Jonathan David

DOB: 14/1/2000 (20)

Nationality: Canada

Club: KAA Gent

Position: Forward

Tactical:

David is a very versatile player, and has played in many different positions this season as Jess Thorup consistently altered his system throughout. However, in Thorup’s preferred 4-3-3, David is favored on the left side of the front three but he will occasionally play off the right as well. He has also played as a second striker in a 4-4-2, and as a #10 in a 4-1-2-1-2. He does prefer to start on the left so he can cut inside on his favored right foot. He likes to stay forward, but he will contribute defensively, with him tracking back to win the ball back if the opportunity arises. He has a fantastic work rate, and does not stop running until the whistle blows. Also, even with his starting position usually on the left side of the attack, Thorup does give him the freedom to roam, and will float throughout the attacking third and make penetrating runs wherever the opportunity presents itself.

Technical:

Technically, David is very composed with the ball at his feet. He likes to utilize his pace advantage to just run past opposition defenders, but he will also take on opponents and attempt to dribble past them. He does however like to take a more direct approach to running at defenders. He also is an accurate passer, with him completing over 80% of his almost 800 passes attempted this season in the Pro League. His quality on the ball is very much like a #10. When it comes to his finishing ability he is very composed. With over 20 goals this season over all competitions, he is very clinical in front of the net. However, as his young age shows, he will still have lapses in concentration in front of goal and miss easy chances, and he will sometimes hold onto the ball to long.

Physical:

Physically, David is a very interesting player. He has a rare combination of pace and strength. He has the ability to run past even the fastest defenders in the Belgian Pro League, while also having the strength to hold off opposition challenges and win the ball off of defenders. He is also very tricky, with him winning the most fouls in the whole Gent side. He does win a majority of his tackles that he engages in, but he lacks when it comes to winning the ball in the air. Finally, he is not a very injury prone player with him not missing many games due to injury so far in his career in Europe.

Summary:

Jonathan David is a player who is getting a lot of recognition from some of the biggest clubs in Europe looking for his signature. He is a player who has all the makings of a world class player in the future. Throughout his career so far at Gent, he has been one of the clubs best players. His talent is undeniable, the question is whether David will be able to replicate his performances for a bigger club in a bigger league.