Name: Mattheo Xantippe Club: Amiens SC Nationality: French Position: LB/LWB Birthday: 11/4/2002 (20) Height: 183cm (6”0) Foot: Left Contract: 30/6/25 Estimated cost: €4m-€5m Date: 9/3/23 https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/mattheo-xantippe/profil/spieler/744936 Tactical role + team details: Amiens are now a mid-table team in Ligue 2 in France, they are currently 9th in the league, finishing 14th last season and 10th in 20/21. They typically play a 3-5-2 formation with Xantippe deployed as the left wing-back. This is his 2nd season with the first team, playing 1539 minutes last season (2 assists) and has played 1261 minutes so far this season (1 assist). Xantippe joined the Amiens academy in 2014 aged 12 and has progressed to the first team through their academy and second team. He has 1 cap for France U18. Attacking Phase: Didn’t take many shots, but was comfortable taking shots with both feet preferring to cut inside and shoot with his right foot, but overall lacked power and accuracy in his shooting with both feet. Was an effective, confident dribbler that demonstrated quick feet and a nice change of pace to beat opponents when 1 vs 1. Showed good vision in attempting through balls to the strikers, although didn’t attempt these very often. Mostly crossed from deep rather than from the by-line, crosses mostly landed in good areas but ultimately lacked accuracy and effectiveness. Took up very advanced positions, mostly sticking to the line to create width. Build Up Phase: Liked to play (3.74 per 90) chipped long-balls from the middle or defensive third to the forwards, these had good technique and accuracy. Was impressive with his decision making when under pressure, knew when to play it safe and play a simple pass and when to risk trying to dribble his way out of trouble. Showed well for the ball and positioned himself well on the pitch when the team were building up play. Defensive Phase: Really liked his defensive style when 1 vs 1, would feint committing to force the forward to attempt something which I felt was effective. Liked to go to ground to tackle, tackles were well timed and effective. Showed great desire to recover during transitions, although overall pressing ability could do with some improvement but wasn’t a huge negative. Physical: Good acceleration with a very good change of pace. Agility looked good. Aerially I felt he was very poor - lacked belief in his aerial ability and often jumped very half-hearted. Strength could be improved. Limitations: Strength. Aerially poor. Coachable Aspects To Improve: Crossing accuracy. Effectiveness in the final third. Pressing effectiveness. Next Step: Really liked lots of his game and will be surprised if he’s still in Ligue 2 next season. A Ligue 1 side is the next obvious step and I feel he’d immediately be able to handle the step up. 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
Name: Tayvon Gray Club: New York City FC Nationality: American Position: RB Birthday: 19/8/2002 (20) Height: 173cm (5”8) Foot: Right Contract: 31/12/2025 Estimated cost: €4m-€5m Date: 12/3/23 https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/tayvon-gray/profil/spieler/627200 Tactical role + team details: New York City FC are typically an upper mid-table team in the Eastern Conference in the MLS. They finished 5th in the overall MLS table in 2022, 8th in 2021 and 7th in 2020. They typically played a 4-2-3-1 formation in 2022, although also used a 3 at the back (343 or 352) on occasion. Gray was most frequently used as a right-back but also played minutes at right wing-back and centre-back. He joined the New York City FC academy in 2017 at age 14 and made his first team debut in 2021. He played 56% of available minutes in the 2022 season, playing 2040 minutes. He has been capped at both U15 and U17 level for the USA national team. Attacking Phase: Was comfortable shooting with both feet, but ultimately lacked good finishing ability and power in his shooting. Liked to play first time crosses, crosses were often teasing crosses that were curled in behind the defence, power and accuracy were both largely good. Mostly relied on his pace to beat opponents 1 vs 1, I felt his dribbling ability was clumsy and lacked both close control and ideas to be effective on the ball. Despite this, he took up good attacking positions and was eager to put in a shift getting up and down the pitch. Build Up Phase: Long range passing wasn’t adequate, often over-hit and aimless, took long-range passes with both feet but was poor with both feet. His short passing game was much better and was able to play his way out of danger via possession with his team-mates, although he was sometimes guilty of ball-watching after playing a pass when he could’ve moved to receive - although he did often play a give and go. Defensive Phase: Strong in defensive 1 vs 1s and used his build well to win the ball. Mostly stayed on his feet to win the ball back, tackles were well timed and effective. Pressed well and with good intensity. Was caught out a few times by runs in behind, needs to scan more when defending. Could be better in cutting out passing lanes. Overall the defensive aspect of his game was his strength. Physical: Good acceleration and a powerful runner. Good strength shown. Agility potentially an issue, didn’t look great when turning. Decent in the air for his height (if correct - some sources have him down as 180cm - 5”11) Limitations: Agility. Poor technique. Coachable Aspects To Improve: Dribbling ability and on the ball work needs lots of improvement. Positioning when his team are in possession. Defensive awareness Next Step: Liked the defensive side to his game but technically I felt he was miles off a move to better league. Think MLS is most likely going to be his cap. 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
