Scout Report – Giovanni Troupee
Celtic, after having sealed the Scottish Premiership title, have begun planning for next summer as they look to continue their dominance in the domestic scenes and also improve their UEFA Champions League campaign.
Brendan Rodgers seems to have identified his first target for the summer transfer window in FC Utrecht Giovanni Troupee. The 19-year old right-back has become a mainstay in the backline for the Dutch Eredivisie outfit, despite his tender age and has managed to catch the attention of the Scottish heavyweights.
The Bhoys have reportedly sent scouts to watch the full-back but will face competition from German outfits Borussia Monchengladbach and Eintracht Frankfurt who are monitoring the teenager as well, along with Premier League side Bournemouth.
So who is Giovanni Troupee? How will he fit in at Celtic? Let’s take a look;
Footballing Background
Troupee has been with FC Utrecht since 2009, having joined the academy as an 11-year old. Having come through the academy, his progress and rise to the senior team has been rapid. The teenager made his first-team debut in May 2015, against Vitesse Arnhem and in the process, went on to become the youngest player to represent Utrecht at 17 years, 1 month and 27 days.
He made three more first-team appearances in the 2015/16 season, before becoming a regular this season. Troupee, this term, has made 33 appearances across all competitions and has netted 4 goals and set up 4 more – great returns for a 19-year old in his first full season with the senior team.
The 19-year old has represented the Netherlands U-17, U-18 and U-19 side and judging by his performances this term, a senior call-up doesn’t look far away.
Style of Play
A modern day attacking full-back in all senses, Troupee possesses great pace and acceleration, that allows him to cover a lot of ground, running up and down the flank. An astute tackler, the 19-year old shows a great reading of the game and positional awareness that belies his age.
An asset to the team while going forward, Troupee’s pace, combined with his dynamism and dribbling abilities make him a potent weapon in the attack. A decent crosser of the ball, he is also not afraid to have a go at the goal by himself.
An all-round player with raw talent, Troupee has shown the potential to become a devastating right-back in the future.
What Does The Future Hold?
Last month, Troupee admitted he would love to test himself on a bigger stage. The right-back said:
“Of course it is flattering to hear your name linked with big clubs abroad. But no one has told me anything about it and I am just concentrating on improving my game here at Utrecht and continuing to learn.”
Celtic have the likes of Mikael Lustig and Cristian Gamboa in their ranks for the right-back position, but Troupee has shown that he is ready for the first-team and if Rodgers manages to sign him and gives him a regular run in the side, he has all the potential to become an instant success like Kieran Tierney.