Mason Melia
Country: Ireland
Date of birth: 01/10/2007 (15 years old)
Place of birth: Kilcoole, Wicklow (Ireland)
Height: —
Youth career: Bray Wanderers, St. Patrick’s Athletic (since 2022)
Current club: St. Patrick’s Athletic
Squad number: —
Current national team: Ireland U-17
Position: centre-forward
Preferred foot: right
Market value (by transfermarkt.de): —
Tournaments participated in: 2023 UEFA European Under-17 Championship qualification elite round (3/3)
Contract until: unknown
Player’s agent: unknown
Transfer rumours: —
Similar type of player: Harry Kane
Strengths:
– finishing 
– instinct
– off-the-ball movement
– link-up play
– heading
– technique 
– flair
– first touch
– athleticism
To improve:
– a very complete skillset for a striker of his age but still needs to work hard to polish some elements of his game such as explosivity, extensive passing skills, and composure in the final third
Style of play:
– complete forward/target man
– tall player with a good body mass ratio who needs to build more muscles/physical power and can develop very well physically in the coming years
– killer instinct, great off-the-ball movement, above-average decision-making, timing, intelligence, composure, and flair in the final third
– decent agility and pace over longer distances
– clinical finisher with a wide range of finishing skills with both feet
– able to sniff out a goal in any situation
– very skillful at beating his markers and evading pressure
– his physical power, aerial ability, and technique allow him to play fruitfully with his back to the goal/very good ability to connect with midfield and attacking partners
– often moves deeper into midfield and draws defenders with him in order to create and exploit spaces for his teammates
– generates many flick-ons and passes into the channels for his teammates to utilize
– feels quite comfortable in tight spaces/under pressure thanks to his footwork, technique, and ball control
– great sense of positioning while receiving through balls
– extremely difficult to knock off the ball thanks to his strength, ability to shield the ball, and excellent close control
– likes to take advantage of the carelessness of the opponents/always alert to capitalize on defensive mistakes
– aerial threat in the opposition box
– good activity and tenacity in pressing/out of possession
– operates very comfortably with his left weaker foot
Melia controls the ball outside the penalty area, makes a quick decision, and scores with a powerful shot in the right top corner.
Melia drops deeper and links up play with a superb backheel pass.
Melia with a superb off-the-ball move, he then loses his marker with a quick turn, and scores.
Heatmap by Wyscout:
He is best suited to playing as:
Centre-forward in 4-3-3.
Video:
Achievements:
Victory Shield 2022 winner with Ireland U-16.
League summary (as for 21 March 2023):
No senior team appearances yet.
Description:
Mason Melia joined St. Patrick’s Athletic from Bray Wanderers in 2022. He is considered to be one of the most talented youngsters in Ireland. He is part of a new, extremely interesting generation of Irish U19s which includes, among others Evan Ferguson, Rocco Vata, Kevin Zefi, Sam Curtis, Justin Ferizaj, James Abankwah, Trent Kone Doherty, Mark O’Mahony, Cathal Heffernan, and Franco Umeh-Chibueze. Melia made his professional debut on 31 January 2023 in the Leinster Senior Cup against Wexford FC in which he scored becoming St. Patrick’s Athletic youngest ever senior scorer aged 15 years and 132 days. He is also a regular youth international for Ireland and currently he’s one of the leaders of the U-17 team.
Quotes:
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Football Talent Scout potential rating:
First team material in a top European league.
Links: