Alexandru Bota
Full name: Alexandru Cristian Bota
Country: Romania
Date of birth: 31/03/2008 (16 years old)
Place of birth: Cluj-Napoca (Romania)
Height: —
Youth career: Universitatea Cluj
Current club: Universitatea Cluj
Squad number: 20
Current national team: Romania U-17
Position: central midfielder, attacking midfielder, winger
Preferred foot: right
Market value (by transfermarkt.de): 50K€
Tournaments participated in: —
Contract until: unknown
Player’s agent: unknown
Transfer rumours: —
Similar type of player: Isco/Mario Götze
Strengths:
– technique 
– ball control
– creativity
– passing
– vision
– agility
– flair
– pace 
– acceleration
– first touch
To improve:
– even though he’s strong on his feet due to his low center of gravity, his smaller frame means he should focus on improving his physical development
– consistency of his decision-making in the final third
Style of play:
– advanced playmaker
– player with a low centre of gravity, superb agility, flair, changes of pace, and coordination
– excellent technique on the ball, mobility, acceleration skills, fast direction shifts, short-dribbling, and good short-mid through passing ability
– superb combination of a dribbler and creator, who likes to speed up the game with his dribbling and passing skills
– likes to play in a free attacking role granted the freedom to roam the pitch and find space
– often initiates his attacks from the left wing or half-spaces
– good dribbler with futsal-like close control and high on-the-ball bravery, capable of weaving through defenses with effective solo runs
– possesses excellent technique, vision, and the confidence to execute decisive passes, consistently setting up goal-scoring opportunities for his teammates
– fantastic ball control at top speed
– displays a natural technique to make fast decisions in tight spaces
– very positive on the ball, unpredictable, and confident of his skills
– interesting mid and long-range shooting skills
– highly dangerous on the counterattack due to his pace and movement, combining well in fast, 1-2 plays
– even though his defensive positioning is still a work in progress, he demonstrates encouraging signs with his work rate and tenacity during the defensive phase
– good direct and indirect set-piece taker
After a good run through the middle, Bota provides an assist with an intelligent pass.
Bota enters the penalty area, stays calm under heavy pressure, and scores with a good finish.
Bota makes an instant decision and creates a good chance with a superb first touch pass.
Heatmap by Wyscout:
He is best suited to playing as:
Central midfielder in 4-3-3.
Video:
Achievements:
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League summary (as of 3 January 2025):
Liga I 2022/2023: 1 game/0 goals (Universitatea Cluj)
Liga I 2024/2025 (ongoing): 3 games/0 goals (Universitatea Cluj)
Description:
Alexandru Bota is widely regarded as one of the most promising teenage talents in Romanian football. A standout product of the Universitatea Cluj youth academy, he made his professional debut at just 14 years, 11 months, and 10 days old in a high-stakes derby against CFR Cluj on 13 March 2023. Bota is a key figure in Romania’s youth setups, currently serving as one of the leaders of the Romania U-17 national team.
Quotes:
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Football Talent Scout potential rating:
8/10 
First team material in a top European league.
Links: