As the 2024/25 Bundesliga season approaches, the excitement isn’t just about the battles on the pitch but also the fresh faces that will grace the German top flight.

The summer transfer window has brought a wave of talent from other leagues, with clubs across the Bundesliga aiming to strengthen their squads with new signings.

These incoming transfers promise to add new dimensions to their respective teams, offering unique tactical elements that could prove pivotal over the course of the season.

In this tactical analysis, we will delve into five of the most intriguing U23 arrivals from foreign leagues, exploring how their skill sets, playing styles, and tactical fit could influence their new clubs.

These players are expected to make a significant impact in the Bundesliga.

We’ll assess their strengths, how they might integrate into their new teams, and what they can offer tactically as they adapt to the challenges of one of Europe’s most competitive leagues.

Whether it’s unlocking defences, adding defensive solidity, or providing that crucial spark in the final third, these players are poised to be key figures in the Bundesliga’s story this season.

Jeanuel Belocian Scouting Report

Jeanuël Belocian, the 19-year-old French-Guadeloupean defender, is one of the most exciting young talents to arrive in the Bundesliga this season.

Standing at 1.82 meters, Belocian has joined Bayer Leverkusen from Stade Rennais, where his performances in Ligue 1 and the UEFA Europa League caught the attention of scouts across Europe.

Belocian’s game is built on a solid foundation of defensive attributes, making him an ideal modern centre-back.

One of his standout qualities is his exceptional positioning, a trait that belies his young age.

Whether playing as a centre-back or occasionally filling in at left-back, Belocian consistently displays an ability to read the game effectively, especially when dealing with long balls and counterattacks.

His defensive vision allows him to anticipate opposition movements, often cutting out passes and intercepting the ball before danger materialises.

This sense of anticipation is crucial in modern football, where quick transitions can often catch defences off guard.

In 1v1 situations, Belocian is a formidable opponent.

His patience and composure are key assets, as he rarely dives into tackles unnecessarily.

Instead, he maintains a low defensive stance, allowing him to react quickly to his opponent’s movements.

Belocian is also known for his strength and physical presence, which he uses to his advantage in duels with opposing attackers.

Despite his young age, he does not shy away from physical battles, often coming out on top in challenges.

His ability to cover shots and block attempts on goal is another key strength, making him a reliable last line of defence.

In addition to his defensive capabilities, Belocian is a competent ball-playing defender, comfortable in the build-up phase.

His preferred left foot allows him to distribute the ball effectively from the back, often finding his nearest centre-back partner or the left full-back with simple, accurate passes.

While he tends to favour short passes to maintain possession, Belocian also demonstrates an understanding of when to play more progressive balls, helping to initiate attacks from deep positions.

However, there is room for improvement in certain aspects of his offensive contribution.

While Belocian is adept at short passes, his long passing is an area where he can develop further.

Increasing his range and accuracy with longer passes would add another dimension to his game, allowing him to bypass the opposition’s press more effectively and switch play quickly.

Additionally, improving his weak foot would make him a more versatile and unpredictable passer, further enhancing his ability to contribute to his team’s attacking play.

At Bayer Leverkusen in future, Belocian is expected to play a crucial role in a defence that prioritises ball retention and quick transitions.

Leverkusen’s style of play under Xabi Alonso relies heavily on a solid defensive foundation combined with the ability to launch rapid counterattacks.

Belocian’s skill set aligns well with this philosophy, particularly his ability to read the game and distribute the ball efficiently.

His versatility to play both centre-back and left-back gives Leverkusen tactical flexibility, allowing them to adapt to different opponents and in-game situations.

Belocian’s presence also adds depth to the squad, providing Alonso with options to rotate his defenders without compromising on quality.

Michael Olise Scouting Report

Michael Olise‘s arrival at FC Bayern Munich is set to bring a new dimension to the team’s attacking prowess.

At 22 years old, the versatile right winger and attacking midfielder has already made a name for himself as one of the most promising talents in Europe.

His performances at Crystal Palace, where he consistently stood out in the Premier League, demonstrated his ability to influence games.

Olise is a naturally gifted left-footed winger who excels when deployed on the right side of the pitch.

His preferred role sees him cutting inside from the flank, where he can unleash dangerous inswinging crosses or take on defenders with his impressive dribbling skills.

His ability to deliver precise crosses with minimal backlift makes him a constant threat in wide areas, often catching defenders off guard.

Moreover, Olise’s agility and quick changes of direction, often aided by a subtle drop of the shoulder, enable him to create space even in tightly marked situations, allowing him to either deliver the ball into the box or exploit shooting opportunities himself.

One of Olise’s standout qualities is his vision and creativity.

