July 11, 2025 • 22 mins
Jan Carlo Simić Scout Report: Rising Star Defender ProfileThis episode presents a comprehensive scout report on Jan Carlo Simić, a 20-year-old Serbian center-back who plays for RSC Anderlecht. It offers a general player profile and season performance summary, highlighting his strengths like goal threat and ball-playing abilities, alongside weaknesses such as 1v1 defending. We looked at a detailed PDF scout report, that supports and expands extensive statistical data on his defending, passing, carrying, and creativity, including comparisons to other top-league defenders and visualizations of his performance metrics over time. Finally emphasize on his potential as a modern, ball-playing defender who contributes offensively and is comfortable in possession-based systems.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:00):
Welcome back to the Deep Dive. Today we're embarking on a truly
fascinating exploration into theprofile of a young talent who's
already making some pretty significant ways in the world of
football. We've pulled together a wealth
of detailed reports, lots of deep performance data giving us
this incredible, almost X-ray like window into what makes this
(00:20):
young player tick and you know what really sets him apart.
Our mission today, as always, isto kind of cut through the
noise, uncover those crucial details, and give you a real
shortcut to being incredibly well informed about a player
who, well, we think is destined for the top.
And that shortcut is exactly what we're here for.
We're going to understand the nuances of his unique playing
(00:42):
style, really delve into what makes his standout strength so
impactful, and critically identify those areas where he
still has room to, let's say, sculpt his game.
You're about to get a really comprehensive understanding of a
player who could very well be dominating headlines for a long,
long time. Let's dive in.
Absolutely. So let's begin by putting a name
(01:03):
to this promising talent. We're talking about Jan Carlos
Simmich. Simmich.
Yeah, he's a 20 year old Serbiannational, which is interesting
because he was actually born in Germany.
Right. That dual background.
Sometimes it adds an interestinglayer, doesn't it?
Different influences maybe? Could be tactical ideas,
different approaches early on. But what's particularly
(01:23):
significant, I mean maybe even astonishing for someone his age,
is his early recognition at international level.
He made his senior debut for theSerbian national team on
September 5, 2024. Just think about that.
Wow, 20 years old senior debut. Exactly.
For a player who was just, you know, barely out of his teens,
(01:44):
to already be representing his country, the highest level,
competing against seasoned pros on that stage, it speaks
volumes. It really does.
It's not just talent, it's trust.
It's trust from the coaches, it's his demonstrated ability to
perform under, well, immense pressure.
This is massive milestone. It immediately flags him as a
special talent. High ceiling.
It just accelerates that learning curve way beyond what
(02:06):
most players get at that age. And when we talk physical
attributes, he stands at 1.86 meters tall.
Good height for a center back. That's not just advantageous, it
feels pretty critical these days.
Immediately brings to mind potential in aerial duels.
Oh, absolutely. And it's more than just
potential. It's a weapon.
Yeah, how so? Well, that height gives him a
(02:27):
natural significant edge in those critical aerial contests.
Think about it, Commanding the central space, dealing with long
balls, crosses. Right asserting himself against
strikers. Exactly.
But it translates offensively towhich we'll get to corners, free
kicks. He becomes a real target, causes
chaos and just that overall physical presence, you know,
screening attackers, holding ground.
It's a fundamental attribute fora defender in almost any system,
(02:51):
a powerful platform. And no surprise with that kind
of presence, his main spot is right in the heart of the
defense Center back. But what's really intriguing,
the reports highlight his adaptability.
He's noted as comfortable on both the right and the left side
of central defense. Which is becoming so valuable.
Tactical flexibility for the coach, definitely.
(03:11):
And this versatility, it's oftenunderpinned by another key
attribute. He seems to have a strong two
footed preference. OK, so not just right footed.
Well, some reports lean towards right, but others explicitly
state both suggesting a high level of comfort either way, and
that ability using either foot is a massive, massive advantage
(03:33):
for a defender today. How does that play out
practically? Think about it, he's pressed
hard on the left side of his boxinstead of a predictable, maybe
weaker foot clearance or a riskyturn back inside.
You can just open up and ping itwith his left.
Precisely a calm, driven pass toescape pressure.
It gives him flexibility in tight spots, makes him less
predictable, and crucially, it just enhances his whole ball
(03:54):
playing game, his decision making under pressure.
It's a real hallmark of the elite modern defender, being
able to dictate from deep brake lines, find teammates no matter
the angle or the press. So we've got the physical tools,
the early international recognition, but his journey, it
hasn't been from nowhere, has it?
Before his current club, he was at AC Milan.
(04:16):
Yeah, AC Milan, top tier European giant, steeped in
history, developing world class talent, That's a proper Crucible
for a young player, Absolutely. And making a Syria debut,
actually scoring a goal at just 18 while at Milan, that speaks
absolute volumes. 18 in Syria for Milan.
Wow, it really does. Milan isn't a club where chances
are just handed out right. You earn them against fierce
(04:37):
competition, established pros, other top youngsters.
For him to do that at that age in such a tactically demanding
league. Where every mistake is analyzed.
Exactly. It's a clear sign of his high
potential, his ability to perform at elite levels, very,
very young. That kind of early experience
under that pressure, it's just invaluable.
