Scout Report – Alessio da Cruz
Arsene Wenger’s side will have to work hard if they are to finish in the top-4 of the points table, with competition at the top of the table truly heating up. The squad at the Emirates is capable of conquering their goals but the manager seems desperate to add some quality to his ranks, to help them compete with the best in the future.
This has seen Arsenal get linked with a number of star players recently and one player they are reportedly close to signing is Dutch youngster Alessio da Cruz.
According to reports, Arsenal have opened talks with the 20-year old for a move at the end of the season and are confident of landing him, ahead of Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool, who are also closely monitoring his situation. So who is Alessio da Cruz? What will he add to Arsenal’s squad? Here is a mini-scout report for the fans not so familiar with the name:
A product of the Ajax academy, Da Cruz only made a name for himself at the FC Twente academy, where he made his first senior start in 2014, as a teenager. However, he failed to establish himself in the first-team and was sent out on loan to FC Dordrecht, where he truly came to life.
A first team star at the club last season, the 20-year old scored 5 goals in 29 appearances. However, he was sold to Novara, a second-tier club in Italy, and he has not failed to impress in his first stint in Europe. He has 5 goals and 2 assists in 16 Serie B starts and is truly turning into a star for the future.
A versatile winger, who can also lead the line alone, da Cruz is a busy player, who loves to have the ball at his feet. His pace and dribbling prowess have already troubled even the best defenders in the second tier in Italy and at just 20, he is showing great promise for the future.
He is one of the quickest players in the league and is adept at creating chances from the flank, consistently. He does have to work on his finishing and crossing abilities but at his age, he is only going to get better and will walk into most top clubs in Europe, in the years to come.
Arsene Wenger has always nurtered such young talent and for Da Cruz, the Emirates seems like the best destination.