside on occasion or to chase down loose balls in central positions if he felt he could get there, liked to occupy the half-space by the penalty area, showed good vision by playing through balls behind the defence from these areas. Quick feet, liked to try stepovers. Good technique on his crosses that land in good positions, crosses tend to be floated in or driven low, capable of crossing from deep or from the by-line, gets the ball out of his feet early and looks for the cross frequently. Good accuracy and power in his shots.

    Build Up Phase: Took up good positions to receive, good close control and dribbling ability meant he was capable of playing in tight spaces. Liked to give and go, was always mobile and liked to find space or make a run after playing a pass. Good awareness of passing options and rarely made a bad decision. Long range passing could use some work.

    Defensive Phase:
    Pressed well, although awareness when pressing was sometimes an issue with him being too tight and not aware of an overlap. Was sometimes guilty of ball-chasing when choosing a better position was the better choice, although generally his positioning was good. Was able to keep up with and defend well against dribblers.

    Physical: Powerful runner with a good turn of pace. Good agility and change of direction shown. Poor in the air and unlikely to improve. Could improve on his upper body strength.

    Limitations:
    Poor aerially.

    Coachable Aspects To Improve: Long range passing. Develop dribbling ability more. Defensive awareness could do with some work.

    Next Step: Would be a great fit for a lot of leagues. A lower level side in Germany/Italy/England would be a great next step for him - he's not quite ready to be a starter in those leagues but I don't think he's far off at all. Can imagine he'd be great as a wing-back in a back 3 system.

    Current Level:


    10 - Champions League level player
    9 - Top Half PL player
    8 - PL player
    7 - Top half player in Serie A/La Liga/Bundesliga/Ligue 1
    6 - Serie A/La Liga/Bundesliga/Ligue 1 Player
    5 - Top Championship player
    4 - Championship player
    3 - League 1 player
    2 - League 2 player
    1 - Awful

    Potential:

    10 - Champions League level player
    9 - Top Half PL player
    8 - PL player
    7 - Top half player in Serie A/La Liga/Bundesliga/Ligue 1
    6 - Serie A/La Liga/Bundesliga/Ligue 1 Player
    5 - Top Championship player
    4 - Championship player
    3 - League 1 player
    2 - League 2 player
    1 - Awful

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    [​IMG]
     
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  12. lowerrous

    lowerrous First Team

    I do think we should sign him up, and I agree with your likely fee.

    With Sweden's season having ended, if we did it quickly we could already have him training with us prior to being able to play in January (as seems to be happening with Kone).

    As an aside, he's quite a big lad so it seems a bit odd that his aerial ability would be a major weakness long-term.
     
  13. reids

    reids First Team

    Yeah, I was much more keen on Mendes. Seemed more intelligent in his attacking play, better physically, 2 years younger, less of a transition needed. Looking on transfermarkt the record cost for a U21 full-back leaving the Swedish league was €3m, and I imagine he'd be slightly cheaper than that. Not a lot of downsides all things considered.
     
  14. lowerrous

    lowerrous First Team

    I'd have messaged Ben Manga asking him to sign him up for us, but he appears to have zero social media presence!
     
  15. LeedsOrn

    LeedsOrn Reservist

    How do you know Kone is training with us?

    Seems to be giving an interview/press conference in Montreal here https://twitter.com/tombogert/status/1600915198688182272?s=46&t=LUxh3O0SNnqpObTxvAEbVA
     
  16. lowerrous

    lowerrous First Team

    How do you know they didn't just add an old photo attached to a quote? Maybe he briefly popped back to pick up his belongings?

    He's certainly been at the club in the last few days, given he's had photos taken and given an interview at the training ground.

    Maybe he won't actually be training with us before January, but considering no one has indicated there should be any barriers to such a thing I'd have thought he'd be joining up asap.
     
  17. LeedsOrn

    LeedsOrn Reservist

    I think he showed up to sign his contract and then went back to his club. It’s possible that the journalist did a weird mock up with an old picture to go with the new quote but seems unlikely to me. And as far as I can see there is no footage or pictures of him participating in training.
     
  18. reids

    reids First Team

    The American season has ended so might have gone back to his club if there were weird regulations about not being allowed to train with us until the transfers gone through on the 1st Jan or might be awaiting his work permit to get sorted.
     
  19. LeedsOrn

    LeedsOrn Reservist

    Work permit was what I was thinking would be the hold up. Maybe this isn’t quite how it works but my understanding was always that the player can’t train until he has his WP and he can’t get his WP until his contract starts so...
     
  20. Heidar

    Heidar Squad Player

    Someone I'd love to see and was linked with Frankfurt last month is Leandro Morgalla from 1860 Munchen. Wonder if Manga has him on the shortlist...
     
  21. Hairyfrog

    Hairyfrog Squad Player

    Serious question, do the club moniter this thread? has there ever been any action on any of the above suggestions? Are you just teasing us with "what's out there and available" as opposed to this is the crap Mogi is sending us?
     
  22. reids

    reids First Team

    I'd be surprised if they do, this is really just for a bit of fun and practice for me as scouting is something that's always interested me. We got close as we were rumoured to be signing Christos Zafeiris that I did a report on (although again, i'd be surprised if the club weren't already aware of him before my post), but looks like we signed Kone instead.
     
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  23. Hairyfrog

    Hairyfrog Squad Player

    Thank you.
    Have you tried contacting them with any potentials or is it not the done thing?
     
  24. reids

    reids First Team

    Sorry for the late reply, missed this somehow. Not really a done thing and not sure the clubs I work for would appreciate that despite my scouting work for them is relatively informal at present!
     
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  25. lowerrous

    lowerrous First Team

    Martins is already training with the club even though his move obviously isn't completed officially until January, so maybe Kone and others could do as well.
     
  26. reids

    reids First Team

    Joined Santa Fe (one of the top sides in Colombia). Gutted about that as I recommended him to one of the clubs I work with and they watched him and said they also liked him and would enquire about his availability.
     
  27. LeedsOrn

    LeedsOrn Reservist

    According to Turkish media, Watford and Gladbach have had 6 million Euro offers rejected for him, with Paok seeking 15m. Fenerbahce and Red Bull Salzburg also bid 4m. Does not seem a priority this Jan but this bloke per Reids’ stats does seem the kind of player to build our defence around and/or sell for £30m+ in a few years.
     
  28. GoingDown

    GoingDown "The Stability"

    We made an offer of 6m Euros for a CB? More like Vietnamese dongs.
     
  29. reids

    reids First Team

    Would love that move tbh. If we bid 6m and they want 15m then that means he'll likely go for 10m, smashed it haha.
     
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  30. Burnsy

    Burnsy First Team

    A CB for 6m?

    File under the biggest lot of nonsense ever spoken.
     
  31. LeedsOrn

    LeedsOrn Reservist

    Almost certainly yes. But still worth mentioning, no, particularly in light of the fact that he was on Reids’ thread.
     
  32. LeedsOrn

    LeedsOrn Reservist

    Linked this morning with Udinese (and Bologna).
     
  33. reids

    reids First Team

    Martins on the left and Osorio on the right would certainly be exciting! I really really liked Osorio, think he'll genuinely be playing in the CL in a few seasons time
     
  34. reids

    reids First Team

    Has joined Lommel in the Belgian 2nd division....they're owned by CFG.
     
  35. Smudger

    Smudger Messi's Mad Coach Staff Member

    Nickname Jumpin.
     
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