Accelerates development exponentially, forces
(04:58):
adaptation. He's already tasted that
intensity. So today his journey continues
at RSC under elect Move there July 23, 2024 and he signed a
long term contract committed until June 30, 2029.
Right, five years. That's a big commitment.
It really underscores Andrew likes belief in him, his future
impact. It's not a short term punt, it's
(05:19):
a strategic investment. They clearly see him as central
to their plans, a cornerstone maybe.
Do some stability to presumably.For sure lets him develop
without constant contract pressure or transfer talk.
And his market value noted at 8 million as of July 2025 that
reinforces the perception valuable asset substantial
upside. 8 million for a 20 year old center back.
(05:41):
Yeah, it signals he's already seen as one of the most
promising in his position in Europe.
Clubs expect that value to climbas he matures.
It's a concrete indicator of hisquality and potential.
OK, so we've established the foundation.
Physical tools, early experience, high valuation.
But let's get into the real engine room of his game.
What defines him on the pitch? This idea of being a modern ball
(06:05):
playing center back right? It's a phrase we hear all the
time. But what does it actually mean
for how he impacts the game beyond just a label?
It's way more than a label. It means he's far more than just
a traditional stopper. You know someone whose job is
just to clear the ball. Right.
Not just head it and kick it. Exactly.
He's integral to the team's offensive rhythm right from deep
in their own half, almost like the first playmaker.
(06:27):
He actively likes to build play,prefers short composed passes to
keep possession, draw opponents out, createspace further up.
So he helps control. Folks control the tempo.
Initiates attacks with purpose and precision, not just
reacting, not just hooping it long.
It genuinely transforms the defensive line into the first
line of attack, dictating the flow from the first touch.
(06:50):
And the numbers back this up they.
Really do. His passing accuracy stands out
87.0%. That's impressive. 87%.
And he completed 13193 passes this season, averaging almost 44
successful passes per 90 minutes.
That is an incredibly strong foundation for a defender. 44
passes per game, that's a lot ofinvolvement.
(07:12):
It is, and that kind of accuracy.
You often see it in midfielders,maybe not center backs.
At that volume, it tells you he's consistently involved,
remarkably reliable with the ball, even under pressure.
Not just simple sideways stuff, but consistently contributing to
possession. So accurate, yes, but what about
the intent behind those passes? Is he just keeping it safe or is
he actually trying to unlock things from deep?
(07:35):
The reports say he's very good at passing the ball forward and
breaking lines. Precisely.
That's the key difference. His forward passing isn't just
incidental, it's deliberate, effective, a core part of his
game. His progressive carry and pass
metric? 232 total instances this season,
averaging 7.33 per 90. OK, Break that down for us.
Progressive carry or pass? It basically means anytime he
(07:56):
moves the ball significantly closer to the opponent's goal,
often bypassing defenders. So at 7.33 per 90 shows, he
consistently advances the ball into more dangerous areas.
So he's bypassing midfield lines.
Effectively, yeah. With a single action he can take
opponents out of the game, create numerical advantages
higher up. It's vital for that difends to
attack, transition, bypassing aggressive presses.
(08:18):
And even his long passes, 93 accurate ones this season, show
his range, his vision, switchingplay, finding a winger,
stretching the defense. We also see this figure XT from
passes at .10 per 90. For those maybe less familiar
with advanced stats, what does expected threat from passes
actually tell us? Right XT expected threat.
(08:39):
It's a smart metric. It quantifies how much a pass
increases the probability of a goal scoring chance.
It measures how much a pass improves the team's chances of
scoring, basically. So .10 per 90 for a center back
is that good? It's quite high, yeah, Extremely
significant. Often you'd expect that from a
creative midfielder, maybe even an attacker.
It shows he's not just playing safe, he's actively generating
(09:01):
attacking value from deep. His passes consistently move the
ball into positions that make scoring more likely.
It demonstrates real offensive intelligence.
Even from defense, he's completing valuable passes.
Shows he understands space, how to exploit it.
OK, so passing is key, but it's not just passing.
(09:22):
He's characterized as calm and composed with the ball and maybe
surprisingly for a defender, a strong dribbler for his
position. This really isn't your
traditional no nonsense center back is he sounds comfortable
under pressure. Not at all.
That's a key distinction. Really sets him apart, his
comfort, carrying the ball out especially.
He gets a high press. It's a highly prized modern
(09:44):
attribute. So instead of just clearing it.
Exactly. Instead of clearing or passing
into a tight spot, he can actually dribble past an
opponent. Allevia pressure, sure, but
crucially open up totally new passing lanes that weren't there
a second before. A tall center back dribbling
past midfielder that must throw off the opponent.
Completely allows the team to transition much more smoothly.
(10:05):
Break that initial press, get onthe front foot immediately.
It shows immense confidence. Real technical ability under
duress. Very calm, very deliberate.
And there's data on this dribbling.
Yeah, it's not just an observation. 11 successful take
ONS this season with an impressive 64.7% success rate.
65% success rate on take ONS forcenter back.
(10:28):
It's genuinely exceptional. Many wingers would be happy with
that efficiency. It means opponents can't just
press him easily. He has the tools to beat them.
Advance the ball, create an overload maybe?
And this carrying, it's not justabout escaping pressure.
It directly leads to offensive actions.
We see six carries led to chanceand even one carry led to goal.
Right. That's remarkable for his
(10:49):
position, a direct impact. What does that tell us?