Name: Martinelli Club: Fluminense Nationality: Brazilian/Italian Position: DM/CM Birthday: 5/10/2001 (21) Height: 176cm (5”9) Foot: Right Contract: 31/12/25 Estimated cost: €12m-€14m Date: 17/3/23 https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/martinelli/profil/spieler/815558 Tactical role + team details: Fluminense are typically an upper mid-table side in Brazil, finishing 3rd in 2022, 7th in 2021 and 5th in the 2020 season. They typically played either a 4231 or 442 formation in the 2022 season with Martinelli used as a defensive midfielder. Martinelli joined Fluminense as a 15 year old, making his Serie A debut in 2020. He played 1785 minutes (47% of available minutes) in the 2022 Serie A season and has made 94 starts in all competitions for Fluminense. Attacking Phase: Wasn’t afraid to take a shot (including a surprising amount of headers for his size) although most lacked accuracy - despite this he showed good movement in and around the penalty area and was able to create chances for himself inside the penalty area. Showed good vision in playing through balls to the forwards and was something he tried frequently (0.66 through passes P90) and with good accuracy (46.2% success rate). Demonstrated impressive close control and dribbling ability with quick feet and changes of direction proving effective. Build Up Phase: Showed good vision and execution in his long-range distribution, overall his range of passing was impressive with good variety and execution in every type of pass. Generally took up good positions to receive the ball, but sometimes he was guilty of watching his pass rather than thinking ahead of where he should be next. Kept a cool head when put under pressure, mostly kept it safe and played the way he was facing but was sometimes able to dribble his way out of danger. Defensive Phase: Showed good determination and intensity in his defensive work, was aggressive when defending in 1 vs 1 situations but was clumsy and he mostly just clattered into his opponent instead of cleanly winning the ball. Mostly stayed on his feet rather than committing to a slide tackle. Defensive positioning was very hit and miss - was sometimes guilty of being drawn to the ball too easily. Physical: Good agility demonstrated with a low centre of gravity. Was good aerially for his size. Strength and pace weren’t fantastic. Coachable Aspects To Improve: Positioning in possession could do with a little work. Shot locations. Defensive work may need work for a tougher league. Next Step: Overall I really liked him and think he’ll be ready for a move in the summer. Think England or Italy (although his positioning may rule him out of a move to Italy) would be great destinations for his skillset. Still some things to work on though! 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
Finally up to date with all the ones i've done so far! Name: Alexander Aravena Club: Universidad Catolica Nationality: Chilean Position: LW/RW Birthday: 6/9/2002 (20) Height: 175cm (5”9) Foot: Right Contract: 31/12/23 Estimated cost: €1m-2m in the summer. Free in January Date: 24/3/23 https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/alexander-aravena/profil/spieler/662742 Tactical role + team details: Universidad Catolica are one of the top teams in Chile - finishing 6th in 2022, but winning the 4 straight titles between 2018 to 2021. Aravena joined Universidad Catolica at just 8 years old and has progressed through to their first team, after spending the 2022 season on loan to Chilean top flight side Nublense where he scored 11 goals (a goal every 179 mins) and 3 assists (an assist every 656 mins) in 1970 minutes in the league. He has currently scored 4 goals and got 1 assist in 763 minutes. In the limited amount of games since the 2023 season has started he has spent most of his time on the left-wing in a 4-4-2 formation whilst on his loan spell last year spent most of his minutes on the right wing in a 4231/433 formation. He has been capped for the U17 and U23 team for Chile and is in the senior squad for their upcoming games. Attacking Phase: A hugely confident player in the final third. Wasn’t afraid to take players on 1 vs 1 and mostly did well in these situations, using his quick feet and electric pace to bypass opponents and showed good decision making and maturity in knowing when to release the ball after a dribble, although would’ve liked to see him try to play in team-mates a bit more. His crossing ability was good, with good power, technique and accuracy - he often chose to favour crosses from the side of the penalty area rather than from