Scouting Report – Driss Ait Cheikh

Position: Centre-back (left-footed)
Club: Chippo FC
National Team: Morocco U17
Height: 1.84 m
Born: Jul 17, 2008 (17)

Technical Attributes

• Passing and distribution: Very composed on the ball, especially when building play from the back. Shows maturity and precision in both short and long passes, often using his left foot to switch the play. He actively contributes to the team’s transitions and demonstrates excellent vision.
• Aerial ability: Effectively uses his height in both defensive and attacking headers. Reliable when defending crosses and set-pieces, and has shown that he can score with his head.
• Tackling and defensive interventions: Excellent anticipation and timing in challenges. He rarely overcommits and chooses the right moment to engage. Aggressive in duels, but disciplined and smart in his decisions.

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Tactical Attributes

• Positioning: Demonstrates strong tactical awareness for his age. He’s always well-positioned, knows when to step out of the line or drop back, and often covers dangerous spaces proactively.
• Defensive leadership: Natural leader of the backline. Communicates clearly with teammates, organizes the line, and takes charge during defensive phases. Commands his area with authority.
• Off-the-ball movement: Tracks opposition movements well and often anticipates passes before they happen. Excellent at closing down channels and preventing passing lanes without unnecessary fouling.

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Physical Attributes

• Strength: Already physically strong for his age. Uses his body well in duels, holds his ground, and is difficult to dispossess or outmuscle.
• Aerial dominance: Very reliable in the air, both defensively and offensively. Times his jumps well and dominates in aerial duels thanks to his height and strength.
• Speed and agility: Has a solid first step and enough speed to keep up with quick attackers. Moves surprisingly well for his size, capable of covering both wide and deep spaces efficiently.

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Mental Attributes

• Leadership: Commands the defense like a seasoned professional. Responsible, confident, and not afraid to take initiative. Displays authority and maturity on the pitch.
• Composure and focus: Remains calm under pressure. Makes rational decisions when under stress and rarely clears the ball aimlessly. Always looks for the smartest option.
• Professionalism and ambition: Highly motivated and disciplined. Dedicated to improving his game, receptive to coaching, and has clear long-term goals. Strong mentality and competitive attitude.

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Strengths

• Excellent reading of the game
• Strong leadership qualities
• Dominant in the air and in duels
• Precise left-footed distribution from the back
• Composure and control under pressure

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Areas for Improvement

• Lacks senior-level experience
• Reaction speed in 1v1s against fast forwards could be tested at higher levels
• Needs to continue developing his left-footed long passing and attacking contribution under pressure

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