Player report: David Sousa (2001) - CB - RWD Molenbeek
On Valentines Day we released our player report on RWD Molenbeek's David Sousa to paid subscribers. Today we spread the love as we make the report available to all.
The second tier in Belgium is a Band 6 league, but here we focus on a player who is playing for a club who were recently relegated from the top tier (Band 2), so, therefore, have a lot of players who qualify for ESC via their time at the club last season.
David Sousa is only 23 at the time of writing, and, interestingly, Luton Town signed his younger partner in central defence, Christ Makosso, in the January transfer window.
The GBE Expert Hub’s Head of Scouting
, watched David Sousa and produced this report on him.
Biographical Details
Name: DAVID SOUSA
Age/D.o.B: 23 (04.07.2001)
Citizenship: Brazil
Position(s): CB
Club: RWD Molenbeek, Belgium (Band 6)
Height: Approx 188cm
Preferred foot: Left
TM Market Value: £400K
Contract: Expiry: 30.06.2026
Current wage (FM24 estimate): N/A
GBE Status: FAIL
ESC Status: PASS (played in Band 2 within reference period)
Relevant Data
AWRSS Best Role:
Stopper (ranked #3 in Belgium 2)
Wide Central Defender (ranked #7 in Belgium 2)
AWRSS Top Characteristics:
Aerial dominance
Physical presence
Interceptions
Duel dominance
Match Info
Observed: 26th October 2024 vs Deinze (Challenger Pro League) - moderate difficulty
Final score: 3-2
Shape: 4-4-2 (vs 4-1-4-1)
Brief match report: RWD Molenbeek beat Deinze 3-2 in a highly entertaining, end-to-end encounter where chaos ruled over control.
Deinze took the lead in the 20th minute with a stunning goal from the halfway line by Erdon Daci. RWD Molebeek equalised a few minutes later from the penalty spot. The match continued to sway both ways and Deinze should have had their own penalty for a handball and then they hit the crossbar. But it was RWD Molenbeek that took the lead into half time, scoring with a far post header from a deep corner.
Deinze started the second half quickly and pulled the game back to 2-2 in the 49th minute. The tempo in the second half eased as the match went deep, chances were less frequent and both teams looked like they had accepted a draw, until RWD Molenbeek managed a late winner in added on time.
Match report
Effectiveness of role
David Sousa played as a left sided central defender in a back four. The role suited him near perfectly as he was able to play naturally on his strongest side which brings balance to the team when in possession. David Sousa relished the physical nature of defending and getting touch tight to his direct opponent. The only element of the role that didn’t suit was defending quick, transitional play when the left full back had advanced as he didn't possess the required pace to get across and cover the ground behind the full back.
Physical attributes
David Sousa excels in physical and aerial duels. He was dominant in the air and set his stall out early - winning an aerial battle inside the first minute of the game with minimal fuss, against an opponent of similar size. Direct balls in Sousa’s direction were routinely won by Sousa.
Sousa has good upper body strength and uses it by swarming his direct opponent making it difficult for them to maintain possession.
Sousa has a long stride pattern and runs with power but his acceleration from a standing start is poor and he has a large turning circle. He struggles to run horizontally and is slow to get to balls in behind him. In the match watched, this was evident in one action during the first half when Sousa needed to get over to his left to cover a quick counter attack. Sousa couldn’t make up the required ground and desperately lunged into an attempted tackle, going to ground and taking himself out of the game resulting in the opponent having an opportunity to create a goalscoring chance.
Technical skill
Sousa’s passing range is limited. On the ball he presents as safe and risk averse, sharing passes with his defensive partner or giving the ball into midfield when not under duress. Sousa hardly attempted any passes beyond short range.
Sousa is a great header of the football and can get height and distance on his clearances as well as provide cushioned headers when moments allow.
Decision making under pressure
Sousa doesn’t take chances when under pressure and doesn’t show patience or composure. He will clear the ball into the channel as opposed to encouraging the press.
Psych & Social
Sousa displayed some leadership qualities during the match. He reassured and encouraged his younger defensive partner, Christ Makosso, after he made an error that led to the opening goal.
Despite being just 23, Sousa was the marshall of the back four and had a 20 year old and 21 year old playing either side of him.
Any other business
Sousa is much better in the air and in physical battles than he is as a ground defender and more comfortable in the centre of the pitch than when he is when pulled out to the flank. I believe he could struggle on the outside of a three man defence and is better suited to a back four due to his lack of recovery speed and agility. Sousa would suit a team with a simple playing structure where he is tasked with defence first responsibilities.
Verdict
Key strengths
Aerial ability
Strength
Penalty box defending
Risks to mitigate
Lack of pace
Unagile
Limited in possession
Current level recommendation
L1 - Mid range in League One
Potential level recommendation
CH- - Bottom range of Championship