deeper areas with a mix of high and low crosses. His movement was impressive - frequently making diagonal runs in behind the opposition defence but also being able to find space in the penalty area when play was a bit more congested. His finishing ability made him a constant goal-threat with a good range and variety of finishes on show. Build Up Phase: Didn’t mind dropping deeper to receive the ball although didn’t try to progress or carry the ball in these situations, mostly playing it safe to the full-back. Mostly stayed wide to create width rather than coming into central positions. Defensive Phase: Lacked effectiveness in defensive 1 vs 1s, although the mentality and desire was there. Desire to press was there, but again lacked effectiveness in winning the ball. Physical: Electric pace with a low centre of gravity giving him impressive agility. Tries his best in aerial duels and has a good win rate for his height. Slightly lacks strength. Limitations: Height will always limit his effectiveness in the air. Coachable Aspects To Improve: Playmaking ability. Defensive ability needs work. Next Step: There’s a lot to like here although there’s definitely a fair few flaws as well. Get him into a team that likes to play (and has the ability) to play a lot of through balls and he’ll do his thing and score loads. Just don’t expect him to contribute much to the build-up play or contribute much defensively. As to his next step, MLS would be a great option for him, as would a move to a fringe European league like Belgium/Portugal. If he has a great season there then he’ll make it to a top 5 league. 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
Name: Brayan Gil Club: Deportes Tolima Nationality: El Salvadorian / Colombian Position: CF Birthday: 28/6/2001 (21) Height: 184cm (6”0) Foot: Right Contract: N/A Estimated cost: €4m-€5m Date: 31/3/23 https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/brayan-gil-hurtado/profil/spieler/736202 Tactical role + team details: Deportes Tolima are one of the top teams in Colombia, finishing 3rd in the aggregate table in 2022, winning the league in 2021 and finishing 5th in the league in 2020. Gil joined Deportes Tolima for an undisclosed fee in December 2022 from fellow Colombian top flight team Alianza Petrolera, where Gil had spent 3 seasons since joining from El Salvadorian side FAS (where he had scored 16 goals in 25 games as a 17 year old). Gil also spent 8 months on loan at Gent where he played for their U21 team. He has played 417 league minutes this season (52% of the available minutes) scoring 2 goals. Last season for Alianza Petrolera he played 2277 minutes (57% of available minutes) scoring 7 goals and getting 2 assists. Tolima typically play a 4231 formation with Gil used as the lone striker. Gil has 2 caps for Colombia U20s but recently declared for El Salvador, making his debut last week for the senior team. Attacking Phase: Strong finisher when 1 vs 1 with the goalkeeper and in the air, but overall I felt his finishing ability inside the penalty area was lacking power and accuracy when pressed by the defence. Was a big aerial threat from set-pieces and crosses. Was comfortable and confident in taking people on 1 vs 1 but ultimately lacked the ability on the ball to beat people, mostly relying on his pace and strength to get past opponents. Was too selfish around the penalty area and often didn’t look to play team-mates in who were well positioned. Build Up Phase: Link up play was much better in deeper areas, where he frequently received the ball , either play it back to the passer if he was pressed from behind, but turning and playing in team-mates if he was allowed to receive the ball in space. Defensive Phase: Showed a good attitude to defensive work - pressed well. with pace and intensity. Tried hard to recover when he lost the ball. Cut off passing lanes well. Overall a big strong point to his game. Physical: Was impressed with his physical attributes - very strong aerial ability, good pace and strength. Agility wasn’t exceptional but also wasn’t poor, was able to change direction quickly. Coachable Aspects To Improve: Be less selfish around the penalty area. Improve confidence in beating defenders. Finishing ability. Next Step: A fair few good points to his game but also a fair few negative ones that really bring him down. I think the MLS will suit him well but can’t really see him progressing much beyond that. His data is decent, his goal record is decent but there was just too many things I didn't like about him! 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
