Your watchlist for this week's European nights
The must-watch U23 players in UEFA competition - powered by SCOUTED Stats
I know, you were expecting Monday Night SCOUTED to drop into your inbox around this time.
Unfortunately, the weekend’s football fixtures have not yet appeared on the Stathead database so I could not provide you with the key context for this weekend’s stories or the latest SCOUTED Stat updates.
Fortunately, there is still a slate of 54 fixtures across UEFA’s three club competitions this week and we have all the data from the previous rounds.
So, as we wait for the Stathead update, tuck into this week’s watchlist a day earlier than usual. Very fortunately, we have made this week’s edition free to read to compensate for the MNS delay.
If this is your first watchlist, the concept is simple: I’ve scoured the stats to pick a selection of exciting young players who will take to the stage this week under European lights. Whether you’re a scouting nut like us or are just looking for some real-world context to support your next under-the-radar Football Manager purchase, this list will help you find a player to watch, and provide a compelling reason to tune in.
Here are the ground rules:
Each night of UEFA Champions League action features nine games. So, I have selected one early kick-off and two late kick-offs to narrow down your choice.
For the UEFA Europa League and UEFA Conference League bonanza on Thursday, I have selected six matches across both competitions and time slots. I aim for an even split but this week there are four fixtures from the UEL and two UECL games.
Unless stated, match records will refer to the highest single-game tally recorded by a player under the age of 23 - U23 - across UEFA’s three senior men’s competitions in 2024/25.
Unless stated, season totals refer to all players born in 2001 or later and the shorthand will be 01+. This ensures that all player age information is correct when taking a screenshot of FBref tables and Stathead queries.
The shorthand for these three competitions are UCL (UEFA Champions League), UEL (UEFA Europa League), and UECL (UEFA Conference League).
All stats correct as of the day before publishing, unless otherwise noted.
Let’s get stuck in…
Tuesday, 05 November 2024
PSV Eindhoven vs. Girona
UEFA Champions League — 17:45 GMT
Ryan Flamingo and Malik Tillman were selected in the latest SCOUTED Squad - this is the first of many opportunities to follow up on a few players from that newsletter. Johan Bakayoko’s name also featured heavily in that newsletter but he was too mainstream to get a spot. But there is no such prejudice for the watchlist.
Among 01+ players in the UCL, the Belgian ranks third for Shots (9) and third for Crosses (16), while Sávio is the only one across all three competitions with more Progressive Passes Received.
For Girona, keep a close eye on their full-backs. Not only for how they defend against Bakayoko and company, but also to see whether they can match their domestic passing output.
In LaLiga, only Pedri and Pau Cubarsí have played more passes into the final third than Arnau Martínez. In UEFA competition, Martínez holds the joint U23 record for successful tackles made in game this season (7) and the outright for challenges (9). 2001-born left-back Miguel Gutiérrez is likely to be tasked with looking after Bakayoko.
PSV lost their perfect start to the Eredivisie season after a 3-2 defeat to Ajax on Saturday. Meanwhile, Girona scored four goals for the second consecutive match. This should be fun.
Dortmund vs. Sturm Graz
UEFA Champions League — 20:00 GMT
Only Red Bull Salzburg have a younger average age than Sturm Graz in the UCL this season, but Die Schwoazn are the only side in the competition to feature 3+ teenagers in each of their opening three games.
Brighton loanee Malick Yalcouye and Lovro Zvonarek have played in all three while Amady Camara played in the first two matches before Konstantin Schopp completed the set against Sporting.
Beyond the teenagers, Striker Factory fans will be keen to see 21-year-old centre-forwards Seedy Jatta and Mika Biereth; the latter has eight goals in 12 league games this season following his permanent move from Arsenal.
As for Dortmund, Karim Adeyemi and Jamie Gittens, on their day, are two of the most exciting wingers you can watch. In the UCL, it has been their night. Both players have been directly involved in three goals this season, Samu Omorodion (4) is the only 01+ player involved in more across all three UEFA competitions.
Sporting CP vs. Manchester City
UEFA Champions League — 20:00 GMT
This is the box-office event.
It is not just be a glimpse at the next generation through a collection of Europe’s best young players, it is also a sneak preview of football’s future through the managers. In his final home game in charge of Sporting CP, Rúben Amorim faces Pep Guardiola. These two will face each other again next month in a Premier League Manchester derby.
In Rico Lewis, Jérémy Doku and Sávio, Manchester City have three of the top-performing 01+ players in UEFA competition this season. Lewis is leading all players in the UCL for Shot-Creating Actions (19) and Progressive Passes (35) and is second behind only Jamal Musiala for Expected Assisted Goals across all ages once again. Compared to 01+ players, Lewis ranks second for touches in the attacking third; Sávio is first. The Brazilian also ranks first for successful passes into the penalty area (11) and progressive passes received (48). Reminder: do not sleep on Sávio.
Doku, in just 101 minutes, ranks top for touches in the attacking area (29) and carries into the penalty area (17) across all ages. The only other 01+ player with 10+ carries into the penalty is Sávio. Of course, these numbers are influenced heavily by dominant wins against Slovan Bratislava and Sparta Prague - Doku did not feature against the Czech side. Even so, whoever plays on Wednesday will have to level up.
