Alexandru Maxim – Scout Report
Leeds United still maintain an interest in Romanian midfielder Alexandru Maxim according to reports and are running the rule over getting the Stuttgart man. With Christiansen having taken over as Leeds boss, it looks like there are some exciting arrivals in the offing. Let’s take a closer look at Alexandru Maxim and see what he brings to the table.
History
The attacking midfielder/winger was born in Romania in 1990 and was already enrolled in the Olimpia Piatra Neamt academy by the time he was 10 years old. Four years later he moved to Ardealul Cluj and another three years of development saw him get snapped up by Espanyol in Spain for their youth set-up.
Two years with the Catalan side saw him improve enough to make his senior bow in the B team in 2009 and over the next couple of seasons, he cut his teeth with them and Badalona (on loan). A first team place was never achieved at Espanyol and in 2011 Maxim left for his home country, joining Pandurii Targu.
48 games and 9 goals from midfield at Pandurii saw him stand out and in 2013 Maxim was signed by German outfit VfB Stuttgart. This move proved to be a success, and Maxim went on to play 91 games in the Bundesliga scoring 11 times.
Stuttgart were relegated from the top division and their demotion to 2.Bundesliga also saw Maxim fall slightly out of favour. He made just 15 starts last season in the second tier but retains plenty of potential. 5 goals and 6 assists with limited game time is a fine record too.
Style Of Play
A right-footed, attack-minded midfield player, Maxim can play anywhere across the pitch, though he prefers a central role. He likes to take a man on but does not come across as a greedy player, and prefers to play a key pass instead of a rather risky shot on goal.
His rate of assists to goals backs this up and this sort of unselfishness could prove to be massive at Leeds should they hold on to striker Chris Wood.
His Future
Having played in Romania, Spain, and Germany, Maxim has plenty of experience for a man who is about to turn just 27. The fact though that he speaks good English means eyeing a move to the Championship could be a very good move for him at this point.
Maxim has every right to think that he can add to his 27 caps for Romania and can do so playing in England, even at this level. So there is still a chance that he can even improve over the next two years should he settle in fine. The player is just about to hit his peak in this position, so any move for him at a reasonable price would be of good value.