In this scout report, 20-year-old Matte Smets shines as a promising centre back for Genk in the Belgian Pro League. Emphasising a composed style of play, he's exceptional in ball retention, ranking at the pinnacle of his peers, ensuring Genk maintain possession effectively. His pass accuracy is near unrivalled, a testament to his precision and calmness under pressure. Beyond just retaining the ball, Smets is adept at progressing play, excelling in carrying the ball forward, which is invaluable for initiating attacks from the back. He's highly active in the defensive and midfield thirds, making frequent interceptions, demonstrating his tactical awareness and anticipation. However, his perceptible weakness in aerial duels suggests room for improving his physical presence, a vital aspect of a defender's repertoire. His involvement and numerous touches underline his centrality to Genk's defensive operations, while his low foul and yellow card rate suggest a disciplined approach. Despite his youth, Smets displays maturity beyond his years, showcasing potential that could see him develop into a staple of top-tier defensive lines.
Matte Smets Key stats
Matte Smets Senior Career
Matte Smets Career Trend
Matte Smets Shot Maps
Matte Smets Shot Summary
In the 2024-2025 season, Matte Smets took 5 shots, scoring 0 goals. This output came from an Expected Goals (xG) of 0.36, averaging 0.07 xG per shot.
Right Foot: 0 goals from 2 shots. A 0.0% conversion rate. 0.08 xG per shot.
Left Foot: 0 goals from 1 shots. A 0.0% conversion rate. 0.02 xG per shot.
Headers: 0 goals from 2 headed attempts. A 0.0% conversion rate. 0.09 xG per shot.
