Nathan Douala: Profile, playing style, scouting report

Meet 17-year-old midfielder Nathan Douala, who has been named in Cameroon’s 2023 AFCON squad

The footballing world is abuzz with excitement as the much-anticipated 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) approaches, and one name on everyone’s lips is the surprise inclusion in Rigobert Song’s final squad – Wilfried Nathan Douala. At just 17 years old, Douala has been touted as one of the biggest prospects in the Cameroonian league, and his journey to the national team has been met with both admiration and controversy.

Who is Nathan Douala?

Hailing from Cameroon, Wilfried Nathan Douala has emerged as a rising star in the footballing landscape. Born in 2006, Douala is set to make his debut with the senior national team at the tender age of 17 during the AFCON tournament in Ivory Coast. Playing as a midfielder for Victoria United in the Cameroonian first division Championship, he stands at a modest 1.72cm tall, but his impact on the field is anything but small.

What are his past experiences like?

Despite his youth, Douala’s rise to national prominence has been swift. The midfielder’s journey began in the ranks of Victoria United, where he showcased his prowess on the ball and quickly caught the attention of scouts and coaches alike. His inclusion in Rigobert Song’s final 27-man squad for AFCON 2023 is a testament to his exceptional talent and potential.

Cameroon, a footballing powerhouse on the African continent, has a rich history of producing top-tier players, and Douala seems poised to carry on this tradition. Under the watchful eye of legendary figures like Samuel Eto’o, who presides over the Cameroonian Federation, Douala has been nurtured as one of the young promises of the nation’s footballing future.

However, the announcement of Douala’s inclusion in the squad has not been without controversy. Questions surrounding his age have surfaced, with some expressing doubt that he truly looks 17. This unexpected turn of events has added an intriguing layer to the upcoming AFCON, making Douala a player to watch for reasons beyond his skills on the field.

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What is Nathan Douala’s playing style like?

Described as an “old-fashioned playmaker midfielder,” Douala brings a unique blend of skills to the pitch. His playing style is characterized by speed, intelligence in play, and precise passing. These qualities make him not only a scoring threat but also a valuable asset in orchestrating the team’s collective efforts. Douala’s forward play sets him apart, demonstrating a maturity in decision-making that belies his age.

As a midfielder, Douala is expected to play a crucial role in controlling the tempo of the game, linking up play between the defense and attack. His ability to read the game and provide key passes has earned him a spot in the national team, where his talents will be put to the test against formidable opponents in Group B, including Gambia, Guinea, and Senegal.

Similar types of players:

In the realm of football, comparisons are inevitable, and Douala has drawn parallels with other players who share a similar playing style. While each player is unique in their own right, Douala’s combination of speed, intelligence, and precision draws parallels with renowned playmakers like Kevin De Bruyne and Luka Modric.

Like De Bruyne, Douala possesses the ability to drive forward with the ball, create goal-scoring opportunities, and deliver precise crosses. Meanwhile, his vision on the field and ability to dictate play bear resemblance to the Croatian maestro Modric.

As Douala takes the stage at AFCON 2023, these comparisons serve as a testament to the calibre of player he is evolving into and the expectations that come with being labelled a rising star in African football.

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