Finding a lot less time for these now! Name: Thijmen Blokzijl Club: Groningen Nationality: Dutch Position: CB Birthday: 25/2/2005 (18) Height: 190cm (6”3) Foot: Right Contract: 30/6/26 (+1 year option) Estimated cost: €8/€9m if relegated Date: 5/4/23 https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/thijmen-blokzijl/profil/spieler/719209 Tactical role + team details: FC Groningen are typically a mid-table side in the Eredivisie, although they are currently having a poor season (17th out of 18), although they finished 12th in 21/22 and 7th in 20/21. They typically play a variation of 433/4231 with Blokzijl used as a centre-back. Blokzijl joined the FC Groningen academy aged 11 years old and has been training with the first team regularly since May 2021, although didn’t make his debut until January 2023. He has played 43% of available minutes this season, although has played 89% of the minutes since making his debut. He has been capped for the U15, U17 and U18 sides for the Netherlands. Attacking Phase: Looked comfortable carrying the ball, but didn’t attempt this too often. Posed a mild threat from set-pieces, but would’ve liked to see him being a bit more aggressive in the air from corners and free kicks. Build Up Phase: Was comfortable receiving the ball and took up good positions to facilitate that. Showed a good range of passing and vision although long ball accuracy could do with some work. Was generally very calm under pressure and when playing in tight spaces although sometimes played long passes forward without any direction when pressed when playing a shorter more negative pass (to the goalkeeper or other defender) could’ve kept possession. Utilised nice changes of direction and feints to beat pressure. Defensive Phase: Was consistently beaten by dribblers and quick changes of direction, would often plant his foot when standing someone up which would mean he was over-committed and unable to adjust his stance. Was aggressive in his positioning and dealt well with a variety of crosses. Showed good awareness to danger and runs in behind, consistently scanned. Never really looked comfortable in his defensive ability though - which could be down to confidence after his teams poor season. Physical: Showed great pace, was very quick for his size and position. Didn’t look very convincing at all in aerial duels and agility potentially an issue. Strength looked fine, but far from dominant physically. Coachable Aspects To Improve: Carrying the ball out the back. Long ball accuracy. Defensive ability needs a lot of work. Next Step: Has a lot of desirable attributes that teams are looking for in CBs these days but there’s still so many rough edges to his game - although he did only turn 18 a couple of months ago. His 1 vs 1 defensive ability is his biggest weakness in my opinion and it’s hard to see an immediate move on the cards. Hopefully Groningen don’t need to sell so he can develop in the second tier in the likely event of relegation The raw attributes are there though - they just need honing and perfecting and if that happens then he'll surely be in huge demand. 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
Decided to check in how my boy is doing (that we were linked with at one point - but went with Kone instead). Since joining Slavia Pague, he's scored once and grabbed 4 assists in just 590 mins This assist below is my favourite of his so far - look at the anticipation and desire to cut out that pass. That by itself is impressive, but when you clock that it's the 93rd minute and his team are already 3-0 up then it takes on a whole new dimension. His goal was also fantastic, a great backheel and surging run down the wing (he's a DM/CM!), great control and dribble. His own teammate blocks the initial shot I think, but then it's a great follow up from a tight angle. Was available for just £2.3m (now much more I'd imagine) and would fit a Farioli system like a glove. Gutted.
Had some time to do another one finally. If Blackburn don't make the play-offs then I should have a bit more free-time again to start these up a bit more regularly Name: Yasin Ozcan Club: Kasimpasa Nationality: Turkish Position: LB Birthday: 20/4/2006 (17) Height: 185cm (6”1) Foot: Left Contract: 30/6/25 Estimated cost: €8m-€10m Date: 4/5/23 https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/yasin-ozcan/profil/spieler/1043003 Tactical role + team details: Kasimpasa are typically a lower mid-table team in the Turkish Super Lig, finishing 14th (out of 21) in 20/21, 11th (out of 20) in 21/22 and are currently 14th (out of 19). They typically play a 4-3-3 formation with Ozcan mainly deployed as left-back (although has also played at centre-back on occasion, where he’s played in 14 games this season (his debut season with the first team), playing 35% of the available minutes so far (1057 minutes), scoring once and assisting twice. He joined Kasimpasa from Karadolap Gen*likspor last summer. He has been capped at U16 and U17 level for Turkey. Attacking Phase: Didn’t look to get involved too much in the final third, only playing 6 crosses so far this season (0.51 crosses per 90), crosses had good power and technique and were put into good areas but were put into areas where no teammates were attacking so they were ultimately harmless. Can strike a ball terrifically, taking some long shots with great power (one of which lead to his only goal so far this season). Did show glimpses of quality around the opposition penalty area, playing some nice through-balls into dangerous areas (which lead to both his assists) but he rarely tried these. Didn’t attempt many dribbles, but demonstrated some nice turns and close control when he did. Overall showed glimpses of quality in this phase but needs to attempt more offensive actions and gain confidence in this area. Build Up Phase: Lacked accuracy and a