Scouting, scouting, scouting.
What a beautiful thing it is. Juan Gafas is back with his weekly talent and this time he also returns to one of his favourite countries - Argentina.
David Ayala
Age: 18
Club: Estudiantes de La Plata (Argentina)
Position: Central Midfielder
Nationality: Argentinian
Market Value: 450.000 € (Transfermarkt)
David Ayala was always a hot prospect in Estudiantes. He played regularly in the youth national teams, made his debut in the first team at the age of 17, and after the long COVID-19 break won his place as a regular starter for the first team.
Ayala has an excellent understanding of the game for his age. He gets into suitable spaces to receive the ball at the back, has good technical skills and knows when to get rid of it quickly before getting trapped. Ayala is a versatile passer, always scanning for the pass forward, delivering over range switching play with diagonal long balls or even in behind the defence. He does not dribble forward too often, but quite effective when he does so accelerating away from his opponent. However, he is a bit too left-footed, maybe.
He is not a fierce defensive midfielder who gets into tackles often, but he does not shy away from getting into tackles when needing too. He usually wins the ball back for his side differently, showing his ability to read the play from ahead and defensive instincts. His touch on the ball and vision allows him to immediately play it forward after intercepting, even if it is not the easiest to control.
Ayala is somewhat small and does not appear too strong, but has surprisingly good bursts of speed over short distances. Maybe the box to box role will not suit him best, athletically, but I can see him developing into an excellent sort of a deep-lying playmaker that can break forward too. Keep an eye on this player. His future seems bright.
