Givairo Read is the most modern full-back
Plus: Jake hits Hudl at Fulham Pier, go say hi
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Our bald-headed beacon hits Craven Cottage
Tom Curren
First of all, Jake wrote that headline - as a man bestowed with the gift of an immovable hairline, I would never demean my shiny-topped brothers. Solidarity.
Now I have your attention, this is just a quick note to say Jake (Entwistle) will be attending Hudl Performance Insights at Fulham Pier on behalf of SCOUTED, which is happening...right now. If you're reading this on your phone at registration, grateful to have something to do with your hands before the first talk/meeting/awkward handshake of the day, give Jake a bell.
If you spot a shiny head at any of the networking moments, and that shiny head is sporting a terrific moustache, and you'd like to talk about SCOUTED's media work or the ways we can help clubs, agencies and institutions turn data into real football knowledge, go say hi. Or drop him a line at jake@scoutedftbl.com.
I just hope everyone has fun!
Givairo Read is the most modern full-back
Llew Davies
The full-back role is perhaps the best bellwether for football’s constant change.
The full-back ‘meta’ has shifted significantly in a short space of time: as soon as the inverted versions became a mainstay at the top level, the traditional flyers were back in fashion. That means a full-back that can do both is of heightened value.
Givairo Read can do both. He can move beyond the ball, manipulating width to provide depth and development in a more traditional method, and also progress and penetrate as a passer from behind the play, tucking inside in build up. In terms of contemporaries and compatriots, the Feyenoord right-back offers a fleet-footedness that compares to Jeremie Frimpong and a sturdiness that is reminiscent of Jurriën Timber. His rounded skillset was outstanding for the Netherlands as they triumphed at the UEFA U-19 EURO last summer and has been a boon for Robin van Persie at club level this season.
His profile is burgeoning in the Eredivisie and beginning to attract interest from some of the biggest clubs on the European scene. His tactical, technical and physical flexibility is a golden goose for head coaches and squad planners at the highest levels. Expect to see him make a milestone move next year.
HEATWATCH
SCOUTED50: Keeping tabs on the golden boys.
🔥 35 / JOAQUIN SEYS
The youngest player in the current Belgium squad, Seys made his senior debut in the October international break. This time around, the Red Devils face Kazakhstan and Liechtenstein - the bottom two teams in Group J - as they look to secure their spot at the 2026 World Cup.
This should mean that Seys gets at least one more cap under his belt. If not a full international debut, he should get more than the solitary minute he was given against North Macedonia. His ability to play at both left and right back increases that chance and positions him as the long-term replacement for the versatile Timothy Castagne, in terms of the role in the squad.
It also makes him a very interesting prospect as clubs begin to write up their Christmas lists.
🧊 23 / LENNON MILLER
We predicted it would take time for Miller to settle following his move to Italy this summer, but the adaption period has come at the cost of his place in the senior Scotland squad. He is yet to start a Serie A game for Udinese this season, averaging just 19 minutes per game across his four appearances.
That being said, he played just two minutes during the October international break. Perhaps remaining in Italy for the final international break of the year will accelerate his acclimatisation. Patience is required.
🔥 13 / NATHAN DE CAT
The 2025 U-17 World Cup knockout stages begin today. The tournament is almost-impossible to keep track of. The Round of 32 - that’s sixteen fixtures - will be played over the next two days before every Round of 16 match takes place on Tuesday 18 November.
The 48-team format is pretty ridiculous and makes the group stage pretty much redundant in terms of jeopardy and in terms of learning more about these players. My favourites Morocco lost 2-0 to Japan and 6-0 to Portugal before qualifying for the next round with a 16-0 win against New Caledonia. Pointless.
However, we will be (trying to) keeping a closer eye on these knockout games. In particular, Portugal vs. Belgium at 12:30 GMT today. That’s because Nathan De Cat and fellow SCOUTED50 alumni Jorthy Mokio have joined up with the squad. It’s also a very competitive match-up.
These are the games where we should learn more about the players: there is jeopardy and there is greater equality. But given De Cat is a permanent fixture in the Anderlecht starting XI, it’s also an opportunity for him to metaphorically stand head and shoulders above the rest - at 1.92m, he’s got the literal side covered.
🔥 10 / KEES SMIT
Kees Smit received the full SCOUT NOTES breakdown treatment following an eye-catching display against Crystal Palace in the UEFA Conference League. He’s on everyone’s radar now but the recent links to Newcastle United are very exciting.
Llew Davies
I had a chat with Llew about him on Thursday and we both agreed the Magpies would be a brilliant career move. Llew pointed out that he shares similarities with all three mainstay midfielders, meaning that he would plenty of opportunities to develop by covering for Bruno Guimarães, Joelinton and Sandro Tonali if needed while having the ability to flourish in each role.
Safe to say our Joe Donnohue is very excited. He ran the Athens Marathon last weekend (!!!!) and deserves a little treat. Go say nice things!
That’s all, folks. See you next Friday.
For everything on the next generation, stay tuned to SCOUTED.