Those numbers are highly significant.
Shows he's not just holding possession or escaping danger,
he's actively progressing the ball into genuinely dangerous
areas, directly contributing to scoring chances.
That one Carrie led to goal. I mean he literally drove
forward, beat players and directly created the goal
(11:10):
scenario. That's a highly sought after
rare trait. Shows that forward thinking
proactive mindset from deep. It's an offensive dimension few
defenders have. Transforms him from just a
defensive asset into a genuine attacking catalyst at times.
OK, this next part sounds almostcontradictory, doesn't it?
A defender who's a well a prolific goal scorer seems to
(11:32):
stretch, but he has a real goal threat.
Yeah, it gets really interestinghere.
For a center back focused on stopping goals, Jan Carly
Simmich possesses a surprising and frankly excellent goal
threat. Not something you usually lead
with for a defender. Indeed, it's a truly unique
aspect of his game, and it fundamentally changes how
opponents have to prepare prepare for set pieces against
his team. So the numbers.
(11:53):
In the 2024-2025 season, 24 league matches, three goals
overall league in Europe league 32 matches.
Still, three goals averages .09 goals per 90, and the reports
consistently highlight he's in ahigh percentile for non penalty
goals among defenders. That's crucial.
Meaning they're not penalties, they're from open player set
(12:16):
pieces. Exactly shows his contribution
comes directly from attacking faces.
It's not just a bonus, it's a tactical advantage.
Forces opponents to dedicate extra resources to mark him.
Stretches their defense. Maybe creates chances for others
even if he doesn't score. And what's really striking is
how those goals were scored. All three this season came from
set pieces, and all three were headers.
(12:36):
That points to a very specific potent strength, like having an
extra aerial specialist. It absolutely does.
Being dangerous onset pieces adds this unique, incredibly
valuable dimension. It suggests excellent timing, a
powerful leap, finding space in crowded boxes, all crucial for
heading. So he's a threat offensively but
also helps defensively. Onset pieces too.
(12:57):
Exactly that dual threat qualityprovides an extra attacking
outlet most defenders just don'thave.
His aerial strength, which we said helps defend his own box,
translates that power directly into a goal threat at the other
end. Forces opponents to adapt their
marking on corners. Free kicks often means pulling a
marker off someone else just to deal with him.
(13:18):
Now moving on slightly, we encountered some interesting
slightly varied beta points about his assists across the
different reports. Ah yes, the assist numbers.
Gives us a moment to think abouthow data can sometimes differ
slightly. But what's the real take away
for you, the listener from this?This is where we need to be
precise, but also understand howstats work.
Different sources, maybe slightly different definitions
(13:39):
of what counts as an assist, canlead to these minor variations.
So one report said one assist in8 Europa League games.
Another summary said 0 assists overall, but then a detailed
analysis listed 3 assists. Exactly.
So the discrepancy is there, butwhat it indicates for us the
listener isn't the lack of contribution.
It actually points towards his overall attacking intent and
(14:01):
output being notably high for his position, regardless of
whether the official tally ends up being 01 or three.
So the key take away is the involvement.
It's a consistent involvement, yes.
He's clearly involved in offensive build up, consistently
has an eye for goal creating situations.
He's not static. He actively participates in
moving the ball into dangerous areas, contributing to the final
(14:24):
attacking sequences. It shows he's not just a passer,
but a facilitator too. That's the important part.
Right, OK, so as with any young player with high potential, even
someone is promising as Giancarlo, there are always
areas for growth. It's not the finished article
yet. Of course not.
No players at 20. While he paints this picture of
a really modern defender, there are still brush strokes to add.
(14:46):
Our deep dive highlighted a couple of key aspects for him to
develop as he matures, aiming for that absolute elite level.
Yes, and this is crucial for hislong term trajectory.
The main areas identified are his one V1 defending and his
tackling technique. OK, core defensive skill.
Core skills, yeah, both pinpointed as aspects that can
enhance his defensive solidity, his consistency in today's game
(15:10):
with attackers getting faster, more agile, more technical,
mastering those close quarter one V ones is paramount.
A momentary lapse there could bevery costly high leverage area
for improvement. And the stats reflect this a
bit. They seem to His tackling volume
is notably low, only 15 total tackles this season, averaging
.47 per 90 minutes. Less than half a tackle per game
(15:32):
on average. Yeah, compared to maybe a ball
winning midfielder making 3 or 4or even more aggressive center
backs, it's definitely on the lower side, yeah.
Which makes you ask, is that a tactical choice by the team or
an area for him to refine individually?
Could be either, right? Could be it might suggest a need
to engage more proactively in duels, or maybe refine his
technique so he wins a higher percentage of the tackles he
(15:53):
does attempt. You know, timing, body shape,
avoiding fouls. Becoming more efficient there
would make him even more complete.
The reports also mentioned he could be better at clearing
danger from the box. His low clearance numbers, 98
total about 3.76 per 90, suggesta need to maybe sharpen
instincts in high pressure zones.
(16:14):
Clearing the lines. Sounds like a core
responsibility, especially when things get frantic in the box.
It does, and this raises a really important question
bringing tactics into it. Is this a fundamental weakness
or partly a consequence of the system he plays in?
