Stefan Smarkalev

Stefan Smarkalev

Full name in native alphabet: Стефан Стефанов Смъркалев

Country: Bulgaria

Date of birth: 14/05/2007 (16 years old)

Place of birth: Sofia (Bulgaria)

Height: —

Youth career: Botev Plovdiv

Current club: Botev Plovdiv

Squad number: 77

Current national team: Bulgaria U-17

Position: goalkeeper

Preferred foot: right

Market value (by transfermarkt.de): 50.000 €

Tournaments participated in: —

Contract until: 30.06.2026

Player’s agent: unknown

Transfer rumours: —

Similar type of player: Dominik Livaković

Strengths:

– reflexes 

– handling 

– close-range shot-stopping ability 

– agility 

– positioning

– aerial ability

– distribution 

– athleticism

– bravery 

To improve:

– technical mistakes while parrying or catching the ball

Style of play:

Mature right-footed goalkeeper who excels with his fantastic reflexes. Good height and strength for a keeper of his age. Decent long and short distribution. Above-average footwork and composure under pressure.

Smarkalev with a fantastic instinctive save from close-range.

Smarkalev saves a dangerous long-range shot in a great fashion.

Smarkalev with a spectacular save of an ovehead kick from close range.

Heatmap by Wyscout:

He is best suited to playing as:

Goalkeeper.

Video:

Achievements:

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League summary (as for 19 November 2023):

Vtora liga 2022/2023: 12 games/0 goals (Botev II)

Parva Liga 2022/2023: 1 game/0 goals (Botev)

Description:

Stefan Smarkalev is a product of the Botev Plovdiv youth academy. He is considered to be one of the most interesting U-17 goalkeepers in Europe. He made his professional debut just 23 days after his 16th birthday on 6 June 2023 in a league fixture against Arda Kardzhali.

Quotes:

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Football Talent Scout potential rating:

8/10

First team material in a top European league.

Links:

Transfermarkt

Soccerway

Playmaker