bit of power in his long-range passing. Liked to pass his way out danger when pressed rather than trying to carry the ball out of danger. Mostly kept it safe in possession rather than trying to play progressive passes into the midfield. Was often late supporting his team-mates in getting up the pitch. Defensive Phase: Was generally strong defensively - pressed well (sometimes pressed too aggressively when dropping could’ve been a better option) and with good intensity, was aware to danger and cut it out well. Stood his man up well, the times he was beaten in a 1 vs 1 often lead the opponent into a harmless area. Didn’t like to go to ground when tackling, mostly stayed on his feet to try and force an error. Physical: Generally quite quick, was solid in the air although not aerially dominant. Agility was good. Strength was a mixed bag. Coachable Aspects To Improve: Develop the attacking side of his game more. Develop his progressive passing. Next Step: Still need another season or 2 in the Turkish top flight (unless he's picked up by a multi-club group) to develop the attacking side of his game as he's still so young and like a lot of young full-backs lacks a bit of confidence in the final third - but overall has a lot of potential and can see him moving straight to a top 5 league if he continues to develop well over the next season or 2. 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
Name: Oscar Cortes Club: Millonarios Nationality: Colombian Position: AM/LW Birthday: 3/12/2003 (19) Height: 176cm (5”9) Foot: Right Contract: 30/6/25 Estimated cost: €4m-5m Date: 11/5/23 https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/oscar-cortes/profil/spieler/975689 Tactical role + team details: Millonarios are one of the top teams in Colombia, finishing top of the aggregate table in 2022, 2nd in the aggregate table in 2021 and 10th in 2020. They are currently top of the league after 18 games played in 2023. They most typically play a 4231 formation with Cortes usually deployed an attacking midfielder, although has also spent a good amount of time on the wing. Cortes has worked his way through the Millonarios academy, making his debut last season (only playing 219 minutes) although is now deemed a starter for the 2023 season, where he’s scored 5 goals and got 2 assists in 534 minutes (39% of available minutes). Cortes is a regular in the Colombian U20 team, finishing top scorer for Colombia at the South American U20 Championship and is set to represent Colombia at the upcoming U20 World Cup. Attacking Phase: Takes a lot of shots, with a good amount of his shots from range, he’s a great striker of the ball with some good long-range finishes with a majority of the misses from range only narrowly missing the target. Also demonstrated good placement and finishing in his shots from closer to goal and posed a big threat in front of goal. Showed good playmaking ability in the final third, was unselfish and played a good amount of balls in behind the defence with good accuracy and timing. His crossing ability was also good, with good power, accuracy and technique on his crosses and also took a good amount of set-pieces for the team. Was confident in taking players on 1 vs 1 but felt this was the weakest side of his attacking attributes Build Up Phase: Carried the ball well in this phase of the game. Showed for the ball well and always looked to try and make things happen. Demonstrated a good range of passing, a majority of his long-range passes were from central locations out to the wing rather than very long-range passes so hard to gauge his overall level of long range passing. Sometimes struggled and made some bad decisions when pressed, but mostly played it safe when pressed. Defensive Phase: Lacked awareness and anticipation in his defensive work, would only press and move his positioning once a pass had been completed rather than trying to cut out passing lanes etc. Lacked application in his defensive work - tackling would mostly consist of charging into his opponent rather than trying win the ball Physical: Good pace and agility shown, has rapid acceleration. Aerial ability and strength were poor however. Limitations: Aerially poor and unlikely to improve Coachable Aspects To Improve: Dribbling ability. Defensive work is a weakness. Next Step: Small sample sizes obviously in play here but he looks a real real talent, I hope our Colombian scout has been paying attention! Millonarios are apparently part of a multi-club group that includes Lens and Real Zaragosa (Segunda) so imagine they're aware of his progress and could move him across to Europe sooner rather than later. If not I wouldn't be surprised if other European teams are closely monitoring him as he looks a star in the making. 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
Maybe young Yaser could have a word with him at the u-20 World Cup. Any good sweeper keepers out there in the lesser leagues? Asking for a new friend named Val.
100% agree, posted his name in the suggestion thread. Did very well for Bolton this season. Would make a lot of sense for us to get him in on loan. Then get rid of Bachmann all together. Sign another GK, whose a little older, on a free that fits Ismael’s style.
