MTF Writer

Currently focusing on player reports in the swiss market. [email protected]

[MTF Writer @MindtheFootball]

Philippe Keny (27) one of the few bright spots in a difficult FC Zürich season. A modern reference striker combining elite aerial presence, powerful hold-up play and strong penalty-box instincts with more mobility than his 190cm frame might suggest. Finished the campaign with 13G and 4A.

[MTF Writer @MindtheFootball]

Andrej Vasovic (18)
Despite his age, already shows the profile of a complete modern striker: physical, intelligent, aggressive in his movement and capable of linking attacks as well as finishing them. Still raw in certain areas, but the combination of maturity, intensity and all-around centre-forward qualities suggests there is significantly more to come.

[MTF Writer @MindtheFootball]

Alessandro Vogt (21) after a breakout season with 19 goals in all competitions for St. Gallen, the next step now takes him to Hoffenheim. A powerful modern #9 combining elite hold-up play, aggressive runs in behind, physicality and clinical finishing. Feels like a natural fit for Hoffenheim’s high-intensity, vertical style of football.

[MTF Writer @MindtheFootball]

Aliou Baldé (23)
explosive winger turned striker combining elite acceleration, aggressive depth runs and direct 1v1 threat. 15 goals in all competitions for St. Gallen and one of the Swiss Super League’s most dangerous transition weapons.

[MTF Writer @MindtheFootball]

Nishan Burkart (26) — once regarded as one of Switzerland’s brightest attacking prospects following his move from FC Zürich to Manchester United and later Freiburg, Burkart has rebuilt and established himself as a key attacking figure at Winterthur. A dynamic creator and goal threat capable of playing across the frontline, he combines intelligent movement, ball progression and chance creation with a constant ability to attack depth and destabilise defensive structures. Following Winterthur’s relegation, he could represent one of the more attractive market opportunities in Swiss football.

[MTF Writer @MindtheFootball]

@FabrizioRomano https://t.co/QowI7L25f1

[MTF Writer @MindtheFootball]

ISMAEL SAIBARI — REPORT
⸻
PLAYER ID
Born: 28 January 2001 (24)
CAM/LW/CM — Right-footed
185 cm
⸻

KEY ATTRIBUTES (per 90, vs Midfielders — Eredivisie 25/26)

Attacking Output

Data:
0.63 non-penalty goals (99th), 0.54 npxG (97th),
3.83 shots (95th),
0.23 assists (73rd), 0.27 xAG (79th),
0.81 npxG+xAG (97th),
4.61 SCA (79th), 0.78 GCA (95th).

Output monster from midfield. Scoring profile like a 9: elite volume, elite chance quality, and a small overperformance on xG (+0.09) that suggests good shot selection and execution rather than unsustainable finishing luck. He arrives consistently in optimal zones (very short average shot distance, 14.6m / 95th), functioning as a late-box runner and secondary striker rather than a long-shot merchant. Chance creation mirrors goal threat: high SCA volume driven primarily by live-ball passes (3.91 SCA from open play, 97th), with both xAG and GCA confirming: final actions translate into end-product. Real dual-threat scorer-creator from advanced zones.

⸻

Distribution

Data:
43.28 passes attempted (91st), 36.33 completed (95th),
83.9% completion (95th),
5.70 progressive passes (91st),
526.9m total passing distance (87th), 130.0m progressive passing distance (73rd),
2.03 key passes (71st),
3.05 passes into final third (91st), 1.72 passes into penalty area (71st).

High-usage, high-security progressor. Volume is top-tier for an advanced midfielder and, crucially, married to excellent efficiency: plays a lot and loses the ball rarely. Short and medium passing completion sits in the high 80s with huge volume, which is exactly what you want from a #8/#10 hybrid linking build-up to the front line. Progressive pass numbers and final-third access are both elite, confirming: constantly moves PSV up the pitch and into dangerous zones. Key pass output is strong without being wild, combined with his GCA/xAG profile it underlines: drives sequences, not just finishes them.

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Carrying

Data:
36.33 carries (93rd),
3.28 progressive carries (51st), 102.3m progressive carrying distance (63rd),
1.95 carries into final third (53rd), 1.41 carries into penalty area (61st),
3.67 take-ons attempted (65th), 2.19 successful (83rd),
59.6% take-on success (89th),
57.89 touches (95th), with 24.61 in mid-third (91st) and 27.73 in final third (85th),
6.80 touches in the box (95th).

Carrying is efficient, vertical and repeatable. Not a pure dribble merchant in volume, but when he goes, he gets through: very high success rate on take-ons, strong progressive distance, and regular entries into final third & box. High touch counts in both mid and attacking third show how often he becomes the reference point for progression, then continues his run to threaten the area. Functions as a powerful conduit between lines: receive from build-up, eliminate a line by pass or carry, then arrive in the box.

