Name: Mohamed Zongo
Date of Birth: 26 November 2009
Nationality: Burkina Faso
Club: Sporting Football Cascades (SF Cascades)
Position: Attacking Midfielder
Height: 1.83 m

PLAYER SUMMARY

Mohamed Zongo is a highly talented 16-year-old attacking midfielder who emerged as one of the most impressive performers at the recent U17 World Cup. He combines above-average technical ability, strong game intelligence and a physical profile that is uncommon for his age group. Despite his youth, he already influences matches through chance creation, final third involvement and overall attacking output.

Zongo is a creative midfielder who operates comfortably between the lines, able to link play, progress the ball and deliver decisive actions in the final third. His blend of height, coordination and maturity suggests a high ceiling, especially in systems that rely on a technically gifted advanced midfielder. He is considered one of the most promising young players coming out of West Africa.

TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS

Ball Control & First Touch

• Very secure first touch with good orientation of the ball into space.
• Handles pressure well and retains possession in tight areas.

Short Passing & Combination Play

• Effective in quick combinations and link-up play.
• Good understanding of tempo and how to retain fluidity in build-up.

Creative Passing & Chance Creation

• Strong ability to break lines with incisive passes.
• Excellent vision and timing in the final third.
• Frequently produces key passes and assists.

Dribbling & Ball Carrying

• Capable ball carrier who progresses play through controlled carries.
• Uses changes of pace and balance to beat opponents rather than flashy dribbling.

Finishing & Shooting

• Displays good composure in the box and strikes cleanly from mid-range.
• Able to appear in goal-scoring positions due to intelligent movement.

PHYSICAL / ATHLETIC CHARACTERISTICS

Height & Frame

• Tall for his age (1.83 m) with a frame that can support strong physical development.

Mobility

• Moves fluidly, covers ground well and adapts quickly to transitions.

Stamina

• Shows good endurance and sustained involvement throughout matches.

Strength & Physical Potential

• Currently lean but with substantial long-term growth potential.
• Needs continued work on strength and explosiveness to handle senior-level challenges.

TACTICAL CHARACTERISTICS

Positioning & Role

• Best used as an attacking midfielder (“10”) operating between the lines.
• Comfortable dropping into pockets to receive or pushing closer to the striker.

Game Intelligence

• Very good understanding of space: when to move, receive, turn and create.
• Reads defensive structures well and identifies gaps quickly.

Off-Ball Movement

• Times his runs effectively, especially into the half-spaces.
• Supports both ball-side overloads and central attacking lanes.

Defensive Work

• Shows willingness to press and contribute defensively.
• Good reaction after losing possession, tracks back and initiates counter-pressing.

Best Systems

• 4-2-3-1 as the central attacking midfielder.
• 4-3-3 as an advanced “8” with creative freedom.
• 4-4-1-1 as a second striker / creator.
• Could eventually function in a box-to-box role if physical development continues.

MENTAL CHARACTERISTICS

Composure

• Calm, confident and controlled even under pressure.
• Makes mature decisions unusual for his age.

Confidence & Courage

• Not afraid to take responsibility, attack opponents or attempt creative actions.

Competitiveness

• Highly involved in games, does not hide in difficult moments.
• Shows mentality suited for higher-level competition.

Decision-Making

• Intelligent use of possession, generally chooses the right option.
• Still developing consistency in the final third, but strong foundations are visible.

STRENGTHS

• Excellent vision and creativity in the final third
• Strong technical base (first touch, control, passing)
• Height and physical potential combined with coordination
• Intelligent movement and game understanding
• Capable of scoring and assisting
• Versatile in multiple advanced midfield roles
• Mature mentality for his age

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WEAKNESSES

• Physical strength still under development
• Limited exposure to senior-level football
• Needs greater consistency in high-tempo environments
• End product must be tested against stronger defensive opposition
• Adaptation to faster, more physical leagues may take time