Kalipha Jawla 2023/24: Why Djurgården’s 17 y/o striker is one to watch for the future – scout report

The Allsvenskan has produced and developed some incredibly talented young players in recent years. Amane Romeo and Bénié Traoré are prime examples; the former is widely regarded as one of the best young players in the league, whilst the latter recently signed for newly promoted Premier League side Sheffield United. Additionally, 19-year-old Hugo Larsson joined Bundesliga side Eintracht Frankfurt, whilst former Nordsjaelland winger Ibrahim Sadiq joined Eredivisie side AZ Alkmaar from BK Hacken.

As the title suggests, in this tactical analysis, we are going to look at another player who we believe is on the verge of breaking through in the Swedish top flight. Kalipha Jawla is a centre forward who has caught the eye whilst playing for Djurgårdens IF under 19s. In this scout report, we will highlight the key aspects of the 17-year-olds style of play and how he might fit into Djurgårdens tactics in the near future. 

Dynamism and unpredictability

Jawla mostly plays as the central striker of a 4-3-3 formation and is the main attacking outlet for Djurgården U19, as their attacking play runs through him. One of the most noticeable traits of his style of play is just how progressive he is when in possession. Upon receiving the ball, Jawlas instinct is always to try and do something positive with it. Since joining the U19 squad last season, Jawla has averaged 1.18 key passes per 90 and 1.26 take-ons per 90.

Here, we can see that Djurgården U19s are on the attack. Jawla got into space, and a teammate found him with a pass. The young forward controls the ball well, and instinctively, he looks to drive into the space ahead.