Scout Report – Jay-Roy Grot
Unfortunately for fans at Elland Road, it seems like the Leeds United hierarchy are not looking to necessarily reinvest the huge sum they have received from Burnley for star striker Chris Wood.
Instead, the board look happy to invest in a more long-term project, something that is a high risk in terms of playing ability but handily a low risk one financially. Step forward Jay-Roy Grot, the NEC forward being sought as a replacement for Kiwi Wood. Here’s what we know about the 19-year-old so far:
History
Born in Arnhem, Netherlands and of Surinamese descent, Grot was signed up by Vitesse 1892’s youth programme and they gave him his first taste of proper football. He moved on to ESA Rijkerswoerd to carry on his education, before coming to the attention of NEC Nijmegen.
Having signed for NEC, he spent seven years in their academy and youth teams, improving steadily before making his first team debut in 2015, in the Eredivisie, against Excelsior. Having scored his first goals for the club against former champions Twente, he went on to make 31 league appearances. With the club now in the Eerste Divisie, he is looking to move on to carry on his improvement.
Style Of Play
Grot can play as a second striker or as a right-winger if required, though he prefers to play as an out-and-out centre-forward. Given his rate of improvement, he should be given the chance to succeed in that role.
Although he is concentrating on his ability on the ground, which is considerable, Grot is very tall and provides a good presence in the middle. Rather unusually for a player of his age, he would not be out of place in the hustle and bustle of a Championship penalty area.
Grot’s Future
Whatever happens to this Leeds deal and whatever happens during the rest of August, Grot has a big future in the game and there is no doubt about that.
Typically with this type of player, his goal scoring record to date is nothing too impressive to read – 5 league goals in 31 appearances – though he clearly possesses the ability. It’s all about the service.
Despite not playing in a particularly strong league, especially this season, Grot was a young boy playing in a struggling team and so chances were very much at a premium. At Leeds, he would expect to be in a top six side and with the likes of Alioski, Roofe and others bombing about around him, as well as the huge passing ability of Pablo Hernandez and Samu Saiz to take into consideration, chances will come his way.
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