Various reports are linking French Celtic striker Odsonne Edouard with summer moves to Arsenal, Tottenham, Leicester City and Borussia Dortmund.

It is no surprise that Edouard is receiving much acclaim and attention currently, his current record at the Scottish champions since his move to Celtic Park in 2018 reads at 65 goals in 128 games making him one of Europe’s deadliest marksmen within a period of two years. He’s started the new Scottish Premier League campaign in the same fashion he left the previous, scoring a scintilating hat trick against Hamilton Academical.

That’s just over a goal every two games, and at 22-years of age, his ceiling will only get higher when he eventually joins a top level European side.

Last season, he recorded 27 goals in 42 games across all competitions, 22 of those have come in the Scottish Premiership making him the leagues top scorer.

The Scottish season may have started early, but its unclear whether Edouard will still be at the club come October, with a prolonged transfer window well under way.

Interesting to see if any Premier League clubs make a play for Celtic's Odsonne Edouard in the coming weeks. An opening day hat-trick in Scotland today.

— Alex Richards (@AA_Richards) August 2, 2020

So who is the talented forward? What’s his style of play? Which club will he fit in at?

Who is Odsonne Edouard?

Born in Kourou, a French Guiana commune overseas region of France located in South America. He joined the Paris Saint-Germain academy in in 2011 at the age of 13 from amateur side AF Bobigny. During the 2013/14 came his first notable contribution, scoring a staggering 25 goals in 22 appearances at U17 level in the National Championships. He followed that up the following season, scoring 22 goals in 14 appearances for the U17s and was apart of the squad which triumphed at the Al Kass Cup, ending the competition with 3 goals in 5 outings.

Edouard also represented the U19s, playing two UEFA Youth League games, a Coupe Gambardella outing and seven U19 Championship matches during which he scored seven goals. In two years, he scored more than 60 goals for the club at youth level, earning him the nicknames of “The Rocket” and “Magic Odsonne” for his unbelievable goal scoring prowess.

In April 2016, he signed his first professional contract with Paris Saint-Germain’s senior side. During the 2016/17 preseason, he was included in the squad for the International Champions Cup. He came on against Leicester in the competition in the 79th minute, scoring his first goal which made it 4-0. As a result, Paris Saint-Germain were indeed crowned the champions.

In August that year, he was then sent on loan to Toulouse for the season, however, he endured a torrid year which became even worse when he was suspected of shooting a passer-by with an air soft gun, injuring him in the head. Edouard had his loan deal cancelled after scoring just one goal in 17 appearances. After initially being cleared from a teammates confession, it was then recanted and Edouard was then charged with a four month suspended prison sentence and a €6,000 fine for his involvement in the incident, as well as damages of €2,600 to the victim.

It was indeed a tough period for the youngster, however, that did not stop him aiming for the top. Edouard signed for Celtic in August 2017 on a season-long loan deal. He scored on his debut against Hamilton Academical, aiding his new team in a resounding 4-1 victory. His fantastic performances that season convinced the clubs hierarchy to sign him permanently after scoring 19 goals in the league and 11 goals overall.

His success at Celtic Park didn’t end there, he then scored 23 goals the following season as Celtic claimed an unprecedented domestic treble, winning the Scottish Premier League title, the Scottish League cup, and the Scottish Cup. His two goals against Hearts in the Scottish Cup final secured their extraordinary achievement of winning the treble two years in a role. The 2019/20 campaign was a relative success too, becoming the first player in the Scottish Premiership to score 20 goals or more since the 2016/17 campaign. Edouard has also remarkably scored 11 goals for France U21s, in just 6 games.

 

What’s Edouard’s Style of Play? 

Edouard is an elegant, multi-functional player. The Frenchman oozes confidence, and quality when he steps on the pitch. Up-front maybe his natural position, but his contributions and influence in attack run deeper than that.

As well as his 22 Scottish Premier League goals last season, he also registered 7 assists, showcasing his creative spark and abilities in the final third. As well as a natural goalscorer, he can also act as the team’s main creative force from the front in order to create space and opportunities for his teammates. He loves to drop into the half-space to exchange passes before moving into spaces vacated by the defence. While its so effective and complimentary of Celtic’s attacking play, it is also bamboozling for opposing defenders, they are often left confused as to who to pick up.

His dribbling abilities emerge from his South American roots. He is rarely exuberant all the showboating type with it, but he exhibits an effective use of his control in tight spaces and a technique which few players in the Scottish division can match. It’s abilities such as this, and his fantastic movement, link-up play that makes him such a dangerous commodity within the final third. The Frenchman averaged 0.9 goals per 90 minutes, and 0.38 assists per 90. It’s no wonder why he is the Scottish Premiership’s most deadliest forward.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3mPYOoG1LyY

His goals and assist ratio per 90, reads at 1.28. Odsonne Edouard is a creative phenom, Celtic’s driving force spearheading almost every attacking scenario.

