Scout Report – Samuel Saiz
Leeds United are reportedly targeting 26-year-old Spanish forward Samu Saiz of Huesca. Here we look at what he would offer the club as they attempt to build a title-challenging squad for this season’s Championship.
History
The diminutive Saiz was born in Madrid and after representing Omega FC as a child, was taken into the Real Madrid academy set-up at just 8 years of age. He spent around 12 years at the club in total, making his debut for the C team in 2008 scoring 5 times in 35 games.
He also managed to play at B team level at Real, appearing 23 times for them and again scoring 5 goals. Having been deemed not good enough for first team action at the Bernabeu, Saiz was first loaned to Sevilla B and eventually moved to Melilla on a permanent basis.
Just 16 appearances came for the club playing on the border of Morocco before a move back to the mainland was arranged with Getafe. Saiz played 44 times for their B side and once for the first team but with a total of 11 goals scored, he was not really hitting the heights in his homeland.
A spell with Almeria B came for the player who was in danger of having the look of a journeyman before his breakthrough at Atletico Madrid B where he played 46 times, scoring 13 games. A move to Huesca followed in 2015 and 13 goals for the first team in 48 games is not a bad record as he continues to improve slowly.
Style Of Play
Although capable of playing up front, Saiz is not particularly strong and is quite small and tricky. He likes to come deep to receive the ball and likes to get wide too, in order to trouble the opposition.
It would be unwise to ask him to fill a position and stay there. Part of the strength of Saiz’s game is his movement; dragging defenders around and creating space for others is a major part of his play.
His Future
Although not having hit the heights so far, Saiz is improving slowly and may yet be capable of playing at a good level. He certainly has all the basic skills and so if he doesn’t get overawed by the pace and power of the English Championship then this could be the level for him.
Leeds will not need a huge fee to land the former Real Madrid academy player, which is a major draw for them.