While big names across Europe are being linked to Newcastle United on a seemingly daily basis, there’s no doubt that plenty of talent lies domestically, and even in the second tier.
Bristol City’s Alex Scott has shone over the last couple of seasons, and is deservedly attracting Premier League suitors; one of which is believed to be Newcastle if you believe reports over the past 48 hours. Scott’s technical qualities, and his sky-high potential could make him an intriguing option for Newcastle United to explore.
Versatile Beyond His Years
Alex Scott was eased into professional football last season by Nigel Pearson by mostly playing as a right wingback, before moving into a more comfortable but demanding role in the middle of the park for the Robins this season.
Scott has played largely as part of a double pivot in a 3-4-1-2, but has also had minutes as the no. 10 in that system, and most recently, as a no. 10 in a 4-2-3-1. He has the ability to orchestrate games from deeper positions, but also has the creative quality to play further forward. This type of roundedness and versatility is so encouraging at his age.
Elegant Ball Carrier
Alex Scott’s most striking quality is his close control and ability to evade pressure. His first touch is consistently clean, and he’s got the intelligence and technical ability to bounce away from opposing players. He understands when to draw a challenge before having the explosiveness to evade the tackle and create space for himself. This is highlighted by his impressive ball-carrying numbers – 1.8 progressive carries per 90 (78th percentile), 0.35 carries into the area (87th percentile), and 1.09 take-ons completed (82nd percentile).
He’s been dubbed the “Guernsey Grealish” – and although his low socks play a part in the similarity, the way he glides past players is very similar to Jack Grealish from a technical standpoint.
Even in tight spaces in the middle of the park, Scott is regularly able to slalom through challenges – not only making him a useful player at maintaining possession, but also at creating space for teammates by attracting pressure. He’s particularly strong at receiving the ball on the half-turn, and that’s facilitated by his spatial awareness, agility, and excellent first touch.
Eye For Creativity
The 19 year-old is always aware of his surroundings through his scanning, and upon receipt of the ball, he’s always looking to be positive with it. He regularly looks to thread passes in behind to his striker when he has it in advanced positions, but also really likes hitting ambitious big switches and line-breaking passes in deeper areas.
Scott’s technique allows him to execute these passes with some success, but perhaps he needs to improve the timing of when he picks out these difficult passes. His tendency to force things a little explains his low pass completion, although I’d also argue that this type of attitude is great to see in a young player. It’s indicative of a footballer who’s not afraid to make mistakes. With more experience and a little more refinement, we’ll probably see a player who makes better decisions with the ball.
I’d also say that Scott’s goal threat needs elevating a little, and that perhaps comes with improved ball-striking and more minutes playing as a no. 8 or no. 10. Although he’ll end up being more of a creator than a goalscorer, being able to make late runs into the area and having the ability to score from range will be useful in pushing Scott towards the top of his game.
Effective Out of Possession
Alex Scott is full of energy without the ball, but importantly is also intelligent in his pressing. He knows what angles to press at, and how to press in coordination with his teammates, which hugely elevates his value as a midfielder in the modern game. His defensive work is reflected in his numbers too – winning 1.39 tackles per 90 (69th percentile) and making 1.67 blocks per 90 (93rd percentile).
This is obviously an area which is massively important to Eddie Howe’s philosophy, and that further underlines why I think he’d slot in nicely here.
Conclusion
Physically, he’ll have to do some bulking up, but most importantly Scott has all of the technical and mental qualities that indicate that he’ll adjust well to the Premier League. I really don’t think he’ll have many issues adjusting to the pace of the league. It wouldn’t surprise me much if he’s playing international football within the next few years.
He would be a long term signing, so current tactical fit isn’t particularly important, but Alex Scott still ticks those boxes. For me, I think he’d be a really nice option as one of the no. 8s in Howe’s 4-3-3. He’s got the ball-playing ability to help out in build-up in the midfield third, the creativity to be dangerous in the final third, and the pressing ability to slide seamlessly into our off-the-ball structure.
There’s no doubt that a clutch of Premier League clubs will be swirling around Alex Scott this summer, but I’d love it if we brushed the competition aside and brought in a midfielder who could play a huge role for us over the next decade.