Odsonne Édouard vs Hamilton Academical:

⚽ Scored in the 20th minute
⚽ Scored in the 49th minute
⚽ Scored in the 53rd minute

Starting the season as he means to go on. pic.twitter.com/JW9ICM2fZ3

— Scouted Football (@ScoutedFtbl) August 2, 2020

Edouard is also highly adaptable too. He has performed admirably and consistently despite the changes in philosophy from the patient possession based system under Brendan Rodgers, to the risk-taking approach under current manager Neil Lennon. It is a sign of his suitability to different systems and his versatility also. He’s got the pass and move intelligence to perform well in a possession-based system and the speed of thought, movement and clinical edge to also thrive in a pressing, and counter-attacking system. Which means he can fit in almost any of the top sides around Europe.

 

Is Edouard ready for the Big Time? 

No disrespect to the Scottish Premiership, but Odsonne Edouard has already outgrown the whole division, into his fourth season at the club. The Frenchman is a remarkably talented prospect, a complete centre-forward boasting all the attributes needed to thrive at the top level.

However, that doesn’t mean joining the elite will easy. His next club will be a big test for him as he will likely join a club who doesn’t dominate their division like Celtic do season after season, though his mentality and character has come on leaps and bounds since his move to Celtic park and there is no reason why he can’t fit in at any of the top sides he’s attracting interest from.

He’ll also importantly harbour ambitions to become the France’s main goal threat in the future, though he faces some stiff competition from Olivier Giroud and and predecessor Moussa Dembele. While it may be a tough ask, if Edouard continues at the rates he is developing then, those supposed lofty ambitions won’t be far away from being fulfilled.

At just 17-years of age, transitioning from an unknown quantity to a future English star in just under a year, Borussia Dortmund’s new arrival Jude Bellingham has enjoyed a remarkable breakthrough season in the past year. It’s amazing that the bright young midfielder has only just turned professional.

His maturity, understanding and tactical intelligence at such a tender age has been the hallmark of his current rise to stardom. It’s no wonder why the German giants moved heaven and earth to secure his gifted services.

🤩 #HeyJude pic.twitter.com/FF0Oa840Tl

— Borussia Dortmund (@BVB) July 20, 2020

Before the 2019/20 campaign, you’d be hard pressed to find many people who have come across Jude Bellingham. Now, he is a name on everyone’s lips.

The 17-year-old has featured in 35 games for his boyhood club Birmingham before making his move, 25 of which were been starts. What’s been most impressive about his time in the first team is his confidence and self-belief, making is clear that he has the mental toughness, character and personality to instantly thrive in one of the best leagues in the world at this point in his short career.

As most millennial’s would describe, Jude Bellingham is a baller. This scout report will provide a brief overview of Bellingham’s rise to stardom and a detailed analysis of the progress he has made under Pep Clotet at Birmingham City and what he could offer his new club.

Who is Jude Bellingham?

Born in Stourbridge, West Midlands in 2003. The eldest son of Mark Bellingham, a sergeant in the West Midlands Police force and a former non-league footballer. Jude Bellingham joined the Birmingham City academy as an under-8.

His talent were quickly realised and he started playing for the under-18s at the age of just 14 and a year later, made his debut for the under-23s. His first game for them, against Nottingham Forest’s under-23 team, coming on as a second-half substitute, he scored his first goal and the only goal of the game. By the end of the season, he notched three goals in 10 appearances, and was quickly deemed last year by popular football website FourFourTwo as one of the ’50 most exciting teenagers in English football.

After spending a lot of time with the first team squad last summer as part of his scholarship, he was apart of their preseason preparations in Portugal in July 2019, both playing and scoring in their friendly fixtures. Bellingham was then given the shirt number 22 for the campaign. Last August, he became Birmingham City’s youngest ever first team player – at the age of 16 years 38 days beating the previous record held by Trevor France (16 years, 139 days) – when he started their Carabao Cup fixture against Portsmouth. A match which ended in a 3-0 defeat.

Almost a year on, and Bellingham has gone onto make 32 Championship appearances for Birmingham, scoring four goals, becoming a regular feature for the team under Pep Clotet.

What could Jude Bellingham offer Dortmund?

Jude Bellingham has come on leaps and bounds since his debut for Birmingham City, showing a maturity and understanding within his game that belies his tender age.

It’s shown in his incredible versatility, fulfilling a number of roles in Pep Clotet’s system. The England youth international has lined up on the left-wing and in central midfield in a 4-4-2 shape. He’s also featured behind the no.9, on the right of a front two and as a holding midfielder.

While, lining up in so many positions can confuse and bamboozle a player as young as he is, it hasn’t been the case for Bellingham. In fact, he’s been better for it, performing admirably in just about every role he’s been deployed. His understanding of each role has been a telling component in his rapid growth. There’s still a lot time for him to discover his best role seeing as he’s only 16, but the way in which he’s seamlessly fitted into the Birmingham side in such a tough and rigorous division has been mightily impressive.