Know so well? In possession based teams, high
defensive lines, clearances and high volume tackling might be
less frequent by design. The philosophy is keep the ball,
(16:37):
win it back. High up defenders are often
encouraged to play out, not justbooted.
Right clearing concedes possession.
Exactly. Yeah, they don't want defenders
just clearing under minimal pressure.
However, regardless of system, there are moments of pure chaos,
right? A scramble in the box, a fast
counter where you can't keep possession.
That's when a decisive, effective clearance is
(16:59):
absolutely essential. So it's about knowing when to
play and when to clear. Pretty much.
These are certainly areas of oneV ones the tackling efficiency,
the decisive clearances in chaotic moments that could
enhance his overall defensive impact, especially in those high
pressure zones in his own box where one action can prevent a
goal. It's about effectiveness when
the situation demands a more direct defensive action.
(17:21):
OK, switching back to offense briefly, while his goal scoring
is a massive plus, a real standout strength definitely.
The reports also suggest he can create more chances for
teammates that his final third. Contributions like shot creating
actions and key passes are limited.
Seems like the next step for hisattacking game.
It absolutely is, especially when you consider how good he is
(17:42):
at carrying the ball and playingthose progressive passes.
And again, there's that slight data variance on key passes.
Four in one place, 11 in another.
Right. But even if we take the higher
figure 11 key passes for a modern ball playing defender who
initiates attacks, carries the ball forward so well, there's
definitely potential to translate that progression into
(18:03):
more direct shot creating actions for others.
What's a shot creating action executive?
Any offensive action could be a pass, a dribble, even drawing a
foul that directly leads to a shot on goal so he gets the ball
into good areas. The next step is making that
final, decisive pass or action that directly sets up a
teammate. So what does this tell us about
his ability to really influence the attacking third beyond his
(18:26):
own goals? How does this fit his profile?
And for you the listener, think about this.
For a player so good at progressing the ball, how might
he boost his role in directly setting up goals?
Well, it implies that while he'sexcellent at progressing the
ball, getting into those threatening positions, maybe his
final ball decision making or the execution of that final pass
in tight spaces upfield could berefined.
(18:48):
Sharpening that final product. Exactly.
His expected threat from carriesis strong.
As we said, he gets into good spots with the ball, increases
the chance of a goal just by moving it forward, but
converting that strong position into tangible clear cut chances
for teammates. The perfectly weighted through
ball, the pinpoint cross, the decisive cutback.
(19:09):
That's the next crucial step in his offensive evolution.
How might that happen? Coaching tactics.
Could be a mix, practicing specific passes under pressure,
improving vision and congested areas, maybe refining his
positioning when he does join the attack.
For a coach, maybe it's encouraging more risk with the
final ball, or giving him specific roles in set plays
(19:30):
beyond just being a target. It's about pushing him to be a
creator, not just a progressor, to fully unlock that potential.
So let's try and bring this all together, OK?
Ultimately, young Carlos Simmichis profiled very clearly as a
quintessential modern ball playing center back.
That sums it up well. His core strengths, that
composure building from the back, the surprising attacking
(19:50):
output, especially from set pieces, They make him best
suited for a specific type of team, right?
Yeah, the report suggests A possession based team with a
high defensive line and controlled build up.
That's where his current skill set really shines.
Where he can dictate from deep be the foundation of their
attacking philosophy, and his move to Anderlacht, a club often
favoring that style, seems to under score that tactical fit.
(20:13):
So wrapping this deep dive up, what does all this mean for a
club maybe looking to invest in a defender like him?
And maybe more importantly, whatdoes it signify for Cimage's own
future, his career path? He represents a truly promising,
highly sought after profile for clubs wanting that progressive,
technically sound defender, someone who can build their play
(20:35):
from the back. But with those areas for
development still there. Absolutely.
Yeah. As we discussed, he needs to
keep refining the one V1 defending, improve tackling
consistency in those duels, but his existing foundation is
incredibly strong. That composure, the ball
progression, the aerial strength, the goal threat.
Exactly. That combination paints the
picture of a defender who already seamlessly blends those
(20:59):
desirable modern ball playing qualities with that essential
traditional defensive grit. He's not just a player for
today's game, but he has the rawtools, the early elite
experience, and a clear trajectory to be a significant,
maybe even top tier figure for years to come.
He's undeniably one to watch very closely.
His evolution will be fascinating.
(21:21):
What an incredibly detailed look.
Yeah, I'm Carlos Simmich. He really stands out, doesn't
he? A fascinating blend of, well,
youthful maturity, exceptional ball playing ability, and that
unexpected Mac for scoring goals.
Well, he definitely has those clear areas for development.
Specific defensive aspects, maybe That final creative passes
foundation is incredibly strong.You can see the potential.
He's already operating at a highlevel and the areas for growth
(21:43):
seem identifiable, which maybe makes his path to the elite even
clearer. His combination of those highly
valued modern qualities with that underlying essential
defensive grit makes his a trulyintriguing prospect.
He really embodies the evolving role of the central defender
today, where it's not just aboutstopping attacks but initiating
them with precision and impact. Yeah, he's a testament to how
(22:05):
the game is changing. Valuing those comprehensive
skill sets? Definitely.
And as football keeps pushing boundaries consistently
prioritizing a defender's ability to build attacks, break
lines, even generate threat fromdeep, that might just become the
new standard for elite center backs.
