Kevin Akpoguma Scout Report
Kevin Akpoguma, the Nigerian centre-back known for his versatility on the pitch, has consistently been an integral part of TSG Hoffenheim's defensive unit in the 2023-2024 Bundesliga season. This scout report points out a conundrum. Despite not having the ball at his feet more often, resulting in less than stellar progressive carrying percentile, he managed to stand out in the arena of chance creation, a rare quality for a defender.
Appearing in the top echelon of players for chance creation within the league, Akpoguma tends to infuse creativity into his defensive duties. This suggests his potential for a dual role, a cue perhaps for Hoffenheim's coaching staff wishing to exploit their resources optimally. On the downside, his aerial duel win percentage shows a relative weakness, indicative of the need for improvement in aerial combats.
A concerning aspect of Akpoguma's style of play reflected in his player stats is a patent inclination towards accruing yellow cards. Reputed for his authoritative presence in defence, he runs an alarming risk of suspension, a pitfall Hoffenheim can ill afford.
His proficiency in the art of interception, however, stands out. This ability, coupled with a high duel win percentage, points to his strength in ground duels and reading the game. His inclination for committing fouls, while worrying, is testament to his tenacious defensive approach.
In terms of possession, Akpoguma leans towards a more traditional defensive orientation, with most touches coming in the midfield and defensive thirds. Despite relatively low activity in the attacking third, his extraordinary chance creation skills create nuanced dynamics in Hoffenheim's style of play, placing him among multifaceted defenders in the Bundesliga. This, in essence, encapsulates the Narendra - a robust defender with surprising flair and finesse.