Scouting Report: Edmond Tapsoba

Hello once again folks and with social media full of talk of another potential Tottenham transfer target, rather than repeat the reports of everyone else, I'll bring you another player scouting report, something that you tell me you appreciate so will become a regular feature this summer.

You can read previous scouting reports here (they all open in a new window):

• Tanguy Ndombele
• Roger Ibañez
• David Raya
• Dejan Kulusevski

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. Playing Style and Tactical Adaptability
3. Ball Circulation and Composure
4. Wide Range of Passing Options
5. Defensive Excellence and Adaptability
6. Areas for Improvement
7. Potential for Increased Value
8. Q&A Section

Introduction:

With Tottenham Hotspur looking to revamp their central defence this summer, one player who has emerged as an intriguing prospect is Edmond Tapsoba.

The 24 year old Burkinabe center-back has made a name for himself with his performances for Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga, catching the eye of scouts and earning rave reviews.

In this scouting report, we will analyze Tapsoba's skill set, compare it against the requirements of Tottenham's defensive system, highlight his weaknesses, assess his potential for increased value, and address some key questions surrounding his development.

This could move quickly, personal terms will not be an issue, just a question of agreeing on a fee, which isn't always as difficult as some like to make out, and pressing the go button.

His agent is former Barcelona and Portugal star Deco, who gives him advice.


"Everybody knows he was a great player. He gives me a lot of advice, and we usually talk after each game. He tells me what I should continue doing and what I can do better."

Left centre-back players with similar stats

• Jhon Lucumi (24) - Bologna
• Kalidou Koulibaly (32) - Chelsea
• Lucas Hernandez (27) - Bayern Munich
• Juan Jesus (32) - Napoli
• Igor Julio (25) - Fiorentina
• Alessandro Bastoni (24) - Inter Milan
• Facundo Medina (24) - Lens

Scouting Report: Edmond Tapsoba

Tapsoba showcased his impressive skills while representing Burkina Faso in the African Cup of Nations, narrowly missing out on a third-place finish. Additionally, he has consistently impressed as a key player for Gerardo Seoane's team in the German Bundesliga.

His arrival at Leverkusen during the January transfer window of the 2019/20 season had an immediate impact, enhancing the team's defensive solidity and ball circulation under the guidance of coach Peter Bosz. 

Since then, Tapsoba has seamlessly adapted to the tactical demands set by Seoane, demonstrating his exceptional versatility and adaptability on the field and adjusting the back-five favoured by new Bayer Leverkusen head coach Xabi Alonso..

Playing Style and Tactical Adaptability:

Under the guidance of coaches Peter Bosz and Gerardo Seoane, Tapsoba has showcased remarkable adaptability to different tactical demands. While Leverkusen, under Bosz, emphasized possession-oriented play and short build-up, Seoane's approach has been more direct and transitional.

Tapsoba has seamlessly transitioned from a progressive ball-playing role to a more conservative and recycling role, retaining possession effectively under pressure. His physical presence and composure on the ball have made him a reliable figure in Leverkusen's defensive setup.

Ball Circulation and Composure:

Tapsoba's ability to play the ball along the ground and his preference for finding teammates at their feet rather than resorting to aerial passes greatly benefit Leverkusen's possession-based style of play.

He demonstrates exceptional composure and precision in his passing, including impressive switch passes to quickly alter the line of attack. Furthermore, his unique body positioning when receiving and carrying the ball opens up a wider range of passing angles, providing leverage in Leverkusen's build-up play.

Defensive Excellence and Adaptability:

Defensively, Tapsoba excels in one-on-one situations, utilizing his elegant and composed style to neutralize opponents. His acceleration allows him to keep pace with speedy attackers, while his intelligent body positioning guides opponents onto their weaker foot, minimizing their attacking threat.

Tapsoba's adaptability is evident as he thrives in both proactive high-pressing setups and more passive defensive approaches. This versatility has been crucial for Leverkusen, especially with a slight decrease in the team's pressing effectiveness under Seoane.

Areas for Improvement:

Despite his imposing physical presence, Tapsoba's performance in aerial duels has been relatively mediocre, winning just under two-thirds of them. Additionally, he has shown occasional rashness and eagerness to engage in challenges, although he has made noticeable improvements in this aspect during his time in the Bundesliga.

Pairing him with a central defender who excels in aerial duels and possesses greater aggression in possession could complement his skill set and cover certain gaps in his game.

Tapsoba was asked by Bulinews in which areas he thought he could improve as a player.

"I would like to improve my goalscoring from free-kicks and corners. I also think I could be better at staying focused for 90 minutes."

Potential for Increased Value:

As one of the brightest defensive prospects in European football, Tapsoba's rapid ascent from Burkina Faso's top tier to the Bundesliga within four years is a testament to his capacity and ambition to improve.

With his athleticism, composure, and comfort in high-pressing defensive setups, Tapsoba has the potential to attract interest from top European clubs. His value is expected to rise as he continues to refine his skills and develop further in the coming seasons.

Q&A Section:

1. How has Tapsoba's tactical adaptability benefited Leverkusen under Seoane?
2. What are Tapsoba's strengths in ball circulation and possession retention?
3. Tapsoba's strengths in ball circulation and possession retention?
4. How does Tapsoba's unique body positioning contribute to Leverkusen's build-up play?
5. What defensive qualities does Tapsoba possess, and how has he adapted to different defensive approaches?
6. What areas of his game need improvement, and how can he compensate for them?
7. What is the potential for Tapsoba's value to increase, and what factors contribute to his rising profile?
8. How does Tapsoba's playing style and skill set align with Tottenham's defensive system?