Could well be. So here's a final thought for
you to Mull over. How might a player like
(22:27):
Giancarlo Simmich, with his progressive skill set and that
unique attacking flair, ultimately redefine what we come
to expect from a top tier centerback in the years ahead?
Will his blend of skills become the new archetype, pushing the
boundaries of the position even further?
Something to think about. That's all for this deep dive.
Thank you for joining us.
Welcome back to the Deep Dive. Today we're embarking on a truly
fascinating exploration into theprofile of a young talent who's
already making some pretty significant ways in the world of
football. We've pulled together a wealth
of detailed reports, lots of deep performance data giving us
this incredible, almost X-ray like window into what makes this
(00:20):
young player tick and you know what really sets him apart.
Our mission today, as always, isto kind of cut through the
noise, uncover those crucial details, and give you a real
shortcut to being incredibly well informed about a player
who, well, we think is destined for the top.
And that shortcut is exactly what we're here for.
We're going to understand the nuances of his unique playing
(00:42):
style, really delve into what makes his standout strength so
impactful, and critically identify those areas where he
still has room to, let's say, sculpt his game.
You're about to get a really comprehensive understanding of a
player who could very well be dominating headlines for a long,
long time. Let's dive in.
Absolutely. So let's begin by putting a name
(01:03):
to this promising talent. We're talking about Jan Carlos
Simmich. Simmich.
Yeah, he's a 20 year old Serbiannational, which is interesting
because he was actually born in Germany.
Right. That dual background.
Sometimes it adds an interestinglayer, doesn't it?
Different influences maybe? Could be tactical ideas,
different approaches early on. But what's particularly
(01:23):
significant, I mean maybe even astonishing for someone his age,
is his early recognition at international level.
He made his senior debut for theSerbian national team on
September 5, 2024. Just think about that.
Wow, 20 years old senior debut. Exactly.
For a player who was just, you know, barely out of his teens,
(01:44):
to already be representing his country, the highest level,
competing against seasoned pros on that stage, it speaks
volumes. It really does.
It's not just talent, it's trust.
It's trust from the coaches, it's his demonstrated ability to
perform under, well, immense pressure.
This is massive milestone. It immediately flags him as a
special talent. High ceiling.
It just accelerates that learning curve way beyond what
(02:06):
most players get at that age. And when we talk physical
attributes, he stands at 1.86 meters tall.
Good height for a center back. That's not just advantageous, it
feels pretty critical these days.
Immediately brings to mind potential in aerial duels.
Oh, absolutely. And it's more than just
potential. It's a weapon.
Yeah, how so? Well, that height gives him a
(02:27):
natural significant edge in those critical aerial contests.
Think about it, Commanding the central space, dealing with long
balls, crosses. Right asserting himself against
strikers. Exactly.
But it translates offensively towhich we'll get to corners, free
kicks. He becomes a real target, causes
chaos and just that overall physical presence, you know,
screening attackers, holding ground.
It's a fundamental attribute fora defender in almost any system,
(02:51):
a powerful platform. And no surprise with that kind
of presence, his main spot is right in the heart of the
defense Center back. But what's really intriguing,
the reports highlight his adaptability.
He's noted as comfortable on both the right and the left side
of central defense. Which is becoming so valuable.
Tactical flexibility for the coach, definitely.
(03:11):
And this versatility, it's oftenunderpinned by another key
attribute. He seems to have a strong two
footed preference. OK, so not just right footed.
Well, some reports lean towards right, but others explicitly
state both suggesting a high level of comfort either way, and
that ability using either foot is a massive, massive advantage
(03:33):
for a defender today. How does that play out
practically? Think about it, he's pressed
hard on the left side of his boxinstead of a predictable, maybe
weaker foot clearance or a riskyturn back inside.
You can just open up and ping itwith his left.
Precisely a calm, driven pass toescape pressure.
It gives him flexibility in tight spots, makes him less
predictable, and crucially, it just enhances his whole ball
(03:54):
playing game, his decision making under pressure.
It's a real hallmark of the elite modern defender, being
able to dictate from deep brake lines, find teammates no matter
the angle or the press. So we've got the physical tools,
the early international recognition, but his journey, it
hasn't been from nowhere, has it?
Before his current club, he was at AC Milan.
(04:16):
Yeah, AC Milan, top tier European giant, steeped in
history, developing world class talent, That's a proper Crucible
for a young player, Absolutely. And making a Syria debut,
actually scoring a goal at just 18 while at Milan, that speaks
absolute volumes. 18 in Syria for Milan.
Wow, it really does. Milan isn't a club where chances
are just handed out right. You earn them against fierce
(04:37):
competition, established pros, other top youngsters.
For him to do that at that age in such a tactically demanding
league. Where every mistake is analyzed.
Exactly. It's a clear sign of his high
potential, his ability to perform at elite levels, very,
very young. That kind of early experience
under that pressure, it's just invaluable.
Accelerates development exponentially, forces
(04:58):
adaptation. He's already tasted that
intensity. So today his journey continues
at RSC under elect Move there July 23, 2024 and he signed a
long term contract committed until June 30, 2029.
Right, five years. That's a big commitment.
It really underscores Andrew likes belief in him, his future
impact. It's not a short term punt, it's
(05:19):
a strategic investment. They clearly see him as central
to their plans, a cornerstone maybe.
