London based Abayomi Ademetan writes a detailed scout report about Nigerian/Irish forward Franco Umeh.
Fine finishes from Franco Umeh, Trialist, Danny Imray and Justin Devenny saw Crystal Palace Under-21s soar past Everton 4-2 at Selhurst Park to set up a Premier League International Cup Final rematch with PSV Eindhoven.
Who is Umeh?
Franco Umeh is a versatile forward, capable of playing anywhere along the front three. He is certainly on the path to greatness.
The 19-year-old joined the club from Cork City in February 2023.
A rapid, hard-working player who is just as capable of beating a man as winning the ball off him, Umeh made his debut for Cork City in 2021/22 at the age of 17, coming on as a second-half substitute against Longford Town.
He went on to make a further two appearances for the Rebel Army in 2022 as they achieved promotion from the League of Ireland First Division. The youngster has also represented the Republic of Ireland at Under-17, Under-18 and Under-19 level.
Upon moving to south London last year, Umeh made an instant impression, scoring a brace in his first start against Arsenal U18s.
In his first four months at the club, he finished the campaign with five goals in eight games for the U18s, and one goal in seven appearances as a substitute for the Under-21s.
He helped the U21s on their way to the Premier League International Cup final, scoring a goal in the penalty shoot-out against Valencia in the semi-final.
The lad has been brilliant in 2023/24, notching nine goals and an assist in 14 games for the U21s..
Umeh’s performances for Darren Powell’s U21s side have seen him train across the road with the first-team on multiple occasions.
What is his style of play?
With such a physique, Umeh suits the Premier League perfectly either upfront by himself or partnered alongside someone. In the game I saw on Tuesday, Umeh was a constant thorn in the Everton’s back line, dropping deep to collect the ball or backing into defenders. His style is typical of intelligent forwards, he’ll win headers from goal kicks and corners and likes the rough and brutal battles with defenders.
What are his strengths?
His touches are so durable which makes holding possession very easier. His hold up play against Everton also impressed, shrugging off the opposition with ease and on one occasion, he turned them and sprinted towards goal with frightening pace, leaving the Everton team for dust, thus ruining their compact defensive formation. He was a nuisance all game, always being in the right position to collect balls in the box and finish them. His intelligent assist for one of the goals was really commendable.
Future
He is one for the future. A crack in Flying Eagles team will be fascinating.