Nuno Mendes Scout Report At PSG 2024/2025: Finding Similar Attacking Full-Backs (Andrei Borza, El Hadji Malick Diouf, Maxim De Cuyper) – Data Analysis

Welcome back to the third instalment of my series of articles, which takes a data-driven approach to player ID and recruitment in football.

In the first two, I have looked at centre-backs, taking a close look at the roles of Dominant Defender and Ball-Playing Defender.

This time around, it is time to turn our attention to full-backs.

Full-back is still a somewhat hybrid position.

I am old enough to remember when right-backs were purely functional players who were there for their defensive work and ability to organise.

Left-backs may have been more forward-thinking, but neither typically had the same kind of impact that we see in the modern game.

Now, full-backs are attacking weapons.

We may see a profile on either side that supports the attack through runs and dribbles through the thirds, or they may be more progressive in their attacking approach, favouring line-breaking passes to line-breaking runs.

Of course, the very best candidates for this role will thrive in both environments.

Despite the intensity of the game, full-back is still the position that can receive the ball in the most space and with the most time.

This means that a good attacking full-back can be worth their weight in gold for top teams.

So, what are we looking for in the Attacking Full-back profile?

Well, the answer is simple.

We are seeking players who can make significant contributions to the games attacking phase.

This can be achieved through carries or progressive passes, but it must include an impact in the final third, where the value of their actions can create chances for their team.

The structure of this scouting report and player analysis will follow the same pattern as the other two that have already been posted.

First, I will identify a prototype profile in the top five European Leagues. 

Then, I will identify two players in the following strongest leagues with interesting profiles who are ready to move to a top-five league.

Finally, I will identify a player in a league with less exposure who is showing promise.

Nuno Mendes Scout Report At PSG

In the recent UEFA Champions League match between PSG and Liverpool, it is fair to say that the 22-year-old Portuguese international left-back Nuno Mendes was nothing short of sensational.

He was excellent out of possession, routinely winning his duels and keeping Mohamed Salah quiet.

In possession, he showed moments of real quality as the French side dominated the game.

Nuno Mendes is one of those holy grail full-backs that I referenced above.

He is equally effective in both the attacking and defensive phases of the game and can break opposition attacks or open up games with impunity.

Nuno Mendes Radar Chart

Figure One

Mendes data, as you can see from his pizza chart, speaks for itself when compared to other left-backs in the top 5 European Leagues.