Do some stability to presumably.For sure lets him develop
without constant contract pressure or transfer talk.
And his market value noted at 8 million as of July 2025 that
reinforces the perception valuable asset substantial
upside. 8 million for a 20 year old center back.
(05:41):
Yeah, it signals he's already seen as one of the most
promising in his position in Europe.
Clubs expect that value to climbas he matures.
It's a concrete indicator of hisquality and potential.
OK, so we've established the foundation.
Physical tools, early experience, high valuation.
But let's get into the real engine room of his game.
What defines him on the pitch? This idea of being a modern ball
(06:05):
playing center back right? It's a phrase we hear all the
time. But what does it actually mean
for how he impacts the game beyond just a label?
It's way more than a label. It means he's far more than just
a traditional stopper. You know someone whose job is
just to clear the ball. Right.
Not just head it and kick it. Exactly.
He's integral to the team's offensive rhythm right from deep
in their own half, almost like the first playmaker.
(06:27):
He actively likes to build play,prefers short composed passes to
keep possession, draw opponents out, createspace further up.
So he helps control. Folks control the tempo.
Initiates attacks with purpose and precision, not just
reacting, not just hooping it long.
It genuinely transforms the defensive line into the first
line of attack, dictating the flow from the first touch.
(06:50):
And the numbers back this up they.
Really do. His passing accuracy stands out
87.0%. That's impressive. 87%.
And he completed 13193 passes this season, averaging almost 44
successful passes per 90 minutes.
That is an incredibly strong foundation for a defender. 44
passes per game, that's a lot ofinvolvement.
(07:12):
It is, and that kind of accuracy.
You often see it in midfielders,maybe not center backs.
At that volume, it tells you he's consistently involved,
remarkably reliable with the ball, even under pressure.
Not just simple sideways stuff, but consistently contributing to
possession. So accurate, yes, but what about
the intent behind those passes? Is he just keeping it safe or is
he actually trying to unlock things from deep?
(07:35):
The reports say he's very good at passing the ball forward and
breaking lines. Precisely.
That's the key difference. His forward passing isn't just
incidental, it's deliberate, effective, a core part of his
game. His progressive carry and pass
metric? 232 total instances this season,
averaging 7.33 per 90. OK, Break that down for us.
Progressive carry or pass? It basically means anytime he
(07:56):
moves the ball significantly closer to the opponent's goal,
often bypassing defenders. So at 7.33 per 90 shows, he
consistently advances the ball into more dangerous areas.
So he's bypassing midfield lines.
Effectively, yeah. With a single action he can take
opponents out of the game, create numerical advantages
higher up. It's vital for that difends to
attack, transition, bypassing aggressive presses.
(08:18):
And even his long passes, 93 accurate ones this season, show
his range, his vision, switchingplay, finding a winger,
stretching the defense. We also see this figure XT from
passes at .10 per 90. For those maybe less familiar
with advanced stats, what does expected threat from passes
actually tell us? Right XT expected threat.
(08:39):
It's a smart metric. It quantifies how much a pass
increases the probability of a goal scoring chance.
It measures how much a pass improves the team's chances of
scoring, basically. So .10 per 90 for a center back
is that good? It's quite high, yeah, Extremely
significant. Often you'd expect that from a
creative midfielder, maybe even an attacker.
It shows he's not just playing safe, he's actively generating
(09:01):
attacking value from deep. His passes consistently move the
ball into positions that make scoring more likely.
It demonstrates real offensive intelligence.
Even from defense, he's completing valuable passes.
Shows he understands space, how to exploit it.
OK, so passing is key, but it's not just passing.
(09:22):
He's characterized as calm and composed with the ball and maybe
surprisingly for a defender, a strong dribbler for his
position. This really isn't your
traditional no nonsense center back is he sounds comfortable
under pressure. Not at all.
That's a key distinction. Really sets him apart, his
comfort, carrying the ball out especially.
He gets a high press. It's a highly prized modern
(09:44):
attribute. So instead of just clearing it.
Exactly. Instead of clearing or passing
into a tight spot, he can actually dribble past an
opponent. Allevia pressure, sure, but
crucially open up totally new passing lanes that weren't there
a second before. A tall center back dribbling
past midfielder that must throw off the opponent.
Completely allows the team to transition much more smoothly.
(10:05):
Break that initial press, get onthe front foot immediately.
It shows immense confidence. Real technical ability under
duress. Very calm, very deliberate.
And there's data on this dribbling.
Yeah, it's not just an observation. 11 successful take
ONS this season with an impressive 64.7% success rate.
65% success rate on take ONS forcenter back.
(10:28):
It's genuinely exceptional. Many wingers would be happy with
that efficiency. It means opponents can't just
press him easily. He has the tools to beat them.
Advance the ball, create an overload maybe?
And this carrying, it's not justabout escaping pressure.
It directly leads to offensive actions.
We see six carries led to chanceand even one carry led to goal.
Right. That's remarkable for his
(10:49):
position, a direct impact. What does that tell us?
Those numbers are highly significant.
Shows he's not just holding possession or escaping danger,
he's actively progressing the ball into genuinely dangerous
areas, directly contributing to scoring chances.
That one Carrie led to goal. I mean he literally drove
forward, beat players and directly created the goal
(11:10):
scenario. That's a highly sought after
rare trait. Shows that forward thinking
proactive mindset from deep. It's an offensive dimension few
defenders have. Transforms him from just a
defensive asset into a genuine attacking catalyst at times.
