Scout Report — David Kasumu (21), MK Dons
David Kasumu is a 21 year old central-midfielder who competed in League One last season. He’s an athletic, technically sound player who could be a good Championship player if he makes some improvements in possession — physically, he’s at Championship level.
Last season, he played the majority of his minutes as a DM, both in double and single pivots. However, I don’t think that this is his best position, nor do I think that MK Dons’ style of play suits him either — however, playing within MK Dons’ possession based system will help him to develop the weaknesses of his game in possession, as will be discussed.
In this scouting report, I’ll break down his game using data and video analysis to understand his strengths and weaknesses and what he needs to do if he’s to reach Championship level.
Data Dashboard & Scouting Summary
Kasumu shows up very well in the data. He’s able to win a high proportion of both defensive and offensive duels, intercepts well and is a good carrier of the ball according to his successful dribbles % and progressive runs. However, his progressive passing accuracy is slightly lacking.
Below is my summary of Kasumu based on video scouting:
Physical
Kasumu is tremendously athletic, which is a central reason for why I strongly believe that he could make the step up to the Championship in the future. He changes pace brilliantly and has the agility to quickly change direction, making him a very dynamic runner.
This is a key factor in his ability to dominate both offensive and defensive duels, in addition to his technical proficiency which will be discussed later.
The scatter chart below demonstrates this ability to win both defensive and offensive duels, a very important asset if he is to cope with the physical rigours of the Championship.
Technical
Kasumu’s receiving skills are good. He shows good composure when receiving in tight pockets, utilising his agility to frequently drop his shoulder and drive forwards, as shown in the clip below. His strong receiving skills and agility therefore plays a key role in his high volume of progressive runs and successful dribbles.
This gives him the platform to be a good ball progressor through passing from deep, as he’s capable of working his way out of tight pockets of space with his receiving skills, agility and change of pace.
However, his success when attempting progressive passes is not brilliant.
Kasumu’s overall passing accuracy numbers are slightly inflated by MK Dons’ style of play. They played the fewest long passes per 90 in League One last season (42.92), whilst Kasumu’s average pass length was low compared to other League One CM’s as he frequently aimed to find the wing-backs or forward players coming short to receive between the lines and not run in behind.
Therefore, even though his forward passing accuracy is one of the strongest in the division for central-midfielders, this could be the result of many of these being shorter passes to players between the lines, as opposed to other League One central-midfielders who may be instructed to find runners in behind.
One thing I feel he needs to do to improve in this area is be much more assertive in his forward passing. The example below shows him attempting to break the opposition’s midfield line and find a player between the lines.
If he’s going to complete these passes more often he needs to strike the ball with more authority, something that in this example he could do by following through with his passing leg instead of ‘jabbing’ it forwards.
The example below shows why I think he has all of the tools to consistently break an opponent’s press. His first touch and agility allow him to create a small gap to the side of the pressing opponent that allows him to find a forward pass.
Kasumu’s weaknesses in finding forward passes is mostly the result of poor execution when passing and not necessarily a lack of scanning. He sees and attempts forward passes that can break an opponent’s lines frequently however often mishits the pass, as shown in the first example.
The data below shows how he compares to other League One central-midfielders in progressive pass accuracy and through pass accuracy. Once again he is below average in this both of these metrics.
Tactical
Kasumu’s athleticism and reading of the game makes him a very good player out of possession. As his ‘Possession Adjusted Interception’ numbers show, he’s able to cover large amounts of ground very quickly, enabling him to break up opposition moves.
He’s also a superb defender in transition through counter-pressing — he has a very good understanding of when to step up and press and when to drop off to cover, whilst he has the athleticism to ensure that these correct decisions are executed well.
The example below shows an example of the success that Kasumu has when stepping up to defend in transition. He quickly recognises that the player with the ball will turn inside before he has even begun to do so, with his change of pace allowing him to cover the ground required and win the ball back high up the pitch.
When MK Dons have the ball, Kasumu has a tendency to ball watch which results in him drifting towards the ball, compressing the space that both he has to receive and the player in possession has to play, whilst also cutting off passing lanes into his teammates.
The example below demonstrates this. As the player in possession moves inside from the left, Kasumu drifts towards the ball which in turn draws a marker towards the ball (no. 33 blue). This cuts off a potential forward passing lane into MK Dons number 5.
Kasumu would be better off backpedaling and dropping deeper towards his own goal. This would either draw away the opposition number 33, opening up the forward passing lane for the player in possession, or offer an option in possession where he would have more time to receive.
Is He Playing in his Best Position at MK Dons?
No, I don’t think so, nor do I think MK Dons’ current style of play best utilises Kasumu’s strengths. I think Kasumu would be best used on the sides of a diamond or as an 8 in 4–3–3 in teams that have a low PPDA.
His athleticism would make him a very effective player pressing high up the pitch and his ability to win duels would make him an effective man-marker.
However, he needs to develop his overall forward passing and intelligence off the ball, therefore MK Dons is the best place for him with their possession based system where his job is to find forward passes into the likes of Scott Fraser, Scott Twine and Matt O’Riley receiving into feet between the lines.
Conclusion
Kasumu needs to improve in possession if he wants to become a player capable of performing at Championship level. Hs athleticism, strong ball carrying, receiving skills and ability to dominate both offensive and defensive duels gives him the foundations to be an effective Championship player.
However, he needs to improve his forward passing and intelligence off the ball if he’s to make the step up.
Another season in League One is definitely the right step for his development — however I’m certain Championship clubs will be keeping a very close eye on him to track his development in the areas outlined in this report.
Any feedback is much appreciated!
Follow me on Twitter: @dylan_bhundia