Bellingham immediately showed he was ready for first team football in his first league start, against Charlton Athletic. Having already scored the winner against Stoke City in his second substitute appearance, he then scored the only goal of Birmingham’s meeting with the Addicks. The teenager drifted into the box unmarked, before stroking the ball past Dillon Phillips with a first-time finish.

It’s his knack of popping up in the right areas at the right time to make a telling impact. Whether its in the box or outside the area, Bellingham holds such an well-rounded understanding of picking pockets of space that can really hurt the opposition. He’s not afraid to get shots off, registering an adequate average of 1.6 shots per 90 minutes for a 16-year-old largely operating in midfield within a side that only registers 12.8 shots per game.

When he lines up on the left or the right of midfield, he doesn’t just hold his width to provide cover for his full-back and defensive shape, he also provides a telling contribution when drifting inside and exploiting different pockets of space. His goal against Leeds in a 5-4 defeat was typical of that. His run inside gave full-back Maxime Colin plenty of space down the right while Bellingham drove into the box to score a well-worked goal.

Bellingham isn’t a teenager finding his feet, he’s a player already trying to prove that he belongs amongst the best players. The youth international contributes both with the ball at his feet and when without it in his runs into the box, movement and awareness of space in between the lines.

The teenager has averaged 1.5 completed dribbles and 0.9 shot assists, while being fouled 1.7 times per 90. This offers an indication that he poses a threat, both when carrying the ball playing it to team-mates. He’s certainly not shy of attempting to stand out in matches. However, he would need learn to keep hold of the ball better and when in possession. In a possession-heavy side, he would need to become consistent in that area which is shown in his pass completion rate of just 75% percent and is dispossessed 1.9 times per 90. However, these are things he will gradually improve with age.

What’s also impressive when watching Bellingham is the fire he holds when performing. Whether its in a tackle, running with the ball or chasing after a lose pass. He puts his all into everything he does. He doesn’t shirk away from his responsibilities and is certainly not shy of trying something out of the ordinary.

Carrying such confidence means that he holds the necessary character, mental toughness and talent required to match it at the top-level despite his tender age.

Borussia Dortmund have confirmed the signing of Jude Bellingham.

— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) July 20, 2020

Jude Bellingham will surely enhance his development at Dortmund considerably, he’s at a club blessed with such youthful riches provide in abundance the right coaching conditions and room to improve. Bellingham can almost certainly become one of the most prestigious players of his generation, if he isn’t already. The sky really is the limit for him.

One of Europe’s most talented and highly acclaimed young prospects. Roma’s Nicolo Zaniolo is a player sure to be lighting up TV screens in the coming future.

After a horrendous ACL injury against Juventus in January, the coronavirus pandemic and the suspension of the Serie A meant that Zaniolo was afforded enough time to ramp up his recovery and fitness before the season resumed, and that he has achieved, featuring in six of Roma’s ten games since Serie A’s resumption in May.

Zaniolo’s injury certainly hasn’t derailed his impressive progress, scoring an extraordinary solo effort in Roma’s 6-1 rout away to Spal. He also netted a stunning goal against Brescia in a 3-0 win highlighting his tremendous qualities and knack for the spectacular strike.

He then followed that up with a fantastic assist in the 3-1 away win over Juventus on the last Serie A game of the campaign, marauding past a few players before teeing up Diego Perotti to notch his second goal and Roma’s third. Unerring.

Now, reports are circulating regarding his immediate future at the Stadio Olimpico with Tottenham and Inter Milan reportedly interested in his services, as per The Guardian Newspaper.

But how has Zaniolo rose to prominence, and what could the future hold for such a unique talent?

Who is Nicolo Zaniolo?

Born in Massa, Tuscany, Nicolo Zaniolo grew up in the Fiorentina youth system, but was released by the club in January 2016, and subsequently joined Virtus Entella.

After several months of plying his trade for the Entella Primavera side, Zaniolo was given his first professional Serie B debut in March 2017, aged 17 in a 3-2 win over Benevento. In total, he featured in seven outings for the Biancocelesti in the 2016–17 season.

In July 2017, Zaniolo was snapped up by Inter Milan for a reported fee of €1.8 million, plus €1.7 million in bonuses. He played for the Inter youth side and finished the 2017/18 campaign top scorer within the team with 13 goals and aided the side in winning the Campionato Nazionale Primavera.

The following season, he featured for the club in a preseason friendly but never made his competitive debut for Inter first team. However, in June 2018, he was part of a exchange deal which saw Zaniolo move to Roma along with Davide Santon for Radja Nainggolan who moved to the San Siro.

Zaniolo completed his medical and signed a five-year-deal for a fee of €4.5 million plus a 15% resell revenue. The Italian wonderkid made his first appearance for the Giallorossi against Real Madrid in his UEFA Champions League debut in September 2018, a game which saw Roma lose 3-0. Zaniolo then went on to make his maiden Serie A appearance the same month in a 4-0 home win over Frosinone.