He possesses a keen sense of when to release the ball, often choosing the perfect moment to slide a delicate pass behind the defensive line or deliver a cross to an onrushing teammate.

This ability to pick out teammates, combined with his technical finesse, makes him a significant playmaking threat from wide positions or when drifting into central areas.

While his primary focus has been on creating chances, there is also room for him to increase his goalscoring contributions, particularly by capitalising on his strong ball-striking ability when cutting inside onto his left foot.

At Crystal Palace, Olise was predominantly used as a right winger in various formations, including a 4-2-3-1 and a 4-3-3.

His versatility also allowed him to operate as a number 10, where he showcased his ability to link play between the midfield and the forward line.

In this central role, Olise was particularly effective at finding pockets of space between the lines, where he could either take on defenders or combine with teammates to break through the opposition’s defensive setup.

His intelligence in positioning and timing makes him a flexible option for Bayern, capable of adjusting to different tactical demands.

Under the guidance of Vincent Kompany, FC Bayern Munich is known for their dynamic attacking play, which requires wingers who can both create and score goals.

Olise’s skill set fits seamlessly into this philosophy.

His proficiency in delivering assists and his sharp decision-making in the final third will complement Bayern’s forward line, providing additional service to strikers like Harry Kane and Jamal Musiala.

Moreover, his ability to cut inside and contribute to build-up play adds a layer of unpredictability to Bayern’s attacks, making it more difficult for opponents to defend against.

Antonio Nusa Scouting Report

Antonio Nusa‘s move to RB Leipzig is a significant acquisition for the German club, bringing a young and dynamic winger into their ranks.

At just 19 years old, Nusa has already established himself as one of the most exciting winger prospects in European football.

His journey from Club Brugge to the Bundesliga is a testament to his talent and potential.

Nusa’s greatest asset is his exceptional ability in 1v1 situations.

As a winger, he thrives on isolating defenders, using his quick feet and electric pace to create separation.

His ability to beat his marker with ease makes him a constant threat on either flank, though he is particularly dangerous on the left, where he can cut inside onto his stronger right foot.

What sets Nusa apart is his versatility as a two-way winger.

He can cut inside to unleash powerful shots or bend crosses into the box, but he is equally capable of driving to the byline and delivering cutbacks with precision.

His stride variation, where he can chop his stride for quicker footwork or open it up to accelerate past defenders, makes him unpredictable and difficult to defend against.

Nusa’s game is not just about beating defenders; he also brings a significant goal threat.

Despite his young age, he has shown a remarkable ability to find the back of the net, often cutting inside from the left to shoot with power and precision.

While Nusa’s creative numbers could improve, his intent is always to create chances, either by delivering crosses or by finding teammates with cutbacks after beating his man.

With the right coaching, particularly in refining his decision-making in the final third, Nusa has the potential to become a highly creative force, adding assists to his already impressive goalscoring repertoire.

Nusa’s understanding of the game is advanced for his age.

He has the tactical intelligence to make the right movements, whether it’s holding the width to stretch defences or drifting inside to link up play.

His progressive carries and take-ons highlight his importance in driving the team forward and breaking through defensive lines.

Moreover, his defensive work rate is commendable.

Nusa is not just an attacking asset; he contributes defensively by tracking back, helping his fullback, and disrupting opposition counters.

This combination of offensive flair and defensive diligence makes him a well-rounded player, fitting perfectly into Leipzig’s high-pressing, fast-paced system.

Antonio Nusa’s arrival at RB Leipzig is a statement of intent by the club.

They have secured a player with immense potential and the ability to make an immediate impact.

Nusa’s willingness to take on defenders — coupled with his goalscoring ability and his defensive contribution to a high-pressing system — makes him a potential match-winner, capable of turning games in Leipzig’s favour.

Yan Couto Scouting Report

Yan Couto‘s arrival at Borussia Dortmund marks an exciting addition to the squad.

He brings a blend of Brazilian flair, technical prowess, and a forward-thinking mentality to the right-back position.

At just 22 years old, Couto has already demonstrated his capabilities as one of European football’s most dynamic young full-backs.

He honed his craft during his time with Girona, where he became a key figure in their build-up play and attacking output.

His aggressive, attack-minded approach to the game sets Yan Couto apart from many of his peers.

He operates almost like an additional winger, constantly pushing forward, seeking to break through defensive lines, and contributing significantly to his team’s offensive phases.

His statistics from his time in La Liga underline his effectiveness in this role: Couto managed at least eight assists, 45 successful dribble take-ons, and 145 progressive carries in a single season — an impressive feat that highlights his dual ability to both create and carry the ball forward.

Couto’s dribbling skills are particularly noteworthy.

