Scouting footballers can be hard work, but it is satisfying when you find ‘diamonds’.
Juan Gafas, our shadow-scout, shares diamonds and interesting talents that he accidentally, or on purpose, running in to during his exploration travels.
Paolo Reyna
Age: 18
Club: FBC Melgar (Peru)
Position: Left Back
Nationality: Peruvian
Market Value: 275.000 € (Transfermarkt)
Betting on this young talent is a long shot, but if he does turn out to be the player I think he is, it would pay off - big time. Though he has been getting minutes on the pitch in Melgar since he was 17, he hasn’t shown extraordinary skills nor has he played for any of the youth national team (as far as I know). Peru has talents coming up but not so many left-backs among those, and at this point, it is always a concern when a player hasn’t been called up to represent the country on the youth level.
Having said that, I do think Reyna has the potential and characteristics to become an excellent defender in Peruvian football, and who knows, maybe even more. He has good body size, about 6 feet with decent upper body strength, and can still get bigger. On his good days, he is difficult to take on, but still not consistent with his decisions when, and if, to attack the ball. Well-positioned usually, less in transitions where he needs to make more difficult decisions and reacts well to opponents’ runs.
He is comfortable on the ball, using mainly his left, and with more confidence and experience he could pose a threat coming forward, something he should probably do more often. Reyna still needs to improve his body positioning when offering himself and/or receiving the ball.
While he does not have the best starting position, with some tactical improvement and experience, Reyna has the physical and technical tools to become a good player in the level he is competing, and if he puts in the work - well beyond that.
Photo via Melgar official Twitter.