Like Bakayoko, a number of Sporting’s brilliant U23 players were denied entry to the latest SCOUTED Squad because of exactly that reason: they are undeniably brilliant. Amorim’s side is the fifth-youngest squad based on FBref’s average age which is weighted by players used - I’ve included the full list below. Interestingly, six of their seven 01+ players used in the UCL this season have been in defence.
20-year-old Ousmane Diomande has not yet lost an aerial duel. 21-year-old Zeno Debast has completed at least nine more long passes (31) than any other 01+ player, 23-year-old Gonçalo Inácio is joint-second (you’ll find out who with later).
17-year-old Geovany Quenda and 23-year-old Geny Catamo have the most wing-back minutes. 22-year-old centre-back Eduardo Quaresma and 19-year-old striker Conrad Harder are yet to start, the latter their only U23 player that is not classed as a defender.
If all of that was not enough, you also get to watch Viktor Gyökeres and Erling Haaland, two of the most prolific players on the planet this year. According to Transfermarkt, Gyökeres has scored 45 goals in 45 appearances across all competitions in 2024. Harry Kane is next with 36 goals in 37 games, followed by Robert Lewandowski with 34 in 43 and then Haaland with 33 in 37.
I know they are both outside the age bracket, but I could not resist.
Wednesday, 06 November 2024
Club Brugge vs. Aston Villa
UEFA Champions League — 17:45 GMT
Unai Emery suggested Morgan Rogers wanted to continue against Spurs and should be OK to face the Belgians. That’s all I need to hear.
In my opinion, Rogers has been the must-watch player this season. For starters, he has completed more take-ons than any 01+ player in UEFA competition. Against Bologna, he joined an exclusive club of four players to attempt 4+ shots, create 4+ chances and complete 4+ take-ons in a UEFA club match this season; Musiala is the only other U23 player to achieve this feat. Sit back and enjoy dribbling at its destructive best.
As for Club Brugge, I highlighted Joaquin Seys and Joel Ordóñez in last round’s watchlist. This time around, we can add SCOUTED Squad member Christos Tzolis. The Greek has registered five shots on target in the UCL this season, Jamie Leweling is the only 01+ player with more in the competition.
VfB Stuttgart vs. Atalanta
UEFA Champions League — 20:00 GMT
I featured Stuttgart last week so here are a couple of quick updates. Enzo Millot is the only 01+ player with 3+ xG and xA combined in UEFA competition this season. Angelo Stiller has played more passes into the final third than any player of any age. The Toni Kroos tribute act continues.
But the main reason I have included this fixture is Lazar Samardžić. There is no guarantee he will start but you should switch straight over if he does. Or at the very least when he comes on. No 01+ player has generated more Shot-Creating Actions (12) or completed more take-ons (7) in a single UEFA competition game this season than the Serbian did against Shakhtar.
Across Europe’s Big Five Leagues, only six players with at least 270+ minutes are averaging 3.5+ shots and 3.5+ key passes per 90: Bukayo Saka, Ademola Lookman, Raphinha, Ousmane Dembélé, Kevin De Bruyne and Samardžić. Watch this match and you should get two for the price of one.
Feyenoord vs. Red Bull Salzburg
UEFA Champions League — 20:00 GMT
Another week, another Salzburg inclusion; I promise this pick was based purely on Feyenoord.
We were flooded with mentions of Antoni Milambo following his brace against Benfica in the last round. Joe and Llew had watched him play during the 2022 U-17 EURO but that competition pre-dates our current system for keeping notes. Although, Joe did state “he is quite good” in his WhatsApp message. Unfortunately, he is currently injured so “quite good” is all you’re getting for now.
Instead, we can focus fully on Quinten Timber.
Only four 01+ players have made more tackles and interceptions in the UCL this season and only four others have made more carries into the final third. Timber, however, is the only player with 10+ in each metric. When expanding the age criteria, only four others can match that Double-Double and they are all full-backs.
In all honesty, VfB Stuttgart versus Atalanta promises to be so good that I found it tough to pick another match. Bayern and Barcelona have obvious attractions but their opponents lacked standout U23 stars. Only the Austrian sides have a younger average age than PSG, so that’s an option, but they are facing an Atleti squad with an average age of 29.5.
In fact, the only team in the UCL that is older is Inter, so watching their game against Arsenal as a neutral is SCOUTED sacrilege, even if Ethan Nwaneri plays.
Thursday, 07 November 2024
Galatasaray vs. Tottenham Hotspur
UEFA Europa League — 17:45 GMT
Archie Gray, Lucas Bergvall and Mikey Moore have featured in every UEL game so far this season. Gray and Bergvall have started all three while Moore has started each of the last two. In fact, Spurs are the only team in UEFA competition to play 4+ teenagers in a single game on multiple matchdays this season - Wilson Odobert and Will Lankshear the others to feature. That’s probably why they are the fifth-youngest team in the Europa League.
