Player Analysis | Ezekiel Alladoh 🇬🇭 Thread will analyze strengths and weaknesses, and how the Union will be impacted: 📸: @PhilaUnion @AATSports_

Verdict: Anello is the wildcard Philadelphia has been needing. Controversially, he isn’t the traditional playmaker everyone thought was coming. Bradley Carnell’s philosophy aligns with the players profile, therefore this isn’t a square peg in a round hole situation. With

Fit with Philadelphia: Two things are blatantly clear with this signing. 1. He adds transition threat 2. His pressing intent is high For Philadelphia’s model these two aspects are golden. What they are getting is a man on the pitch to directly carry out what Carnell is

Player Comparison: Anello looks to be a Dennis Bouanga “lite” version. This comparison is actually great news for Union fans. LAFC has been an extremely successful transition focused squad. Bouanga was always the focus of that model. For LAFC, Bouanga… - Stretched the

Growth: Anello’s link play is relatively unproven. It’s unknown whether or not he can combine with teammates on a consistent minute to minute basis. This question mark will loom as Philadelphia faces more organized low blocks. As teams sit deeper, his pace becomes less

Career shooting profile (per 90): - 1.80 shots - 0.68 shots on target - 0.06 goals per shot on target (G/SoT) Something to look out for… Anello gets shots on frame but they’re the kind goalkeepers are comfortable saving. This isn’t a volume problem. It’s represents a shot

Strengths: - High vertical pace - Direct eye for goal - Pressing intent and aggression - Strong in duels - 1v1 take-ons

Background: Agustín Anello moved to Barcelona at age 10 and developed in Spain before continuing his pathway in Belgium. He began his professional career with City Group’s Lommel, where he gained attention for his speed and technique. He has since played for Hajduk Split, KV

Player Profile | Agustín Anello🇺🇸 📸: _agustinanello (via ig) @AATSports_

Grassroots coaching and tactical intelligence in the US won’t change overnight. It is so important for scouts to learn how to identify and appreciate players who figure it out on their own. While physicality is a valuable asset, composure and game IQ needs to become

Pro Example: Tim Ream is a perfect reference for this profile: a center back who stays on the ball, invites pressure, and refuses the obvious pass wide. His composure isn’t about safety - it’s about manipulating the press long enough to find the midfielder and break a line.

Scouts looking to solve this tactical issue (and eventually other problems) should focus on: Patient CB’s who… - Don’t auto-play the fullback on first touch - Hold the ball an extra second without panicking - Scan inside before scanning wide - Are comfortable being pressed

Where Recruitment is Important: As players progress, MLS NEXT academies contain high level coaches who will look to implement more intelligent philosophies. As discussed, grassroots coaching might not be up to speed with these philosophies. In return, many players will fail to

The Solution: To fix this problem means coming to a tactical realization as a coach. Rather than stressing your players force the ball wide, encourage your CB’s to delay the pass and look centrally. A simple glance changes the build out phase entirely. Here’s how it helps: -

Coaching Issue: Overusing the phrases, “keep it simple” and “keep the ball moving” as go-to cues enforces the idea that the first pass is the best pass. - Coaches praise quick, safe execution and players begin chasing that validation. They avoid holding it centrally, fearful

Why this is problematic: 1. Predictability - Easy for a winger to jump, especially if the pass is flat 2. Pins the fullback - The sideline becomes a defender (Only 180 degree options) 3. Rarely allows central progression - forces a possession recycle

There’s an issue with build-out play in youth soccer that intertwines recruitment focus with coaching issues: Centerbacks default to passing wide to their fullbacks in the defensive third. “Safe Option” —> Pressing Trigger —> Turnover

If Anello signs, expect a full breakdown; for now, here’s this. - Strong, explosive, and fearless forward - Transition monster, not a creator - Loves to pull the trigger from wherever

Now that Jalen Blesa seems to be off the table, Philadelphia will have to shift their focus to Agustin Anello🇺🇸

Stand Out Talent: Malik Jakupovic displays strikingly advanced instincts that set him apart from virtually every young forward in the US. He’s always in the right place at the right time, reading the game with a level of anticipation and spatial awareness rarely seen at his

Specific Player Comparison: Immediately after watching Malik’s goal catalogue, two players came to mind: one more well-known than the other. While not a direct comparison, it’s interesting to note the similarities in their goal styles. 1. Josep Iličić 2. Cole Palmer Both