Player Analysis: Bradley Locko
A Thread🧵
A Thread🧵
Stade Brestois are having an incredible season. They're currently 2nd in Ligue 1, fighting for UCL spots. And a player who has been standing out for them is their 21 year old LB Bradley Locko.
Bradley Locko is the perfect modern fullback profile. He's incredibly balanced both as an inverted fullback and as a more bombing fullback.
This is predicated all on his ability on the ball.
This is predicated all on his ability on the ball.
Locko's technique is picturesque. When running with the ball, he's incredibly hard to stop. He's got a good step count, and aided with his physical gifts, he always finds a way to the byline.
His athleticism is honestly breathtaking in some aspects. He's got an amazing burst of pace in the first 5-10 yards and the way he keeps that intensity in every sprint made throughout the game is ridiculous.
Defensively, he's as sharp as you'd like him to be. With his elite athleticism, he's able to beat most in the air, even though he might not be the tallest standing at 5'11.
And on the ground, he's just as remarkable. In duels, he's aggressive. He closes down players fast but does have a matured sense on how he goes about picking his battles, instead of throwing himself around without caution.
One thing about him that makes him such an elite profile is his passing, in particular, his crossing.
He's got a great eye for direct and quick linkup play. When he's carrying the ball, he'll always anticipate passing lanes opening open and he exploits this mainly through 1-2s.
He's got a great eye for direct and quick linkup play. When he's carrying the ball, he'll always anticipate passing lanes opening open and he exploits this mainly through 1-2s.
He also has a good eye for floated over the top balls from within the middle into the final third for oncoming runners, and he does have a potent switch.
His crossing ability is top as well, ranking in the 73rd percentile for crossing accuracy.
His crossing ability is top as well, ranking in the 73rd percentile for crossing accuracy.
What makes him so versatile is while he might look the part as a traditional, high and wide fullback, his comfortability within the half space makes him able to play as an inverted LB.
He's great on the half turn and willing to drive diagonally when attack open space in the pockets.
He's great on the half turn and willing to drive diagonally when attack open space in the pockets.
His game is so similar to that of Destiny Udogie. Both are great at driving with the ball, are able to be multifaceted in their roles as fullbacks, and are extremely imposing physically.
For me, if United are to look for an understudy for Luke Shaw, Bradley Locko has to be on top of the list.
He'd offer quality backup and a good level of competition for Shaw as well.
He'd offer quality backup and a good level of competition for Shaw as well.
Another good landing spot, like I previously mentioned if Bayern Munich ever let Davies go, Locko would be such a smart signing for the Bavarians. He'd be a great like for like replacement, retaining the level of Davies' amazing ball carrying at the club.
I'd also like him at Bologna. If Bologna can't retain the services of Kristiansen, he'd be a very good pickup for the Rossoblu.
Under Thiago Motta, I'd be curious to see how his profile would be utilized in that environment.
Under Thiago Motta, I'd be curious to see how his profile would be utilized in that environment.
Bradley Locko is having an incredible season in Brittany, and he'll most likely have plenty of suitors waiting for him this summer.
Lemme know your thoughts below. Like, retweet, and follow for more. Thank you for reading.
Lemme know your thoughts below. Like, retweet, and follow for more. Thank you for reading.
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