Four flourishing full-backs from Europe’s youth leagues – scout report

In recent years, the role of the full-back has become crucial in both the offensive and defensive aspects of the game. 

Offensively, a full-back plays a key role in supporting the teams attack. They often provide explosive overlapping runs down the flanks to provide width to the teams attacking play. By doing so, they create additional options for wingers and midfielders, contributing to the overall attacking strategy. 

Defensively, full-backs are essential in preventing the opposing team from attacking down the wings. They often find themselves in one-on-one situations with opposing wingers, requiring a combination of speed, agility, and tactical awareness to defend successfully. Additionally, full-backs play a vital role in transitioning from defence to offence by initiating counterattacks through quick and precise distribution.

Of course, one iconic figure is Roberto Carlos, renowned for his explosive speed, powerful shots, and exceptional attacking contributions. Carlos played a pivotal role in Brazils 2002 World Cup triumph and had a distinguished club career, most notably with Real Madrid.

Players like Andrew Robertson of Liverpool and Joshua Kimmich of Bayern Munich exemplify the modern full-back, seamlessly blending defensive solidity with dynamic attacking contributions. Moreover, we often see Trent Alexander-Arnold making inverted movements into midfield to utilise his extensive passing range and demonstrate the evolution of the role. 

In this tactical analysis and scout report, we will focus on players who are under 17 (born 2007-2008) and scour Europes youth leagues to find the most exciting full-backs who have impressed in 2023. We will analyse what each player brings to their respective teams tactics and why we think they are the ones to watch.

Ashqar Ahmed  Right Back  Reading F.C.

The first port of call in this analysis is Readings academy to look at 16-year-old right back Ashqar Ahmed. The young full-back has put in some impressive performances at U18 level throughout 2023. 

The example above exemplifies why Ahmed is such a useful player for Reading U18s. He can successfully regain possession in the defensive third, which allows the team to transition from defence to offence quickly. Here, Ahmed is in the defensive structure and reads the play well, moving across to close down the opposition player.

Upon intercepting the ball, Ahmed plays it to his teammate and continues his run forward, making himself available as a passing outlet down the right flank. This quick turnaround catches the opposing team off guard, preventing them from organising their defensive shape. The young full-backs ability to win the ball back efficiently becomes a catalyst for counterattacks, enabling Reading to exploit spaces left open by the retreating opposition.

Secondly, the forw