Mohamed Tougai Scout Report

 

Date of birth: 22 Jan 2000

Country: Algeria

Position: Central Defender

Height: 191cm

Preferred foot: Right

Club: Esperance Tunis

In the modern game central defenders have gone through perhaps the biggest transformation. Going from having few chances to impact to now being involved in the build up, scouts are looking for players that have it all and with more clubs looking to lesser known leagues to find players that fit the modern standard at an affordable price, Mohamed Tougal currently playing in Tunisia will no doubt be on the lists of many.

Tougal has been a mainstay in the Tunis squad since joining from NA Hussein Day in his native Algeria, helping the club win 3 league titles. Tougai has a number of strengths that are in demand from European clubs. His main asset for me is his physical strength often dominating his opponents in both the air and ground. In this seasons CAF Champions League Tougai won 4.9 duals per game at a fantastic 68% success rate. When it comes to classic defending we often see the fundamentals going out the window with more of an emphasis on bringing the ball forward. Luckily though the fundamentals haven't been lost on Tougai. Making 1.2 interceptions and 1.2 tackles per game along with 3.6 clearances and 3.2 ball recovories per game to the tune of 10 clean sheets in 12 CAF games, his defensive IQ is a thing of beauty and due to his physical stature along with his fantastic pace his style in Europe will likely be even better. 

Tougai has broken his way into the Algerian national team and became a regular starter for his country. Part of this of course if the fact he is based in Africa already, however with the African Cup Of Nations being a hotbed for talent I fully expect his name to be a consistent regular for the national team for years to come. Should a club pick him up now his value is likely to go up with Algeria being a mainstay in AFCON.

Tougai's 191cm figure has made him a fantastic threat from set pieces, often grabbing his goals from headers. What is really interesting is his ability to follow in should he not win the ball at first glance with a handful of goals coming from volleys in the 6 yard line. Tougai is a smart player and has actually put up some assists direct from set pieces, making a quick run before the defence react and putting in a cross. This is of course unique and won't be a consistent thing, however it is a very interesting skill set. 

Tougai's height makes him a great defender in his own box as well using his height and balance to win the majority of his duals and often using acrobatics to clear the ball. Majority of crosse sput into his box he seems to have a knack of being in the right place at the right time, getting rid of the danger.

The modern centre back is a ball playing defender of course and Tougai is no exception. Completing 52.7 passes per game at an accuracy rate of 87% with a fantastic 92% in his own half shows his ability to play in a modern possession based system. Making 4 long balls per game at a success rate of 48% is an assest that could be used to great extent with a quick striker in his team. What is really fun to see is his incredible calmness against a high press, often using a mix of his pace and strength to go past his opponent, or using fakes to create a little bit of space for him to give him an option. 

Ideal Club:

I have said it previously on this blog when it comes to defenders but until they sign a player to fill the void I am once again highly urging Glasgow Celtic in Scotland to make a move. It is no secret that Celtic's best defender is Cameron Carter-Vickers who is a combination of height, strength, pace and ball playing ability and easily stands out above his opposition and Mohamed Tougai is almost an identical player. Celtic often struggle in Europe defensively but adding Tougai would boost the team no doubt. Celtic of course have a great track record of buying from lower leagues, developing before selling for a huge profit and Tougai would no doubt be another player to add to that strategy.