Simone Pafundi
Country: Italy
Date of birth: 14/03/2006 (16 years old)
Place of birth: Monfalcone (Italy)
Height: 165cm
Youth career: Monfalcone, Udinese (since 2014)
Current club: Udinese
Squad number: 80
Current national team: Italy U-17
Position: attacking midfielder, winger, second striker
Preferred foot: left
Market value (by transfermarkt.de): —
Tournaments participated in: —
Contract until: 30.06.2024
Player’s agent: unknown
Transfer rumours: —
Similar type of player: a hybrid of Leo Messi and David Silva
Strengths:
– pace 
– acceleration
– passing
– vision
– creativity
– technique
– ball control
– agility
– flair
– dribbling
– first touch 
– set-pieces
To improve:
– knows how to use his body and agility to evade physical challenges but he’s a player of a very small frame who doesn’t feel comfortable in contact situations
– aerial duels
Style of play:
– advanced playmaker
– likes to be fielded in a free role as an attacking midfielder, where he is given space to roam the pitch
– able to get out of various different scenarios, able to play wide and go direct, or being central and cutting through the lines/difference-maker
– player that always tries to find a vertical option in his game, so he is very capable of pushing his team forward to finishing positions
– highly technical and creative player
– excellent balance, footwork, coordination, and changes of pace
– likes to dribble
– likes to attack from right wing/half-space, cut inside and create himself a decent opportunity to score or pass
– likes to make quick first touch combinations with his teammates
– known for his “quick feet”, mobility, and close control
– creative at his off-the-ball movements, and likes to find the best space to receive the ball with good timings, linking up the team’s midfield and attack
– has the technique, ability, and confidence to execute the killer passes, and set-up goal-scoring opportunities for his teammates
– very strong in 1v1 situations, unpredictable, and very confident of his skills
– displays a natural technique to take fast decisions in tight spaces/press-resistant player
– spectacular dribbler able to make effective solo runs to beat the defensive line
– able to dribble and make quick combinations with his teammates at top speed
– extremely dangerous on the counter thanks to his pace and acceleration
– possesses very interesting mid-range and long-range shooting skills with his left foot
– extremely difficult to knock off the ball thanks to his low centre of gravity, agility, flair, and excellent close control
– all-action and energetic
– likes to press and hassle the opposition’s centre-backs effectively/active in pressing
– direct and indirect set-piece specialist
– he seems to be a quiet but determined player who likes to show his bravery and express himself on the pitch
Pafundi makes a good run through the middle and provides a superb assist to his teammate.
Pafundi attacks from the right wing, dribbles past his opponent with ease, and scores with a powerful and precise finish.
Heatmap by Wyscout:
He is best suited to playing as:
Attacking midfielder in 4-2-3-1.
Video:
Achievements:
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League summary (as for 25 June 2022):
Serie A 2021/2022: 1 game/0 goals (Udinese)
Description:
Simone Pafundi joined Udinese youth academy from Monfalcone in 2014. His older brother Andrea is also a talented footballer and Udinese player. After impressing in the Campionato Primavera, Simone made his professional debut for Udinese, coming in as a substitute for Roberto Pereyra in the 68th minute of the team’s final game of the season, a 4–0 away win against Salernitana. Thanks to that he became the first-ever player born in 2006 to play in one of Europe’s top 5 leagues and also the youngest player in Udinese’s history. In June 2022, he was listed as the youngest player nominated for the prestigious Golden Boy award.
Quotes:
‘He is a kid who already plays in the Primavera, he has Diego Maradona’s little foot. He is an extraordinary talent especially in the head. When the ball arrives he already knows what to do.’
(Andrea Carnevale – Udinese’s chief scout)
Football Talent Scout potential rating:
Player has the potential to become a key player in a top European club.
Links:
Reminds me more of a left footed ariel ortega