His first goal came in December 2018, in a 3-1 win over Sassuolo. The following year, during a Champions League match with FC Porto, Zaniolo became the youngest Italian player to score twice in a single match in the competition, scoring both goals in 2-1 triumph.

Nicolo Zaniolo has gone on to feature five times for his country scoring twice, and has also established himself as a key component in Paulo Fonseca’s side as a bright young attacking midfielder. He has received much acclaim through his performances and extraordinary abilities, even being earmarked as a future global star both at club and international level.

But why?

Nicolo Zaniolo’s style of play?

Since his return from injury, Nicolo Zaniolo has already provided timely reminders of his tremendous abilities both on the ball and without it. His goals post-lockdown, against Brescia and SPAL were both something of the spectacular and that is Zaniolo in a nutshell.

The Italian midfielder is a player who always looks to excite, to get fans off seats and showcase his class and talents. Nicolo Zaniolo isn’t your average attacking midfielder, and his role in Paulo Fonseca’s side highlights just that.

First, lets take a look at his contributions this season, giving us a basic overarching idea of his effectiveness and influence within Roma’s fluid system {Footballslices}

Throughout the season, Fonseca has generally lined up in a number of systems to get the best out of his players, the last few matches, he’s lined up in a 3-4-3 shape to give Roma some security and solidarity mixed with some flexibility and fluidity in attack.

Both Lorenzo Pellegrini and Henrikh Mkhitaryan may line up as wingers, but in fact they are given the license to roam within the half-spaces and in between the lines behind Dzeko to add much creativity, fluidity and freedom of movement.

The width is provided by Spinazzola and Bruno Peres. When Zaniolo has been called upon, he has fulfilled similar roles to Pellegrini and Mkhitaryan becoming the sides main source of creativity and invention in the final third.

Though, for much of the season, pre-lockdown, Fonseca lined up in a traditional 4-2-3-1 shape, with Zaniolo lining up wide right. Wingers are always instructed to add width and stretch the opponents but Zaniolo is tasked differently. He is asked to drift inside, due to his strong left-foot and incredible influence in between the lines.

He’s allowed the freedom to cut in or pick unorthodox pockets of space and either drive with the ball, go for the spectacular or thread through balls to his fellow forwards. From time to time, Zaniolo and Pellegrini will often exchange positions to shift the dynamics of attacks and confuse the opposition defence, as is also the case within the 3-4-3 shape.

When Zaniolo is tasked with sitting wide, he is a ball-progressing regularly carrying the ball forwards to instigate attacks. His main role is to advance Roma’s attacks deep into the opponent’s defensive half.

Zaniolo has averaged 3.86 dribbles with a success rate of just 68.1% this season, highlighting his effectiveness when driving with the ball. He attempts 1.8 shots per game in Serie A, he’s not afraid to try the audacious shot and more often than not, he pulls it off as shown in his goal against Brescia, after driving with the ball, he then sets himself to unleash a rocket into the back of the net.

As mentioned, Zaniolo’s main duties involve him progressing the ball into the final third. He acts as Roma’s sole ball-carrier, attempting to link the midfield and attack. Once he receives the ball on the half-turn, he regularly jets off on the offence. He averages 5.1 progressive yards per carries per 90 minutes. The single best attribute of his game is his dribbling. He attempts 5.45 dribbles with 3.86 of them completed per 90.

Zaniolo is simply incredible at controlling the ball with his feet and ensuring the ball stays close to his quick and nimble feet. Combine this with his agility, and you can see why he doesn’t struggle to emerge from tight spaces, even when surrounded by multiple defenders.

Zaniolo’s 1v1 dribbling skills are incredibly efficient due to his excellent close control, agility, balance and speed. No matter how many obstacles in his way, he’s more than likely to find a way through. Often great dribblers possess the quality of drawing plenty of fouls. Zaniolo is no different. There are various instances where a defender thinks he has the opening to reach the ball and win it back via a tackle but Zaniolo puts himself in between the defender and the ball.

He might not look very strong, but he’s surprisingly able to hold off his own against defenders and win free-kicks in key positions for his team. However, one weak point in his game is that he tends to over-dribble meaning he may get stuck on the ball, or miss the opportunity to find a teammate in a more dangerous position to score. Zaniolo needs to learn when the release the ball at the right time which could rapidly improve his creative numbers.

When talking about the great dribblers like Messi, Hazard, Neymar or even Riyad Mahrez, one of the things we often overlook is their knowledge of knowing when to continue dribbling and when to stop and pass. Zaniolo has the raw skill set which can help him be an elite ball-carrier in the future, but becoming better at balancing his actions on the ball is important for his development.

Forecast for the Future?

Nicolo Zaniolo is indeed one of the most prestigious young midfielders around. Since his injury return, he’s already provided a reminder of just how good he is and how good he is yet to be. It’s no surprises that top clubs are still keeping tabs on his services despite his injury in January.

