Zico Buurmeester Scout Report
Zico Buurmeester commands attention on the field as a central midfielder in Eredivisie for PEC Zwolle. A mere 21 years old, this Dutch prodigy has potential for heady growth despite being a greenhorn. His performances so far paint a picture of a player more comfortable defensively than going forward, with a noteworthy knack for interceptions. In fact, when compared to his positional counterparts, almost none showcase the same penchant for nipping opposing plays in the bud as Buurmeester does.
However, we must address the glaring chinks in his armor. A paltry win ratio in both aerial duels and ground standoffs signify a lapse in physical dominance, a critical attribute for any player in his position. On the offensive front, he offers little, both in terms of chance creation or lethal finishing.
Buurmeester is not afraid of getting stuck in, as indicated by his above-average recoveries, which adds a certain indefatigability to his repertoire. However, both ball recovery and retention leave much to be desired, hinting at an area he needs to focus on to help his team maintain possession better.
Despite having an impressive assists-per-90-minute ratio, he is found lacking in most other key aspects such as goal efficiency, goal threat, and progressive carrying, with subpar rankings in each department. It's clear that Buurmeester's primary strength lays in defense, but to develop into a well-rounded central midfielder, he will need to hone his offensive skills, and quickly. He is not one to shy away from a challenge, evident by his resolute commitment to dispossession of opponents.
Moreover, his tendency to operate heavily in the midfield third could signal a need to expand his influence on the pitch, both to aid in offensive buildups and backline cover. Although certainly not a finished product, Zico Buurmeester shows promise if he can leverage his strong defensive abilities while concurrently refining his attacking inputs.
