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 

– dribbling 

– first touch 

– set pieces 

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:

Transfermarkt

Soccerway

Playmaker