The Italian is on his way to becoming a global star, but he must choose his next step wisely, in order to fulfil his remarkable potential. Tottenham are reportedly interested in taking the wonderkid to North London, and could represent the kind of high quality talent the club needs to get the injection and push they need to challenge Europe’s elite.

Tottenham have proven stale since their Champions League antics in 2019, and much improvement is needed under Mourinho, who knows, maybe Zaniolo is the type of talent they need to embark on a stark resurgence both domestically and in Europe.

A move to a European giant may well be on the cards soon for him. There’s not much to argue about, this kid is good. How his career pans out remains to be seen. But one thing is for sure, the future is looking bright for the 21-year-old from Tuscany.

The 2019/20 Championship despite its suspension has arguably been one of the frantic and exciting in recent memory, from the pinnacle of the league table to the bottom has seen some fantastic battles as teams fight to gain promotion to the English top-flight or duel to avoid the dreaded relegation down to League One.

One commendable element throughout the season has been the emergence of some sparkling, electrifying talents that have taken the whole competition by storm this season.

A special mention must be given to QPR and England Under-21 international Eberechi Eze. The attacking midfielder has emerged as one of the country’s most elite young midfielders. 14 goals and 8 assists in what’s been a remarkable breakthrough season for the 21-year-old. As a result, its got a few of the Premier League big boys reportedly interested in services such as Tottenham, Arsenal, West Ham & Crystal Palace.

So without further ado, lets delve into the profile and emergence of Eberechi Eze:

Who is Eberechi Eze?

Born in Greenwich, London to Nigerian parents. Eze appeared as a youth prospect for Millwall, before eventually being released in 2016. However, despite working a few jobs here and there in Tesco and continue studying in college, he was picked up on trial by Queen Park Rangers which turned out to be a successful one for him, impressing technical director Chris Ramsay.

In August 2016, he signed his first professional contract for the club, shortly after his seventeenth birthday. After impressing for the youth team, he eventually was handed his first team in January 2017 in an FA Cup tie against Blackburn Rovers. His debut was cut short, however, picking up a minor injury which meant he only featured for 18 minutes.

The following August, he joined Wycombe Wanderers on-loan until January, where he made a total of 22 appearances for the club, scoring 5 goals. He aided the club in gaining promotion to League One, putting in some inspiring performances until he was eventually recalled by his parent club.

After being recalled, Eze featured sparingly for then-manager Ian Holloway, making 16 appearances during the 2017/18 campaign. He scored his first goal for QPR in March 2018 against Sunderland in a 1-0 victory.

Holloway left QPR in 2018, and was replaced by Steve McClaren for the following campaign, in which Eze was significantly handed the number 10 shirt. He shortly signed a new three-year deal, lasting till June 2021. Last season saw him feature heavily for McClaren, appearing 42 times, scoring 4 times.

Under Mark Warburton this season though, Eze has come on leaps and bounds, not only placing himself as a key figure for the side, but also becoming one of the Championship’s most consistent performers scoring 12 times and assisting a further 8 goals.

What is Eberechi Eze’s style? Is he that good?

Ebere Eze is a creative phenomenon. Well-versed in the art of creating chances for his team-mates and also fashioning out chances for himself also. The England under-21 international is a very rare talent, a player who’s extraordinary abilities derive from his preference to always have the ball at his feet. Give the ball to him, and he’ll conjure up magic out of nothing.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9M5tpyyrJNU

The 21-year-old has lined up this season in a variety of positions under Mark Warbuton this season. As an inside-forward, a number 10, on the right wing, centre-midfield and a traditional wide-midfielder depending on the tactic and mentality Warburton chooses. No matter the position he’s deployed in, Eze will always find a way to become an influential force.

Though, the position you’d get the best of him in at No.10 or as an inside-forward. It’s within these positions where Eze really comes alive. Whether its come inside on to his right foot to wreak havoc in between the lines, in the half spaces, or totally out manoeuvre his marker on the outside, the midfielder has no problems forming opportunities.

So good in the dribble, nimble footwork, you couldn’t count how many times the midfielder has performed an outrageous nutmeg on defenders and its through these unbelievable skills and positional understanding that has propelled him to stardom. Eze performs 3 dribbles per game, its the hallmark of his abilities and defenders cannot live with it. His showboating skills may seem spontaneous, but most of it isn’t, Eze has holds a picture of what he’s about to do before he receives a pass.

It’s his incredible strength, balance and the ability to shield the ball that makes it difficult for defenders to nick the ball off him. Give him space, and he’ll use it to good effect. Put 3 defenders on him, and he’ll still find away to relieve pressure through his amazing ball-work.

What’s also notable of Eze is his vision and ability to pick out passes that few midfielders in the whole division that pick out. He records almost 2 key passes per game, showing his influence and incisiveness within the final third. He’s not afraid to try something new, which his shown in the fact that he’s dispossessed 1.9 times per game.