One to keep an eye on in the summer, although they're only 10 games into their season Larsson has been utterly superb and has seen his data bloom (blue this season, red last season). Would be very surprised if he's not picked up by a top 5 league team in the summer. Can't imagine he'd cost more than £7m/8m
https://twitter.com/fabrizioromano/status/1662813910330687493?s=46&t=pTfAdcKynfTJeH7HXqT1zA That came quicker than I was expecting - apparently off to Eintracht Frankfurt for £10m. Price was a bit more than I was expecting (gonna be a Swedish league record!) but a great buy for Frankfurt
Should have some time over the next few weeks to start these up again, crammed messaging people to give me a job/having meetings with various clubs and logging every corner goal that's been scored in 17 different competitions from this season!
Got moved to ST after I wrote this and went on a good run of scoring form to match the xG he'd created. Now joined RB Salzburg, should do well there!
Joined Sturm Graz for €3m. Interesting move, Sturm Graz made a lot of money quickly flipping Hojlund (linked with Man Utd etc) a couple of seasons ago and links up with a young attacking line. Interested to see what how he gets on this season
Name: Anton Gaaei Club: Viborg Nationality: Danish Position: RB Birthday: 19/11/2002 (20) Height: 183cm (6”0) Foot: Right Contract: 30/6/2026 Estimated cost: €3m-4m Date: 9/7/23 https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/anton-gaaei/profil/spieler/701055 Tactical role + team details: Viborg were promoted to the Danish Superliga for the 21/22 season after a 5 year spell in the 1. Division. On their return to the Superliga they finished 7th in the league - qualifying them for the Europa Conference league for the 22/23 season. The 22/23 season saw them finish 4th in the league (again qualifying them for the Conference League) and knocked out of the Conference League in the qualifying stages by eventual winners West Ham. Gaaei has progressed through the Viborg academy before making his first team debut in the 21/22 season (although only played 225 mins in the league), he became a regular starter in the 22/23 season starting 27 games and playing 2504 minutes. He was used most frequently as a right back in a 4-3-3 formation in the 22/23 season, where he scored 0 goals and 5 assists. He has been capped for Denmark at U21 level. Attacking Phase: Liked to take shots from the corner of the penalty area, although shots often lacked the required power and didn’t really trouble the goalkeeper. Was strong in attacking duels and often made well timed runs behind his opposition full-back to receive the ball. Demonstrated very good crossing ability - crosses weren’t particularly technical but well timed and played with the required power - may struggle in this regard in a league where goalkeepers are more aggressive in their positioning. Wasn’t an amazing dribbler, but was intelligent in how he used the ball to create positive outcomes for him and the team. Demonstrated good vision in playing a good amount of through passes behind the opposition defence but these were largely ineffective. Build Up Phase: Long range passing was good with well timed and played with the perfect amount of power that constantly put the opposing defence under pressure, showed good variety with his passing and was effective in most types of passes. Took up good positions, timed his runs well and showed good movement to find space. Ability under pressure was mixed - when playing it safe he was fine but when trying to move the ball forward under pressure he struggled. Defensive Phase: Generally was strong in defensive 1 vs 1s but noticeably struggled against the better dribblers in the league. Was comfortable going to ground to tackle, tackles were well timed and effective. Showed good anticipation defensively in cutting out play, cutting off passing lanes etc Physical: Was good in the air and demonstrated other good physical characteristics - wasn’t often outmuscled and showed good acceleration and pace and looked agile. Coachable Aspects To Improve: Finishing ability. Dribbling ability could be improved. Defensive work against dribblers. Next Step: I REALLY liked this lad, super attacking (and effective at it) with good enough defensive qualities and near perfect physical attributes. I highly doubt he'll stay in the Danish league for long, like most of the talents coming out of Denmark he'd likely be a good fit for one of the upper/midtable Bundesliga sides like Eintracht Frankfurt etc or one of the top sides in the Netherlands for him to develop. 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
Have you ever contacted Ubenga about these players amigo ? I reckon if you could get on board our squad in time would be a damn sight better.
Probably more with the club but not sure on the specifics. An odd scenario occurred today that I'm not willing to publicly go into but happy to share over DM.
Can you share over DM. Always interesting to hear the inner workings of the club. Discretion assured.
I bet Duxbury contacted Reids with incriminating screenshots of posts he made on here that are critical of the club, and told him that he’d be black listed as long as The Stability are in power. Several minutes later, Manga contacted Reids, requesting scouting reports and a detailed analysis of our set pieces from the Arsenal friendly.
"This is how to take an effective corner" "We'd prefer to hit the first man, your services are no longer required"
Well, that's profoundly disappointing (and curiosity spurring), but I suppose it is probably better not to mix business and pleasure anyway...
