Scouting report: Emmanuel Dennis Otu

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It was a cold Sunday in Port Harcourt and and I found myself at No 1 field to watch the port Harcourt premier league, just as I hear people speaking with a familiar dialect. It’s windy and cold outside. 

I start daydreaming already missing home, suddenly my eyes caught a young lad. I quickly shifted my attention to this young lad.  He chased every ball as if he was a military aircraft model F-16 .  His work rate was intense.  I asked a few observers and was told his name is Emmanuel Otu.

I quickly brought my note pad and pen and I couldn't write anything. At the end I was happy and proud that Emmanuel Otu made my trip  worthwhile.

Emmanuel Otu has played an instrumental role in helping his club. I cannot hide the fact that I have been an admirer of the player for quite some time. His performances have made me personally recommend him to one of the best teams in Sweden a while ago. The consequence of not signing him will one day come to hurt the Scandinavian club

First of all, lets agree on the fact that grass root football could be lower in terms of quality. This needs to be taking into consideration when reading the information below. But still, even at this level there are hidden gems to be found.

Emmanuel Otu is one of such gem as he has all the necessary potential to succeed  to develop and succeed at the highest level

The first time I saw Emmanuel Otu live in action was back in 2015 when his team played “local” rival Tripoli in the Port Harcourt Premier league. He was up against defenders as solid as a rock at the time, but he excelled and flourished in a thriving 4-4-2 formation.

Emmanuel Otu showed quick feet and seemed comfortable on the ball in most areas when receiving it. Although he lost the ball a few times he didn’t seem too stressed with the high pressure from the opposition. He wanted the ball, even after these mistakes, on every occasion and seemed to always have a plan when receiving the ball.

I was convinced straight away that this player belonged at a higher level. The few errors he made were sort of expected from my side. 

Emmanuel Otu`s passing were generally good as said, some times too clever, but not something you couldn’t fix with an extra bit of training. He reminds me of a lighter version of Jermain Defoe of Sunderland FC.


Profile

Date of birth ------- 4th of August 1999

Nationality ---------- Nigerian

Club --------- Hollando FC

Height ------  172 cm

Weight -----   71 kg

Playing Position ------- striker/center forward

Awards -------- Higherst goal scorer for Hollando FC (2012, 2015)


I have said it many times, that a complete striker is one who comes to get the ball from the midfield when bullying defenders cut off his supply. And this is one attribute of Emmanuel Otu when the chips are down.

Given time I do think he will adapt and mature as player, allowing him to fill in as a midfielder in the future depending on what the coach of his team wants as he has a telescopic eye to give a good pass. 

But for now Emmanuel Otu belongs to the striking department (as a centre forward) What Emmanuel Otu proved to me in all the time I have watched him is that he can adjust to the tempo that is required at a higher level in such short time.

In 2016 Emmanuel Otu was called up to the National U-17 camp by coach Manu Garba. But passport issues which fail to arrive on time meant he could not be registered in time for the first leg match against Niger. 

During the training schedule and build up, Emmanuel Otu played as a striker, banging in goals with reckless abandon.His engine is one of the best and he usually last 90 minutes, which gives him obvious advantages. When you add his great pace you start realizing in what capacity he can operate at – even in the bigger leagues.

His running capacity and the amount of pace he possesses allows him to use his strength in defense before being the architect in the build up play for a counterattack. If he sees a gap in the opponent’s midfield he doesn’t think twice about using that space into his own advantage. His pace and ball control makes it seems easy when he dribbles past one or two players on his way forward.

I get the sense that Emmanuel Otu is so comfortable on his team formation that he can pass the ball through to his teammates even blind folded. In most matches I've seen, he passed the ball to his wingers before storming forward waiting for his chance to receive it. If he doesn’t have any passing alternatives he doesn't mind using his technique to get past one or two defenders.  

Some times I've seen his moves being a bit to obvious which has made him too easy to read. This has happened especially when he has gotten too much time on the ball. In tighter situation I see Emmanuel Otu more aware of the threat around him – making him pass the ball with better precision to his teammates.

His shooting technique is of a high standard as he hits the ball with power and with good direction. Some of his goals gives a clear indication of the threat he poses. 

That goal scoring ability has seen him win the highest goal soccer award for his team twice in 2012 and 2015.

My advice for all players who are gifted with a powerful shot is to use it.  Emmanuel Otu is a player I don’t have give the same advice to as he have a pop at goal whenever he gets the chance. 

Even in tight situations, when he is man-marked, his movement quickly creates space enough for him to receive the ball with no opposition able to mark him. With the ball in his feet he does the same, it doesn’t matter if its in the defense or in the offensive play. It seems so easy for bystanders. 

When he goes on a forward run. he completes his runs. If he doesn’t receive the ball he knows that he needs to opens up the defense – allowing his teammates to take advantage of the room left to exploit. It seems like Emmanuel Otu understands this perfectly. 

I have also never seen him complain to his teammates when not getting the pass. He has kept his mouth shut understanding his role and influence on the team.

Having said that ,when Emmanuel Otu wants the ball he usually gets it. After receiving it he is as comfortable on the ball as you want if you were his teammate playing next to him. He doesn’t mind playing short passes to his teammates.

I am big fan of the player. He can operate and do a great job, but his engine allows him to also take advantage of his offensive abilities. That pleases me, but more importantly it makes a difference for his teammates who gets extra time and space because of his qualities.

It's time for Emmanuel Otu to shine at the highest level and it's time for bigger clubs to understand the level he is capable of operating at.  

Written and approved by Chief scout Chinedu Okorodike on 22/08/2016.