Ebere Eze was the only player in the 2019-20 Championship season to complete 100+ take-ons and win 100+ fouls:

❍ 46 games
❍ 136 take-ons completed
❍ 107 fouls won
❍ 82 chances created
❍ 14 goals
❍ 8 assists

Next stop, Premier League? 👀 pic.twitter.com/xZTV8llhRJ

— Squawka Football (@Squawka) August 5, 2020

Ebere Eze is a risk-taker, a player who thrives under pressure and is incredibly effective within the midfield-attacking thirds. It’s difficult to pick out such talents in the whole division, and its why Eze regularly stands out. He’s fouled an astonishing 2.5 times per game meaning defenders are very much aware of the danger he poses.

Eze is also effective in set-pieces also, not only is he QPR’s most influential creative force but also he’s their designated set-piece taker, from corners and free-kicks. He puts such emphasis on a measured shot power and accuracy to make sure he try and works the goalkeeper. Eze is also well-versed in his long-rage shots. His technique from his set-pieces means he’s also carried that through to his long-rage shooting, whether with much power and accuracy or catching the keeper out at his near post.

The midfielder’s goal against West Brom on the last day of the 2019/20 Championship season was simply outstanding, latching onto a through ball, on the right-side of the penalty box he then audaciously lobbed-shot Sam Johnstone in the West Brom goal, in to the top corner. A goal truly representing of his tremendous talents.

What does the future hold for Eze?

Eze shows such a unique and incredible blend of qualities in his game, becoming so vital in just about every department of QPR’s attacking moves, he wants to get involved and shows a confidence in his efforts that so few can match. If he carries on at such levels, there’s no reason why he can’t buck his trend amongst the Premier League elite.

Clubs such as West Ham and Crystal Palace are indeed lacking in the creative department right now and there’s no better option than Ebere Eze. He’s a homegrown talent, he’s young and holds the mentality to better himself and improve. It’s important to also note that Eze may also find it more convenient to ply his trade at a mid-table side in the Premier League, becoming a small-effective fish in a not so big pond.

The midfielder requires an environment which will allow him the luxury to discover his true potential and provide the opportunity for much game time as well as unnecessary pressure to stand out. Crystal Palace are the latest to register a bid for the midfielder, which reportedly has been rejected:

Crystal Palace's offer for Eberechi Eze rejected by QPR https://t.co/zdJj3eE5NK By @ed_aarons and @JacobSteinberg #CPFC #QPR

— Guardian sport (@guardian_sport) August 3, 2020

Wherever Eze ends up in the near future, its a certainty that the midfielder will go on to become one of his generation’s most prestigious talents, if he isn’t already.

Arguably the most prestigious teenager in European football right now. Rennes midfielder Eduardo Camavinga is certainly turning a lot of a heads, grabbing the attention of a whole host of top European clubs through his excellent performances so far this season.

25 Ligue 1 outings this season at the age of just 17 is a strong indication of the kind of qualities Camavinga holds in his unique arsenal. His emergence came in the impressive victory over French champions Paris Saint-Germain last summer where he kept the likes of Angel Di Maria and Marco Verratti in his little pocket.

That specific game pointed him out as the next big thing in the country, not long after that, he was rewarded with a call up to the French Under-21 squad. Eduardo Camavinga captured the imagination of many before the Ligue 1 season was curtailed, putting in some mature, dominant and thrilling performances in the middle of the park at just the tender age of 17.

This scout report will provide a brief overview of his swift emergence on the scene, and how he’s contributed to the unprecedented success of Rennes this season.

 

Who is Eduardo Camavinga?

Born in Miconge, Angola. Eduardo Camavinga and his family migrated to France when he was two years old. Him and his five siblings grew up in Fougeres. Picking up a love for Judo at a young age, Camavinga decided to instead pursue a career in football. At the age of 11, he joined the Rennes academy.

He then went on to sign his first professional contract in December 2018, at the age of 16, becoming the youngest ever professional for the club. Camavinga emerged as a key figure for the reserve side, making 13 appearances, scoring 4 goals. It wasn’t long before he made his debut for the first team due to his fantastic maturity at such a young age, his abilities on the ball and positional understanding. His maiden appearance came against Angers in a 3-3 draw, becoming the youngest ever player to feature for the first team.

That game against Paris Saint-Germain placed him on the map, in what was an astute, composed and assured performance by the youngster. He was 16 at the time. However, his stats highlighted the performance of a player beyond his years. 41 passes made, with a staggering 97.6% accuracy. 1 key pass, and 3 tackles.

Camavinga’s growth and maturity didn’t stop there.

What’s Camavinga’s style of play? 

The 17-year-old has taken in his task like a duck to water. When he enters the pitch, nothing fazes him. Camavinga has stuck at his role and responsibility with a maturity beyond his years, with some impressive and controlled performances, week in week out showing that he certainly deserves the accolades and praises thrown at him.