He excels in taking on defenders, often using his agility and low centre of gravity to weave through tight spaces and create opportunities in the final third.

His progressive carries are a testament to his ability to move the ball upfield, helping his team transition from defence to attack swiftly and effectively.

Couto’s ability to break the lines and drive into advanced positions will be a valuable asset for Dortmund in a league as competitive as the Bundesliga.

In addition to his dribbling and carrying prowess, Yan Couto is also a highly creative player.

His vision and technical ability allow him to deliver precise crosses and cutbacks, often leading to goalscoring opportunities for his teammates.

Over the past season, his assists per 90 minutes doubled, a clear indication of his growing influence in the final third.

His ability to make progressive passes and carries into the penalty area has seen a significant uptick, demonstrating his increasing comfort and effectiveness in more advanced positions.

While Yan Couto’s attacking qualities are undeniable, his defensive game still has room for improvement.

Like many young, offensively-minded full-backs, he sometimes struggles in defensive duels and positioning, which can leave his side vulnerable, particularly against high-quality opposition.

However, Couto’s defensive shortcomings are not insurmountable.

His work rate and willingness to track back and recover possession are promising signs.

At Borussia Dortmund, Yan Couto will have the opportunity to thrive in a system that values attacking full-backs and quick transitions.

His ability to contribute both in build-up play and the final third aligns perfectly with Dortmund’s fast-paced, high-intensity approach.

Under the tutelage of Dortmund’s coaching staff, Couto has the potential to refine his defensive game while continuing to excel in the attacking aspects that make him such a promising talent.

Couto’s versatility and attacking mindset will add a new dimension to Dortmund’s right flank, providing both depth and quality in a position where the club has sought greater consistency.

If he can adapt to the demands of the Bundesliga and improve his defensive contributions, Yan Couto could very well become one of the standout full-backs in Europe.

Leopold Querfeld Scouting Report

Leopold Querfeld’s arrival at 1. FC Union Berlin represents an astute acquisition for the Bundesliga club, bringing a young but already highly regarded centre-back into their defensive ranks.

At just 20 years old, the Austrian defender has demonstrated qualities that belie his age, showcasing both the physical and tactical attributes needed to thrive at the top level of European football.

Standing at 190 cm, Leopold Querfeld’s physical presence is immediately noticeable.

His height, combined with his robust build, makes him a formidable opponent in aerial duels.

Whether defending set-pieces or contributing as an attacking threat during corners, Querfeld’s ability to outjump and outmuscle his opponents is a key aspect of his game.

His long reach and powerful leaps allow him to clear danger effectively while also providing Union Berlin with an additional attacking option during dead-ball situations.

Querfeld’s physical attributes extend beyond just his aerial prowess.

His long strides allow him to cover ground quickly, enabling him to make crucial recovery runs when the opposition attempts to exploit space behind the defence.

This mobility and his ability to stretch out and win tackles make him an excellent one-on-one defender.

Tactically, Leopold Querfeld is a modern centre-back, comfortable in possession and capable of contributing to his team’s build-up play.

At Rapid Vienna, he frequently operated as a right-sided centre-back in a back four, displaying calmness and composure even under pressure.

This ability to remain unflustered when pressed by opposing forwards allows him to play out from the back effectively, an invaluable trait in Union Berlin’s system, which often emphasises controlled possession and structured build-up.

Despite his many strengths, Leopold Querfeld is not without areas that require further refinement.

His eagerness to engage attackers can sometimes be a double-edged sword.

While his desire to prevent opponents from turning or holding up play is commendable, it can lead him to prematurely step out of the defensive line, potentially leaving gaps for opponents to exploit.

Learning to pick his moments more carefully and exercising greater patience in defensive duels will be crucial for his continued development.

Leopold Querfeld‘s move to 1. FC Union Berlin is a significant step in his burgeoning career, offering him the chance to test himself in one of Europe’s most competitive leagues.

His physical attributes, combined with his tactical awareness and composure on the ball, make him an ideal fit for Union Berlin’s defensive system.

As he continues to develop, particularly in terms of decision-making, Querfeld has the potential to become a cornerstone of Union Berlin’s defence and a standout performer in the Bundesliga.

Conclusion

The influx of top U23 talents into the Bundesliga this season has undoubtedly raised the excitement levels across the league, offering fans a glimpse into the future of European football.

The arrival of these young stars not only underscores the Bundesliga’s reputation as a nurturing ground for emerging talent but also promises to bring a fresh dynamism to the competition.

These young players are expected to not only adapt quickly to the demands of one of Europe’s most competitive leagues but also to become integral parts of their respective teams.

As they continue to develop their craft, they will likely attract even more attention from top clubs across Europe.