soccer120: Scout report

This category will keep your club up to date on some of the most exciting young players in Nigeria. It gives your club an indication on which players to have an extra focus when scouting on hot prospects in this region. The players will be judged on several criteria’s such as; talent, potential, how they perform etc. New players will be added on a weekly/monthly basis.

The team at Soccer120 Sports Management and scouting agency will only publish a short version on the website. For clubs who wants the extended version with scouting reports on individual players could get in touch with us through the contact page.

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.

1. Football skills

Having a good technique is a must but often technique and control are mistaken for flashy dribbles and One of the most important aspects and qualities of a player is his first touch. It sets him up for his next move and it often proves crucial. It shows that a player thinks ahead and can give him time for a pass or a shot.

About the flashy moves, pulling of exquisite tricks shows a player is very capable and brave enough to do them but it all comes down to the end product. If it helps to beat an opponent and aid your team, tremendous, if it stalls your counter attack, well that’s unacceptable. So scouts look for players who are capable with the ball at their feet and can use their technical ability for their own and more importantly their team’s advantage.

2. Tactical awareness

Tactical awareness, some even call this football IQ, means how players move across the field and recognize different situations. It’s not just what they do with the ball that’s important, what they do without it means just as much. How they close down space and opponents in defence and how they move to draw defenders and open up spaces for their teammates in attack.

They have to be aware of their teammates and their position on the field and the same goes for their opponents.

Most time during Nigeria Professional Football League matches You’ll rarely see me with my eyes on the ball during a match. I’ll be busy looking at things like players position on the pitch, and whether they’re prepared to get stuck in and help their team-mates out.”

3. Physique

Physical attributes such as speed and size are qualities that are given by nature and can hardly be trained. Although being tall and speedy are welcome attributes, they are not the most important. It depends on the position you play and your other traits. Look at Mathieu Valbuena for example he was cast aside as a youngster for his small stature but proved himself through the lower leagues and made it to the French national team and has already played for some big clubs.

While you can’t influence your growth you can work on your stamina and balance, or your ball control. Nowadays the bigger clubs test players at a young age to see how tall they will grow but this usually carries more significance if a player is a goalkeeper.

4. Temperament

Scouts look for a lot more in players than their football skills; they need to assess the mental makeup of a player. They need to see if a player is capable of playing under pressure and keep his emotions in check for the sake of their team.

They look for brave, enthusiastic players who have the drive to keep going and lead the team forward. Sometimes clubs invite player’s families for further insight in the player’s background and upbringing to easily assess their temperament.

They look into the player from all angles “The pitch doesn’t lie. When you see a guy 20 times … and when you see a kid warming up, you understand many things.”

My Advice

The most important thing to remember is to always give your best and assume there are scouts watching. “It’s hard to hide good players. If you’re a good player we’ll find you.”