Eliaquim Mangala Scout Report
In this scout report, the focus of our analysis is French center back, Eliaquim Mangala, who participated in the 2023-2024 season of the Primeira Liga with Estoril. At age 33, Mangala demonstrates a command over the most strategic aspects of the game, a trait that has matured over time.
His playing style is primarily defensive, with his on-field presence slightly tilting towards the midfield third and defensive third. What stands out in Mangala's player stats is his uncanny ability for interceptions, placing him in the top 8% of players in the league, a testament to his anticipation skills and understanding of the game.
However, when it comes to more physical aspects of the game, such as ball recovery, progressive carrying, and dueling, Mangala seems to lag behind with rankings in the lower third of the percentile. This suggests a potentially slower pace on the field and a struggle in one-on-one scenarios. His low recoveries percentile also indicates difficulty in regaining possession after lost balls.
Mangala's ball retention is roughly in the middle of the pack, suggesting a steady if not spectacular ability to keep control under pressure. His stats also hint at a more cautionary style of play, focusing on safe passes rather than creating scoring opportunities, evident from his low chance creation percentile.
The fact that Mangala's activity in the attacking third is considerably low isn't necessarily a demerit, given his assigned position; still, it underlines a style of play heavily centered on defense.
In conclusion, while Mangala exhibits commendable defensive acumen, particularly in intercepting opposition plays, his agility and physical prowess leave something to be desired, hinting at potential areas for improvement. His playing style gravitates towards safety and control, abstaining from the flamboyance of the attacking field.