AFC Bournemouth
One of the most exciting young midfielders in world football, Alex Scott is the newest arrival at Vitality Stadium.
At the tender age of 19, he’s played nearly 100 times for Bristol City and earned plaudits from footballing figures such as Pep Guardiola and Jack Grealish.
What makes the youngster so exciting?
ELITE BALL CARRYING
Scott is a player who glides with the ball, showing immense ball-carrying skills and displaying a game intelligence way before his years.
He's ambitious with the ball but he’s rarely reckless and his average of 2.28 progressive carries per game puts him in the 88th percentile of midfielders.
Even when adjusted to Premier League standards, the number of dribbles he attempts would place him in 93rd percentile in his position.
He's happy to drift across the pitch, receiving the ball in defensive areas and advancing on either side of the pitch.
With a low centre of gravity and quick feet, he’ll be an exciting player for Cherries fans to watch.
His ability on the ball has earned him the nickname ‘The Guernsey Grealish’, his play and style reminding fans of Manchester City’s star winger.
VERSATILITY
Part of what makes Scott stand out is his ability to play across the midfield, providing real options for Andoni Iraola.
Scott’s natural game is in advanced midfield positions, either a number eight or a number ten, and that’s where he’s played the majority of his games.
According to The Athletic, Scott has played 47 per cent of his games in central midfield with a further 20 per cent of action as a ten.
He's played a decent number of games at defensive midfield and has even lined up on the right wing.
Moving across the pitch hasn’t stopped Scott from shining, though, as his 39 key passes in the 2022/23 season highlights.
He made 92 passes into the final third and made 129 progressive passes, which are completed passes that moved more than ten yards up the pitch.
DEFENSIVE ACTIONS
A lot of praise around Scott’s game is centred around his attacking flair but he’s very adept in a defensive view as well.
With an average of 2.03 tackles per game and 0.97 interceptions, Scott is truly an all-action midfielder.
In 2022/23, Scott made 114 tackles and interceptions, 40 clearances and 53 blocks, highlighting the strong work ethic he has.
His 1.17 aerial battles won on average puts him in the 70th percentile of midfielders, despite only being 5ft 8in in height.
