Cade Cowell: Scouting Report by Nene Afadzinu
AGE:19
HEIGHT: 5’9”
WEIGHT: 70 KG
FOOT: RIGHT
CLUB: SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES
NATIONALITY: AMERICAN
Electric left winger. Predominantly right footed but is very capable with his left foot. Average height for his position. Slim and mobile. Has blistering pace and a rapid burst of acceleration.
Has great ball control but his first touch can be erratic. Is very direct and backs himself to be able to take on and beat his man with sheer pace. Wonderful close control, balance, and agility help him weave past multiple challenges on mazy runs. Is like a freight train in transition and can be herculean to stop. Likes to hold onto the ball and drive with it but will pass to the open man. Links up play effectively with good short passes. Occasionally shows he has the vision and technique to see and execute long balls. Is a decent crosser and can deliver into the box with either foot. Uses his great close control in and around the box to create separation for a shot or a cross. Not afraid to let fly from distance and will shoot if given the time and space. Can snatch at chances and miss sitters. Is a high-volume shooter and will keep pulling the trigger when he gets into position. Capable of finishing well with either foot.
Has played as a left winger in 343 and a left sided striker in a 352. Constantly on the move and is always looking to find and exploit space in and out of possession. Takes advantage of his devastating pace and plays on the shoulder of the last man, looking to beat the offside trap. Runs the channels effectively. Will occasionally drop to linkup play. Can be very difficult to mark. Has good positioning sense and can get on the end of crosses.
Does most of his defensive work by pressing relentlessly. Does not dive into tackles. Good anticipation and reading of the game to make multiple interceptions. Does not track back often and prefers to stay advanced as a transition outlet. Is stronger than he looks and quite difficult to shrug off the ball. Doesn’t contest many aerial duels.
Plays the game at a high tempo. Never gives up and is seemingly unfazed by previous errors, trying again and again. Not the most vocal of players but his relentless energy can inspire teammates. Often makes the right decision in the final third.
PLAYER MATRIX
| TECHNICAL ABILITY | (0-10) |
| Ball Control | 9 |
| Attacking Ability | 8 |
| Defending Ability | 7 |
| Heading | 4 |
| Long Passing | 6 |
| Short Passing | 8 |
| Right-Footed Passing | 9 |
| Left-Footed Passing | 7 |
| Finishing | 8 |
| Right-Footed Shooting | 9 |
| Left-Footed Shooting | 7 |
| Running With The Ball | 10 |
| Attacking 1v1 | 9 |
| Crossing | 6 |
| TOTAL | 107/140 |
| TACTICAL ABILITY | (0-10) |
| Vision | 8 |
| Awareness | 10 |
| Movement Off The Ball | 10 |
| Decision Making | 8 |
| TOTAL | 36/40 |
| ATHLETIC ABILITY | (0-10) |
| Pace | 10 |
| Sharpness | 10 |
| Mobility | 10 |
| Body Strength | 7 |
| Work Rate | 7 |
| TOTAL | 44/50 |
| CHARACTER | (0-10) |
| Effort To Win The Ball Back | 7 |
| Bravery – Physical | 7 |
| Bravery – Mental | 10 |
| Energetic | 10 |
| Leadership | 7 |
| Talkative | 6 |
| Competitive | 8 |
| Team Player | 8 |
| TOTAL | 63/80 |
ABILITY = 250/310
= 81%
80 – 89% = Good player in a top league
Cade has the potential to be a key player for the USMNT and a world class player for a top team in the Premier League or La Liga. Needs to be more vocal and improve his short passing and crossing if he is to become an elite player. Learning to control his tempo in possession would also help him greatly.