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DEF. & Aerial

Data:
1.80 tackles (83rd), 1.02 tackles won (75th),
0.70 tackles in defensive third (73rd), 0.78 in mid-third (77th), 0.31 in attacking third (71st),
0.78 dribblers tackled (79th), 62.5% of dribblers tackled (94th),
2.27 Tkl+Int (71st),
1.41 blocks (89th), 1.33 passes blocked (89th),
3.83 ball recoveries (55th),
0.39 aerials won (41st), 35.7% success (50th).

OOP work is genuinely strong. He contributes across all thirds, pressing high, stepping into midfield lanes, and covering deeper spaces when needed. Excellent success vs dribblers and strong block volume point to good timing, reading of passing lanes, and willingness to close shots and passes. Recovery numbers are solid, supporting his profile as a two-way midfielder rather than a luxury #10. Aerial impact is more neutral than dominant, but good enough that he isn’t a liability in duels. Perfect for an aggressive, front-foot pressing team.

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VERDICT — Elite
High-usage, two-way #8/10 or LW with CF level goal threat, elite progressive passing and strong pressing output — CL-calibre connector and finisher who can anchor the attacking core of a top club.

[MTF Writer @MindtheFootball]

Verfehlt mMn komplett den aktuellen Ansatz auch wenn das vlt. noch nicht in U17&19 reflektiert ist. Hier 2 sehr informative Videos dazu. Klar werden in Dortmund immer internationale Top Talente landen aber der Nachwuchs Fokus ist ganz klar regionaler geworden. Stichwort ausbilden anstatt selektieren.

https://t.co/KANR7gqjcL

https://t.co/xNBVdcYbDh

[MTF Writer @MindtheFootball]

Winsley Boteli (19) — explosive impact striker built around acceleration, aggressive box occupation and constant depth threat. Dangerous attacking channels and arriving first into finishing situations, while combining sharp first touches with direct vertical intent. 8 goals in the Swiss Super League despite rotational usage within FC Sion’s attack.

[MTF Writer @MindtheFootball]

Gaoussou Diakité (20) — explosive vertical attacker combining elite acceleration, rapid directional changes and aggressive channel attacks with real creativity between the lines. Equally dangerous destabilising structures through carries, combinations or runs in behind. 7 goals and 6 assists in the Swiss Super League.

[MTF Writer @MindtheFootball]

Rilind Nivokazi (26)
Classic target/link up#9 with 13 goals and 5 assists in the Swiss Super League. Dominant aerially, top timing in the box, strong hold-up play and excellent coordination in chaotic finishing situations.

[MTF Writer @MindtheFootball]

Omar Janneh, 19.

One of the breakout stars of the Swiss Super League after arriving in January 2026.

189cm, explosive, relentlessly attacks depth, dominant penalty-box presence and combines it with the coordination, technical sharpness and dynamic mobility to destabilize defenders in almost every type of attacking situation.

A rare and exceptionally complete striker talent with genuine elite-level potential.

[MTF Writer @MindtheFootball]

@Oltmk @tsurezureball Will do a new one soon

[MTF Writer @MindtheFootball]

Oscar Kabwit, 21.

Joined FC Luzern from TP Mazembe in September — and finished the season as their 2nd most productive player and the 11th in the league.

11 goals, 6 assists, direct running, 1v1 threat, getting shots off on both feet with real end product.

One of the breakout stories of the Swiss Super League season.

[MTF Writer @MindtheFootball]

Elmin Rastoder, 24.

A cornerstone of FC Thun’s surprise 25/26 championship run — 15 league goals, joint-third in the Swiss Super League scoring charts, and the central attacking reference point in one of the league’s most aggressive vertical teams.

[MTF Writer @MindtheFootball]

People compare Dortmund to clubs with completely different financial structures. Borussia Dortmund isn’t backed by a state, billionaire owner, or company willing to endlessly absorb losses. Even depending on the year/circumstances e.g covid season, they can struggle financially to compete with clubs like Bayer Leverkusen or RB Leipzig because of the structures and backing behind those clubs.

And after nearly going bankrupt in the early 2000s, Dortmund became extremely financially conservative. That mentality is still deeply rooted in how the club operates today.

It’s also not as simple as saying “just spend €50m instead of €35m.” The additional sporting benefit you might get from a €50m player compared to a €35m player often isn’t proportional to the extra financial risk. Dortmund’s model has historically been about maximizing value, spreading resources intelligently across the squad, infrastructure, scouting, academy development, and long-term stability instead of overcommitting massive sums on individual transfers.

That’s also why Dortmund’s success has usually come from identifying elite talent before they become €80m–€100m players, not from trying to behave like clubs with entirely different economic realities.

[MTF Writer @MindtheFootball]

@DougieCritchley @TonyBang554307 Yes plays in a double pivot mostly with Nmecha but the more defensive part partially his role and partially his natural tendencies. Said himself that he sees himself as a DM long term

[MTF Writer @MindtheFootball]

B.Traore (23) at Basel ready for the next step in the summer. Fast dribbler with the ability to get scorers regularly.