In the last round against AZ Alkmaar, Moore received 19 Progressive Passes, the most by any 01+ player in a UEL game this season. It was also one more than the entire AZ Alkmaar team received combined.
I imagine the majority of them came after his switch to the left, which prompted the birth of the Neymoore nickname following James Maddison’s post-match comments.
Whether you’re tuning in to see the outcome of Gray’s position roulette, Bergvall’s trademark technique or Moore’s balletic ball-carrying, you should be in for a treat.
You also get to watch Pape Matar Sarr.
Gent vs. Omonia Nicosia
UEFA Conference League — 17:45 GMT
Another SCOUTED Squad follow-up. You will find out what makes Archie Brown such a fascinating left-back in there. But one player that just missed out in that article was Gray’s Gent teammate, Mathias Delorge.
The lanky left-footer has completed more progressive passes than any other 01+ player in the UECL (22). This is thanks in part to his single-game record haul against Molde in the last round; 18 is at least four more than any other 01+ player has managed in a UEFA club match this season. The 20-year-old also ranks well for this metric within the Pro League.
In completely anomalous fashion, no 01+ player across all UEFA competitions has generated more Expected Goals this season than Omonia’s Andronikos Kakoulli. The bulk of his 2.4 total came in a 22-minute cameo against Vikingur. He scored two goals from inside the six-yard box. Based on Expected Goals On Target total of each effort, there was a 1% chance he would miss each effort. Just look at the shot maps above.
Royale Union Saint-Gilloise vs. AS Roma
UEFA Europa League — 17:45 GMT
Franjo Ivanović. This SCOUTED Squad call-back was inevitable given the 450 words I wrote about him in that newsletter.
Ivanović is the only player in our database averaging 4+ shots per 90… and he’s rattling off 5.3. The most fascinating thing about his shooting is the near-perfect split between both feet. 12 of his 22 footed shots of the Pro League season have been with his favoured right, the remaining 10 with his left.
Across all ages and all three UEFA competitions, only Rafael Leão (17) and Morgan Rogers (16) have completed more take-ons than USG’s maverick striker (12). Also, using the same criteria, Ivanović is the youngest of five players to complete 9+ take-ons and attempt 9+ shots this season.
The Croatian missed a stoppage-time penalty against Fenerbahçe in the previous round. Something I noticed when watching his tape of goals was that he always goes bottom left. If I managed to work that out, it’s no surprise that his compatriot Croatian Dominik Livaković had the same read.
Another USG player to keep an eye on is Ousseynou Niang. No 01+ player has made more tackles (11) in UEFA competition this season.
Roma should start a few of Matías Soulé, Tommaso Baldanzi, Niccolò Pisilli and Nicola Zalewski to add to the spectacle.
Viktoria Plzen vs. Real Sociedad
UEFA Europa League — 20:00 GMT
While Ivanović is one of five players to register 9+ shots and 9+ take-ons in UEFA competition this season, Viktoria Plzen have one of the two players to register a Double-Double. The fact that the other is Vinícius Júnior suggests we should have a watch.
2003-born Prince Adu Kwabena has scored four goals in eight league games for Plzen this season and has recorded 11 shots and 11 successful take-ons in the UEL. The Ghanaian has started all three games so far, scoring one goal and providing an assist.
The hope is that by tuning in to see what Adu can do, you also get the chance to see some substantial Orri Óskarsson minutes; he started Sociedad’s game against Anderlecht in the last round. If this is the first time you have clocked a mention of the Iceland international, I will point you towards SCOUTED50 and The Shortlist for more info.
Hoffenheim vs. Lyon
UEFA Europa League — 20:00 GMT
It’s Tom Bischof vs. Rayan Cherki.
Bischof has generated more Shot-Creating Actions than any player of any age of across all three competitions (23). Cherki has played more key passes than any player of any age across all three competitions (14).
Honestly, that is all I need to say. Watch it.
APOEL Nicosia vs. Fiorentina
UEFA Conference League — 20:00 GMT
As you can tell, Hoffenheim against Lyon is my top pick for Thursday night’s late kick-offs. However, if Matías Moreno starts for Fiorentina, you have my permission to watch I Viola.
The Argentinian has started both UECL games despite not playing a single minute in Serie A. That becomes difficult to comprehend when you look at his numbers in Europe.
Remember I mentioned there was another 01+ player in joint-second with Gonçalo Inácio for long passes completed? It’s Moreno. The next player on the list for UECL is the aforementioned Delorge with 15.
Benoît Badiashile and Natan are the only 01+ players in the competition ahead of Moreno for carries, while Badiashile is the only one that has covered more distance both with his passing and with his carries; the Fiorentina centre-back has played 45 fewer minutes.
So, if Bischof versus Cherki is not living up to the hype and Moreno starts in Cyprus, you might want to flick over to see whether he lives up to his own ball-playing billing.
There you go. 54 games turned into 12 matches to watch. Let us know which games and players you will be tuning into!
A comment, like or share is the easiest way to support what we do. More of those means more eyes on SCOUTED.
Apologies again for the delay to Monday Night SCOUTED. All going well, you will have that in your inbox tomorrow.
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