Twenty3’s Under 23s to watch: Bristol City’s Alex Scott

Alex Scott is enjoying a season to remember with Bristol City. 

The 19-year-old midfielder has put in a number of eye-catching displays, with his shifty footwork and pin-point passing.

While the Robins have not fared so well in the league, Scott’s development has been a highlight for the club – and he was named the Championship’s Young Player of the Season just last week.

That coveted award has previously been won by stars such as Gareth Bale, Wilfried Zaha, Ollie Watkins and Jude Bellingham.

So, using Twenty3’s recruitment analysis tools, we’ve decided to take a closer look at the hot prospect, to uncover what makes him so impressive.

Passing machine

One of Scott’s most important attributes is his passing.

The Gurnsey native has a range of deliveries at his disposal, which have seen him successfully register 1,060 passes, 63 long balls and 182 passes in the attacking third of the pitch.

He is particularly dangerous in a creative sense, as he can play delicate through-balls, fire accurate crosses into the box, or loft a pass to the back-post for an oncoming attacker.

This season he completed all 14 of his key pass attempts and assisted 24 shots from across the pitch, racking up five assists in the process.

However, he is not just focused on attack. Scott’s passes received map also shows a propensity to drop deep to collect the ball, so he can relieve pressure or progress play himself.

Dangerous dribbler

Another key aspect of Scott’s game is his quality in possession.

He averages 2.38 successful dribbles per 90 minutes, thanks to his quick feet and balance, which allow him to ride challenges or evade pressure, even in tight spaces.

But where Scott’s dribbling truly shines is in open spaces, where he can drive forward with the ball. He is ranked second among team-mates for progressive runs, managing 64.

Taking on that responsibility can see him lose possession, however, including dangerous losses 17 times – an area that could potentially be exposed at the highest level.

Nonetheless, his head-up play enhances his passing, as he is able to locate team-mates before completing a killer pass to unlock defences.

Reliable in defence

Scott’s defensive work is particularly underrated.

The teenager has a success rate of 73% when it comes to defensive actions, having attempted the second-most at the club (456).

This shows that – despite his slight frame – he is not afraid to commit to challenges, which is a crucial part of playing in the Championship.

Scott also averages 3.78 interceptions and 7.85 ball recoveries per 90 – illustrating his impressive anticipation and discipline in defence.

If needed, he can also press the opposition effectively, with no team-mate managing more ball recoveries in the opponent’s half (146).

Versatile operator

As a result of his wide range of qualities, Bristol City’s No7 is becoming an increasingly well-rounded midfielder, which makes him highly versatile.

This term, he has been deployed as an attacking midfielder (980 minutes), in a deep-lying role (182 minutes) and even on the right flank (175 minutes).

The majority of his time, however, has been spent in the heart of the action in centre-midfield (2,115 minutes), from where he can then roam depending on the game state.

His versatility makes him a valuable asset, in a game where it is becoming increasingly important for players to operate in multiple areas of the pitch.

Clubs circling

Scott’s attributes have made him a player of great interest to Premier League clubs.

Among the teams interested, Liverpool look to be leading the charge for his services, with the club in desperate need of a midfield revamp.

The Reds could use an all-round midfielder, and as reports of Jude Bellingham joining cool, Scott presents a perfect alternative.

He has the passing ability to upgrade on Jordan Henderson, who can be left wanting in possession, without compromising on the defensive side of the game.

Jurgen Klopp’s side rank second for passes completed (15,569) and third for assists (47), making them a good match for Scott’s abilities.

All Smart Reports in this article were produced with the Twenty3 Toolbox. For more information, please get in touch below.