Q1: How well does Edmond Tapsoba fit the skill set required for Postecoglou's system at Tottenham?

Edmond Tapsoba demonstrates several attributes that align with the skill set required for Postecoglou's system at Tottenham. His ability to adapt to different defensive formations and tactical demands is a valuable asset, as Postecoglou emphasizes versatility in playing styles and formations.

Tapsoba's composure on the ball, ability to retain possession under pressure, and preference for ground passes make him a suitable fit for Postecoglou's possession-oriented approach.

His skills in finding passing angles and executing accurate switches of play align with Tottenham's focus on retaining possession and creating rotations in central spaces.

Defensively, Tapsoba's elegant and composed style, coupled with his one-on-one defending abilities, would contribute to the defensive solidity and transition between defensive shapes that Postecoglou's system requires.

While there are areas for improvement, such as aerial duels and decision-making, Tapsoba's overall skill set and adaptability make him a compelling candidate for Postecoglou's system at Tottenham.

2. What are Tapsoba's strengths in ball circulation and possession retention?

Tapsoba's strengths in ball circulation and possession retention lie in his composure on the ball and his preference for playing along the ground. He showcases excellent technique and decision-making, often choosing the safest passing options to maintain possession even under pressure.

His ability to recycle the ball from deep positions contributes to Leverkusen's ball circulation, allowing the team to build attacks from the back with controlled possession.

3. How does Tapsoba's unique body positioning contribute to Leverkusen's build-up play?

Tapsoba's unique body positioning, which keeps his body square to the ball when receiving and carrying it, offers Leverkusen significant advantages in their build-up play. Unlike many defenders who angle their body towards their stronger foot, Tapsoba's open body position allows him to have a wider range of passing options.

This flexibility enables him to scan the field and find teammates in various directions, making Leverkusen's build-up play less predictable and more dynamic.

4. What defensive qualities does Tapsoba possess, and how has he adapted to different defensive approaches?

Defensively, Tapsoba is an elegant and composed defender with excellent one-on-one abilities. His acceleration and intelligent body positioning enable him to keep pace with speedy attackers and limit their attacking options.

Tapsoba has showcased adaptability in different defensive approaches, excelling in both proactive high-pressing setups under Bosz and more passive defensive approaches implemented by Seoane.

His versatility and understanding of defensive positioning make him a reliable figure in Leverkusen's backline.

5. What areas of his game need improvement, and how can he compensate for them?

While Tapsoba has displayed remarkable progress in his game, there are areas that still require improvement. His performance in aerial duels could be more consistent, and he should aim to increase his success rate in winning headers.

To compensate for this, Tapsoba can work on his positioning and timing to better challenge opponents in the air. Additionally, he should continue refining his decision-making to avoid being overly rash or eager in challenges, maintaining a balanced approach to defensive engagements.

6. What is the potential for Tapsoba's value to increase, and what factors contribute to his rising profile?

Tapsoba's potential for an increase in value is significant, given his impressive performances in the Bundesliga and his young age. As a highly talented defender with a growing reputation, he has already attracted attention from top European clubs.

Factors contributing to his rising profile include his athleticism, composure on the ball, adaptability to different tactical approaches, and continuous improvement throughout his career.

If he continues to develop his skills and maintain consistent performances, his value is likely to soar in the coming years.

7. How does Tapsoba's playing style and skill set align with Tottenham's defensive system?

Tapsoba's playing style and skill set align well with Tottenham's defensive system, particularly under the coaching philosophy of Ange Postecoglou. His ability to retain possession under pressure, recycle the ball from deep positions, and make composed defensive decisions matches the requirements of Postecoglou's system.

Tapsoba's adaptability to different defensive approaches also makes him a suitable candidate for Tottenham, as Postecoglou emphasizes flexibility in formations and defensive shapes.

In terms of playing out from the back, Tapsoba's composure on the ball and preference for ground passes align with Postecoglou's possession-oriented style. His ability to find passing angles and switch the play quickly and accurately would contribute to Tottenham's build-up play and help transition the team from defense to attack.

Defensively, Tapsoba's elegant and composed style suits the one-on-one situations that arise in Postecoglou's system. His intelligent body positioning, coupled with his acceleration, allows him to keep up with fast attackers and neutralize their threats effectively.

Tapsoba's adaptability to different defensive approaches would also be advantageous for Tottenham, as Postecoglou's system requires defenders who can adjust to various tactical demands.

While Tapsoba may need to work on his aerial duels and refine his decision-making to avoid unnecessary challenges, these areas can be compensated for by partnering him with a central defender who excels in the air and possesses greater aggression in possession.

Tottenham's defensive setup could provide a suitable environment for Tapsoba to continue developing and addressing these aspects of his game.

Overall, Edmond Tapsoba's impressive skill set, adaptability, and potential for growth make him a compelling option for Tottenham as we seek to strengthen our central defence.

With his athleticism, composure, and compatibility with Postecoglou's system, Tapsoba has the potential to become a valuable asset and rise to the highest level of the game.