Désire Doué ~ Player Scouting Report

/ Player Analysis

A deep dive on Doué’s profile and how he’s proving to be one of the most unique all phase talents in world football

Career Overview:

Desire Doue has made wavelengths of sounds for PSG this season although, getting into the picture since the 22/23 season for Rennes and operating as their main man for a couple of seasons. Taking inspiration from fellow Rennes graduates; Camavinga and Ousmane Dembele – it wasn’t really hard for him to live upto the expectations

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Frequently being gimmicked for his aesthetically pleasing dribbling, quick feet and entertaining football. Having the freedom to dictate terms with the ball at their feet at this age is quite rare, but not for Doue. He boasts his prowess through his filthy footwork and dribbles, making you glued to how agile he is in making silky movements.

Although majorly playing as an AM, he prefers drifting out wide to the LW which helps him act as a wide playmaker notably from the LHS. Nonetheless, he’s a unicorn profile in the attacking position; covers #8, #10 and RW occasionally too.

Under Enrique’s tutelage this season, Doué has managed to round his game very well in the minimal gametime. 13 Goals and 11 Assists whilst majorly managing to influence key games in the Champions League in particular. The recent march international break saw him get his first team debut for his country France vs Croatia.

Firstly, let’s look at his player profile:
Age: 19
Club: PSG

Position: LW/AM/CM/RW
Foot: Right

Nationality: French
Value: €62
Height: 5’11
Avg SofaScore rating: 7.33

Strengths: Dribbling, Footwork, Ball manipulation, Ball striking, Agility, Playmaking, Spatial Awareness
Weaknesses: Decision Making

Strengths:

Doue is a firm practitioner of ‘La Pausa’ – knows to control the tempo of the game with his dribbling and passing abilities. His tekkers, finesse and style of play often drops defenders to the ground. May it be creating from out wide or creating from the centre > he’s got elite vision and passing techniques in order to find the right pass with the right weight.

Ball manipulation in terms of dribbling and taking defenders for a stroll is up with the very best in this game. Uses deception techniques like stopovers or quick change of pace to trick defenders and exploit open spaces.

Dominates the offensive metrics of successful take ons, averaging 3.05 per90. May it be centrally or even wide, he can dribble his way through any given circumstances fluidly. He mixes his on the ball expertise + strong nature to take on multiple players and split defences apart. You give him the freedom and he’ll eat you apart.

Portrays high quality composure every time he gets the ball, not many that can replicate this at the highest order. His understanding of the game – not to over complicate actions and speed every process speaks of his calmness in every action – dribbling, shooting, being pressed

As a strong ball carrier; he constantly scans around to search for his teammates in order to stay aware of the subtle OTB movements. His impressive turning radius & COG helps him quickly change directions and make stop and start movements effectively


His numbers based on ball carrying and progressive passes can only go on to do further justice on his favourite characteristic;
Progressive carries: 5.68 (ranking 94th percentile)
Progressive Passes: 6.59 (ranking 92nd percentile)
Carries into Penalty Area: 2.40 (ranking 86th percentile)
Carries into the Final Third: 3.51 (ranking 95th percentile)


Doué’s transitional threat while running at the ball at high speed in larger spaces makes him dominate spaces effortlessly. Pass the ball in open spaces and you’ll see his showcase his physicality + pace + IQ at its best potential

An underrated aspect of his game is his ambi pedal ball striking ability. Doué’s pocket rocket ability helps him pounce on dead ball chances from any given angle, using different shooting techniques in doing so

Effective in taking on players when isolated in a 1v1 wide or even BTL; takes minimal touches when he receives the ball, shifts his body to favourable angles and aid his ‘small’ body stature in making way through congested spaces.

Not the tallest of players but uses his long legs to its maximum strength where he maintains his agility and close control in keeping the ball close to his feet. As a defender you think you’ve got the ball but his press resistant nature makes it very difficult to tackle him

Involves himself into risk assessed situation – doesn’t waste time on taking too many touches or indulging himself in wasteful actions. Direct and intent worthy player; always focused on making a difference through his passes, movements or action

Doué’s mobile body aids him into closing down opposition players and blocking passing routes. Good at applying pressure and slowing down the build up/transitional threat through effective pressing routines; beneficial in retaining the ball and starting counter attacks

Averaging 2.25 tackles and 0.72 interceptions per90 place him with the very best defensively. Retaining and recycling possession and understanding spaces under the guidance of Luis Enrique has only gotten better.

Areas to Improve:

Decision making in terms of when to pass the ball and when to shoot needs refinement. Gets too optimistic and self confident in completing actions which can be seen as a point of dissatisfaction for the manager. However, his potential at this age will only get better and better and that’s exactly been seen his short time frame at the French capital

Conclusion:

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Desire Doué translated to English is “Desired Gifted” ~ being something that he really is in the footballing sphere. the world class potential with the sky being his ceiling is up in the air for grabs. This particular campaign has been an eye opener for many fans across the globe who’ve invested stocks in the highly rated French international.

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