Vitesse’s Rising Star: Unveiling the talents of Mikah Hoop – scout report

Vitesse are having a torrid time this season, with just four wins to their name, the Arnhem-based side finds themselves languishing in 17th place in the Eredivisie. 

Although the club has never won a top-flight title, it has established itself as a development ground for future top-class talents.

For example, many Chelsea academy players were sent on loan to the Dutch side to get a taste of first-team football, including the likes of Mason Mount and Bertrand Traoré. Moreover, Spanish giants Real Madrid sent the now Arsenal captain Martin Ødegaard on loan to Vitesse in a bid to aid his development.

While the first team may be struggling, the Vitesse academy is developing some wonderful talents of their own, and one of those players will be the focus of this tactical analysis.

Mikah Hoop is already making waves as a winger for Vitesses U15s team,  continuously putting in an array of impressive performances in the U15 Divisie. Hoop has caught attention with his electrifying pace and technical ability. 

As a dynamic winger, he possesses the versatility to operate on either flank, offering a potent attacking threat wherever he is deployed on the pitch. 

With his youth and raw talent, Mikah Hoop represents a promising prospect for Vitesses youth academy, and this scout report will highlight what makes him such an exciting young player.

Forward momentum

In terms of tactics, Hoop primarily lines up on the left wing for Vitesse U15s in a 4-2-3-1 system, allowing him to cut inside onto his favoured right foot. 

The 15-year-old is an incredibly skilful winger who thrives when given the opportunity to isolate and then beat his opponent in 1v1 situations. In this example, Hoops picks up the ball, and his first thought is to run at his opponent. Hoop then weaves his way in and out of challenges before taking a shot at goal. 

His ability to thrive in these situations is an asset for Vitesse as it puts pressure on the opposing defence. Hoop’s movement draws the defenders towards him, which creates space in the oppositions defensive shape. This means that there is time and space for his teammates to get into optimal shooting positions in the box should a cross be incoming.