Even though he’s earmarked to step into the boots of N’golo Kante, Blaise Matuidi and Paul Pogba in the future, he’s a blend between all three of them. Destructive in the tackle, a marauding box-to-box midfielder and an elegant, imaginative midfielder. Rennes have managed to win against some tough opponents this past year, both domestically and in Europe, with Camavinga playing a major part of those duels.

When analysing Camavinga’s game, its vitally important to focus on his maturity, understanding and sense for the game in terms of his potential. The youngster can become one of the best in his position if he keeps working hard and continuing his rapid progress.

The French midfielder is a true embodiment of the modern football control ideology in the middle area of the pitch. He’s a true metronome, building attacks for his team and organising and screening the middle areas the way he sees fit. He operates in the areas that a deep-lying playmaker would work in, but Camavinga offers so much more. He blends that role with a defensive-midfielder and a roaming playmaker.

He works all around the field, focusing his game in midfield but floating in areas of the pitch where he can be most effective, whether in the half-spaces or coming closer to goal.

The above heat image shows his impact and contribution in front of the defence as a deep-lying player. His higher movements come when he is tasked with pressing his opponents and making runs in order to create passing lanes and options for his teammate.

Eduardo Camavinga (17) played 2,112 minutes in Ligue 1 this season, winning more tackles (105) than any other player in division as well as completing 91% of his long passes.

Next season, Rennes will play in the Champions League for the first time in their history. 🙌 pic.twitter.com/FKh3GwGRJ3

— Statman Scouts (@StatmanScouts) April 30, 2020

His main job in this role, is to become the orchestrator, one who is well-versed in picking up the ball from his goalkeeper, or centre-backs in order to build attacks by finding team-mates in pockets of space or if he is given the opportunity, drive up the pitch which he is very well capable in performing.

His body positioning, tactical understanding of his role and movement makes it easier for his team to play across the pitch when under-pressure. He constantly uses the blind spots of his opponents in order to move into space where he can get the ball to organise the progression of the team’s attacks. Camavinga averages 40 passes per game, with a passing accuracy of nearly 90%.

The French youngster is so adept for his age, a cold-blooded player who holds no fear when moving across the pitch. What’s also impressive is his incredible knack of beating the opposition’s press. His silky close ball control and technique allows him the freedom to take risks, becoming confident in the fact that he’s abilities on the ball will get him by his marker with ease. His stats for a defensive-minded player with an attacking attitude make for telling reading.

Camavinga’s vision and screening of play around him makes it possible for him to control the rhythms of matches as he is so adept at noticing the play around himself. His decision-making is excellent also, making passes into teammates well positioned to receive them and making well-timed tackles in order to win the ball back quickly. The wonderkid is a fantastic component in the counter-pressing system, capable of winning the ball back as soon as his teammates lose it.

To put it simply, Camavinga has it all. It’s staggering to note, that he is just 17 years of age. The way in which he expresses himself on the pitch certainly does not exert youth, but valuable experience. It’s no surprise that many of Europe’s elite are all fighting to secure his signature.

 

Is he ready to make a move now?

What Camavinga must avoid is making a career decision that will be detrimental to his rapid growth, and that certainly includes joining a club where he won’t get the game time needed or provided the opportunity and attention to thrive.

Big clubs such as Barcelona and Real Madrid won’t be good for him, as they are teams wanting success for the here and now. Camavinga must choose a side where a long-term plan to build a successful squad is in place, also a club who place huge emphasis on its youth, granting them much opportunities and allowing them room to grow.

Clubs such as RB Leipzig and Borussia Dortmund in Germany would suit him to a tee, however there is no reported interest from such clubs so maybe it will be best for Camavinga to stick it out at Rennes for a season or two and improve his game. The club have qualified for the Champions League for next season after their impressive third placed finish.

It’s so vital to remember that he is still 17, and while there is an excitement at his incredible potential, he must be given room to make mistakes without much pressure. Rennes will provide him with that opportunity, its experiences such as those which will stand him in good stead for a successful future.

No doubt about it, Eduardo Camavinga is indeed a prestigious young talent.

He’s only been plying his trade for a professional for all of over two years, but Gent and Canadian forward Jonathan David has quickly established himself as one of Europe’s hottest young properties.

The Canada international has been a lethal force in front of goal for Gent since his emergence in 2018, notching 35 goals in just 58 starts. It’s stats such as these that has propelled the forward into the spotlight around Europe and that is further highlighted in the number of clubs scouring for his services this summer.

Arsenal, Tottenham, Manchester United, Everton, Inter Milan, Ajax, Olympique Lyon, Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen have all previously been rumoured to be interested in the 20-year-old.

However, recent reports have suggested that the forward is reportedly close to joining French outfit Lille, as a potential replacement for Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen. The Canadian’s performances and style means he could fit in at just about any top club in Europe.

Lille hoping to sign Jonathan David from Gent should they sell Victor Osimhen this summer.

Will offer €30m for the highly rated Canada international.