OK, this next part sounds almostcontradictory, doesn't it?
A defender who's a well a prolific goal scorer seems to
(11:32):
stretch, but he has a real goal threat.
Yeah, it gets really interestinghere.
For a center back focused on stopping goals, Jan Carly
Simmich possesses a surprising and frankly excellent goal
threat. Not something you usually lead
with for a defender. Indeed, it's a truly unique
aspect of his game, and it fundamentally changes how
opponents have to prepare prepare for set pieces against
his team. So the numbers.
(11:53):
In the 2024-2025 season, 24 league matches, three goals
overall league in Europe league 32 matches.
Still, three goals averages .09 goals per 90, and the reports
consistently highlight he's in ahigh percentile for non penalty
goals among defenders. That's crucial.
Meaning they're not penalties, they're from open player set
(12:16):
pieces. Exactly shows his contribution
comes directly from attacking faces.
It's not just a bonus, it's a tactical advantage.
Forces opponents to dedicate extra resources to mark him.
Stretches their defense. Maybe creates chances for others
even if he doesn't score. And what's really striking is
how those goals were scored. All three this season came from
set pieces, and all three were headers.
(12:36):
That points to a very specific potent strength, like having an
extra aerial specialist. It absolutely does.
Being dangerous onset pieces adds this unique, incredibly
valuable dimension. It suggests excellent timing, a
powerful leap, finding space in crowded boxes, all crucial for
heading. So he's a threat offensively but
also helps defensively. Onset pieces too.
(12:57):
Exactly that dual threat qualityprovides an extra attacking
outlet most defenders just don'thave.
His aerial strength, which we said helps defend his own box,
translates that power directly into a goal threat at the other
end. Forces opponents to adapt their
marking on corners. Free kicks often means pulling a
marker off someone else just to deal with him.
(13:18):
Now moving on slightly, we encountered some interesting
slightly varied beta points about his assists across the
different reports. Ah yes, the assist numbers.
Gives us a moment to think abouthow data can sometimes differ
slightly. But what's the real take away
for you, the listener from this?This is where we need to be
precise, but also understand howstats work.
Different sources, maybe slightly different definitions
(13:39):
of what counts as an assist, canlead to these minor variations.
So one report said one assist in8 Europa League games.
Another summary said 0 assists overall, but then a detailed
analysis listed 3 assists. Exactly.
So the discrepancy is there, butwhat it indicates for us the
listener isn't the lack of contribution.
It actually points towards his overall attacking intent and
(14:01):
output being notably high for his position, regardless of
whether the official tally ends up being 01 or three.
So the key take away is the involvement.
It's a consistent involvement, yes.
He's clearly involved in offensive build up, consistently
has an eye for goal creating situations.
He's not static. He actively participates in
moving the ball into dangerous areas, contributing to the final
(14:24):
attacking sequences. It shows he's not just a passer,
but a facilitator too. That's the important part.
Right, OK, so as with any young player with high potential, even
someone is promising as Giancarlo, there are always
areas for growth. It's not the finished article
yet. Of course not.
No players at 20. While he paints this picture of
a really modern defender, there are still brush strokes to add.
(14:46):
Our deep dive highlighted a couple of key aspects for him to
develop as he matures, aiming for that absolute elite level.
Yes, and this is crucial for hislong term trajectory.
The main areas identified are his one V1 defending and his
tackling technique. OK, core defensive skill.
Core skills, yeah, both pinpointed as aspects that can
enhance his defensive solidity, his consistency in today's game
(15:10):
with attackers getting faster, more agile, more technical,
mastering those close quarter one V ones is paramount.
A momentary lapse there could bevery costly high leverage area
for improvement. And the stats reflect this a
bit. They seem to His tackling volume
is notably low, only 15 total tackles this season, averaging
.47 per 90 minutes. Less than half a tackle per game
(15:32):
on average. Yeah, compared to maybe a ball
winning midfielder making 3 or 4or even more aggressive center
backs, it's definitely on the lower side, yeah.
Which makes you ask, is that a tactical choice by the team or
an area for him to refine individually?
Could be either, right? Could be it might suggest a need
to engage more proactively in duels, or maybe refine his
technique so he wins a higher percentage of the tackles he
(15:53):
does attempt. You know, timing, body shape,
avoiding fouls. Becoming more efficient there
would make him even more complete.
The reports also mentioned he could be better at clearing
danger from the box. His low clearance numbers, 98
total about 3.76 per 90, suggesta need to maybe sharpen
instincts in high pressure zones.
(16:14):
Clearing the lines. Sounds like a core
responsibility, especially when things get frantic in the box.
It does, and this raises a really important question
bringing tactics into it. Is this a fundamental weakness
or partly a consequence of the system he plays in?
Know so well? In possession based teams, high
defensive lines, clearances and high volume tackling might be
less frequent by design. The philosophy is keep the ball,
(16:37):
win it back. High up defenders are often
encouraged to play out, not justbooted.
Right clearing concedes possession.
Exactly. Yeah, they don't want defenders
just clearing under minimal pressure.
However, regardless of system, there are moments of pure chaos,
right? A scramble in the box, a fast
counter where you can't keep possession.
That's when a decisive, effective clearance is
(16:59):
absolutely essential. So it's about knowing when to
play and when to clear. Pretty much.
These are certainly areas of oneV ones the tackling efficiency,
the decisive clearances in chaotic moments that could
enhance his overall defensive impact, especially in those high
pressure zones in his own box where one action can prevent a
goal. It's about effectiveness when
the situation demands a more direct defensive action.
(17:21):
OK, switching back to offense briefly, while his goal scoring
is a massive plus, a real standout strength definitely.
The reports also suggest he can create more chances for
teammates that his final third. Contributions like shot creating
actions and key passes are limited.
Seems like the next step for hisattacking game.
It absolutely is, especially when you consider how good he is
(17:42):
at carrying the ball and playingthose progressive passes.
And again, there's that slight data variance on key passes.
Four in one place, 11 in another.
Right. But even if we take the higher
figure 11 key passes for a modern ball playing defender who
initiates attacks, carries the ball forward so well, there's
definitely potential to translate that progression into
(18:03):
more direct shot creating actions for others.
What's a shot creating action executive?
Any offensive action could be a pass, a dribble, even drawing a
foul that directly leads to a shot on goal so he gets the ball
into good areas. The next step is making that
final, decisive pass or action that directly sets up a
teammate. So what does this tell us about
his ability to really influence the attacking third beyond his
(18:26):
own goals? How does this fit his profile?
And for you the listener, think about this.
For a player so good at progressing the ball, how might
he boost his role in directly setting up goals?
Well, it implies that while he'sexcellent at progressing the
ball, getting into those threatening positions, maybe his
final ball decision making or the execution of that final pass
in tight spaces upfield could berefined.
(18:48):
Sharpening that final product. Exactly.
His expected threat from carriesis strong.
As we said, he gets into good spots with the ball, increases
the chance of a goal just by moving it forward, but
converting that strong position into tangible clear cut chances
for teammates. The perfectly weighted through
ball, the pinpoint cross, the decisive cutback.
(19:09):
That's the next crucial step in his offensive evolution.
How might that happen? Coaching tactics.
Could be a mix, practicing specific passes under pressure,
improving vision and congested areas, maybe refining his
positioning when he does join the attack.
For a coach, maybe it's encouraging more risk with the
final ball, or giving him specific roles in set plays
(19:30):
beyond just being a target. It's about pushing him to be a
creator, not just a progressor, to fully unlock that potential.
So let's try and bring this all together, OK?
Ultimately, young Carlos Simmichis profiled very clearly as a
quintessential modern ball playing center back.
That sums it up well. His core strengths, that
composure building from the back, the surprising attacking
(19:50):
output, especially from set pieces, They make him best
suited for a specific type of team, right?
Yeah, the report suggests A possession based team with a
high defensive line and controlled build up.
That's where his current skill set really shines.
Where he can dictate from deep be the foundation of their
attacking philosophy, and his move to Anderlacht, a club often
favoring that style, seems to under score that tactical fit.
(20:13):
So wrapping this deep dive up, what does all this mean for a
club maybe looking to invest in a defender like him?
And maybe more importantly, whatdoes it signify for Cimage's own
future, his career path? He represents a truly promising,
highly sought after profile for clubs wanting that progressive,
technically sound defender, someone who can build their play
(20:35):
from the back. But with those areas for
development still there. Absolutely.
Yeah. As we discussed, he needs to
keep refining the one V1 defending, improve tackling
consistency in those duels, but his existing foundation is
incredibly strong. That composure, the ball
progression, the aerial strength, the goal threat.
Exactly. That combination paints the
picture of a defender who already seamlessly blends those
(20:59):
desirable modern ball playing qualities with that essential
traditional defensive grit. He's not just a player for
today's game, but he has the rawtools, the early elite
experience, and a clear trajectory to be a significant,
maybe even top tier figure for years to come.
He's undeniably one to watch very closely.
His evolution will be fascinating.
(21:21):
What an incredibly detailed look.
Yeah, I'm Carlos Simmich. He really stands out, doesn't
he? A fascinating blend of, well,
youthful maturity, exceptional ball playing ability, and that
unexpected Mac for scoring goals.
Well, he definitely has those clear areas for development.
Specific defensive aspects, maybe That final creative passes
foundation is incredibly strong.You can see the potential.
He's already operating at a highlevel and the areas for growth
(21:43):
seem identifiable, which maybe makes his path to the elite even
clearer. His combination of those highly
valued modern qualities with that underlying essential
defensive grit makes his a trulyintriguing prospect.
He really embodies the evolving role of the central defender
today, where it's not just aboutstopping attacks but initiating
them with precision and impact. Yeah, he's a testament to how
(22:05):
the game is changing. Valuing those comprehensive
skill sets? Definitely.
And as football keeps pushing boundaries consistently
prioritizing a defender's ability to build attacks, break
lines, even generate threat fromdeep, that might just become the
new standard for elite center backs.
Could well be. So here's a final thought for
you to Mull over. How might a player like
(22:27):
Giancarlo Simmich, with his progressive skill set and that
unique attacking flair, ultimately redefine what we come
to expect from a top tier centerback in the years ahead?
Will his blend of skills become the new archetype, pushing the
boundaries of the position even further?
Something to think about. That's all for this deep dive.
Thank you for joining us.
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