Both RMC and Voix du Nord running with this. pic.twitter.com/3yKyZGQnss

— Robin Bairner (@RBairner) July 1, 2020

So, how has David emerged on the scene, what’s his style of play and how has he impacted Gent’s attack this season?

Who is Jonathan David?

Born in Brooklyn, New York and raised in Haiti until the age of six. Jonathan David spent his younger years moving around, filled with much change. Moving to Ottawa, the capital of Canada, at that age presented quite the culture shift for him, it was a move that could have completely derailed his dream of becoming a professional footballer.

It was not until the age of 11, that his dream was kept alive, featuring for Ottawa Gloucester. While playing for his local club, David became the most highly sought-after youngster in the country, grabbing the attention of the Canadian Soccer Association. After attending several under-15 camps in 2015, David finally represented the country at under-16 level and during the Under-17 Concacaf Championship.

It was at these tournaments where he amazed the Gent scouts, and he began training with their youth sides towards the end of 2017. He officially joined them in January 2018, the month he turned a professional. He was promoted to the senior first team on a permanent basis. From then on, the rest became history. Jonathan David has been a key figure for Gent ever since.

At international level, he’s featured 12 times for Canada, scoring 11 goals. Not only is he a goal machine at club level, but on the international stage too. His first cap in September 2018 saw him score his first goals against the U.S. Virgin Islands in a Concacaf League qualifier. He even won the Golden Boot at the Concacaf Gold Cup in 2019.

Prior to the Coronavirus pandemic-induced cancellation of the Belgium Pro-league, David notched 23 goals and provided a further 10 assists across all competitions – a superb return for the forward.

What’s Jonathan David’s style?

An extraordinary forward, blessed with great pace, skill, tenaciousness, trickery and acceleration. The Canadian is tremendously versatile too, capable of playing anywhere in attack; as a no.9, right-winger, left-winger, and a no.10.

Throughout most of his time at Belgium though, David has developed mostly as a tireless and rapid second striker. If fast and speedy players are your type, then Jonathan David is your man. A player whose game is based on an exciting blend of technique, mental sharpness and physical attributes.

The 20-year-old has shifted across the front three throughout the season, but his most sparkling performances have been through the middle where his creative abilities and contributions are not restricted by space. David disrupts defensive structures with his rapid movement, speed, trickery and passes into the final third.

When Gent have possession in the wide areas, David will regularly pick up a position in the half-space, drawing defenders to him before shifting his body weight and quick movement to get way from them and drive into the centre. The Belgium regularly lines up in a fluid 4-3-1-2 shape with an attacking midfielder sitting behind the front two.

A position that David performs most of his work.

His role in that area are to create chances, disrupt defensive shapes and drive into the box. He’s picked up a very efficient knack of coming on the end of attacking moves and finishing them off.

David has had a hand in 44% of Gent’s goals this season. In fact, he’s been directly involved in more goals (25) than any other player in the 2019/20 Pro League campaign (18 goals, 7 assists) and that’s regularly down to the position and freedom he’s given.

His goalscoring record works out to 0.57 per 90, pretty much a goal very two games. Those are numbers you’d regularly associate with an out-an-out number 9, not an attacking midfielder. Alongside that, he’s also laid on 10 assists in all competitions, averaging 0.21 assists per 90.

Jonathan David has exceeded expectations beyond measure this season. His expected goals figure is at 0.42 per 90, and expected assists reads at 0.12 per 90.

Throughout this season, David hasn’t shirked away from his responsibilities of becoming the Gent’s primary source of creativity and goals. He’s regularly exhibited a remarkable gift of inventiveness and imagination when playing in an around the box.

The amount of goals isn’t just down to his finishing acumen but the positions he takes up, whether its ghosting in to surprise opposition defences or starting and creating rapid counter-attacks. He takes risks on the ball – a trait so few players can relate too – taking players on and moving defenders around with his positional understanding and individual threat. He’s also added characteristics such as turning defenders and dribbling out of tight spaces to his incredible weaponry, skills that enable him to be so effective in the final third.

What does the future look like for Jonathan David?

Jonathan David, as evidenced throughout the campaign is an extraordinary talent. The kind of player elite level clubs who focus their play on counter attacks and exciting attacking football regularly look for. His goal contributions tell its own story.

It’s safe to say, Jonathan David is clearly beyond the level of the Belgian Pro League. So, it will be incredibly beneficial for him to test himself at a much higher level. Preferably to a club which fit his rapid style, and will allow him the opportunity to become a sole creative force in their attacking arsenal.

Clubs like Borussia Dortmund, Bayer Leverkusen who are resigned to losing key players in the immediate future – Jadon Sancho and Kai Havertz respectively, to be precise – will really benefit from investing in the Canadian international. These are teams who would provide with the room to manoeuvre, improve and most importantly, make mistakes. A team who won’t place so much pressure on him to succeed.

Stylistically, David could eventually blossom into a top-level forward, an industrious and creative false nine. It’s his tremendous versatility and skillset that will allow him the chance to flourish at any side around Europe.