Samson Baidoo: “Quiet type” with comparisons to Rüdiger and Upamecano
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The last few seconds between VfL Wolfsburg and RB Salzburg in the Youth League are ticking down, it is 1-1, and the guests are launching one last attack. Samson Baidoo starts the attack, plays the ball to the wing, and then sprints forward into the opponent’s penalty box. There he receives the ball for a second time and the chance to win the game. Fully concentrated, with his eyes on the ball, just before he scores to make it 2-1. “It is something special,” the defender said to Transfermarkt when asked about his goalscoring instinct. “I will never forget this scene.”
In action for the Jungbullen during the week in Europe, the center-back plays for FC Liefering on the weekends. There Baidoo has played since the start of the season and was one of the big winners in the 2. Liga market value update. The 17-year-old is a regular starter for his team. FC Liefering are second, five points behind table leaders Austria Lustenau. Impressive, considering that Liefering have the youngest team in the league with an average age of just 18.5.
Baidoo has played 11 games, most of them over the full distance. “You notice that it is harder and more intense,” the talented defender said. “Physically, you notice that not all are in the same age category. There are many experienced players in the league who are fully aware of their abilities.” The defender spent the last few months adding muscle mass. “I need to be more robust and aggressive,” Baidoo said, explaining that those attributes are important to get used to the higher level. Baidoo believes it has been a good start despite the adjustments. “With time, it has gotten better and better,” the Austrian youth international said.
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That Kluiverth Aguilar would move to Europe was already certain last year. Signed by Manchester City, the right-back is currently under contract at Lommel SK, which also is part of the City Group.
For Xavi Simons the last season was a mixed back. First close to the first team, the talented attacking midfielder has been ignored by Mauricio Pochettino and is currently considering a transfer to another club.
Mexiko, Canada or England: For now Marcelo Flores the talented midfielder has opted for Mexico’s U20 but it is expected that Flores will await a final decision as Canada remains in the mix to secure the services of the 18-year-old.
Hannibal Mejbri is the third player in the calendar to switch national teams. Previously with France, the Man United talent has since made the switch to Tunisia.
Not surprising Caden Clark will join RB Leipzig this winter. This year the 18-year-old played his first full season with New York Red Bulls with whom he was eliminated in the first round of the MLS Cup Playoffs.
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Yusuf Demir has fulfilled his wish and joined FC Barcelona where he has already made his debut for the first team.
Baidoo on his playing style: “Sometimes I tease my opponents”
The talented defender joined Liefering from Grazer AK in the winter of 2018. From there, he joined the academy of Liefering’s cooperation partner Salzburg. At Red Bull, Baidoo advanced through all youth teams before being brought into the first team at the beginning of the year by then head coach Jesse Marsch. Baidoo even made his debut under Marsch as a 16-year-old in a friendly. The Austrian outlet Laola1 later described Baidoo as a powerful defender whose physical presence was his biggest strength.
“His vision and calmness when on the defensive but also when he has to play the first ball stand out,” TM user and Salzburg data scout oesterreicher_1 said. “Despite his young age, he plays beyond his years and is already a leader. Physically he is already quite far for his age as well,” the user continued. “I am the quiet type,” the defender said. “Sometimes I tease my opponents a little bit,” Baidoo explained and compared himself to Germany’s most valuable defender: Antonio Rüdiger.
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“He provokes forwards, tries to distract them—I admire that,” Baidoo said about Rüdiger. “Despite not being the captain, he is without a doubt the boss in defense.” Another player Baidoo looks up to is Dayot Upamecano. “I like the way he plays,” Baidoo said. The young star sees comparisons such as their opening pass, speed, and willingness to join the attack between himself and his two idols. But while the two defenders have already seen their career come to great heights, Baidoo is just at the beginning. “My current goals are to play a good season and to perform,” Baidoo said. The next step is to win titles, both on the national and international level.
From December 1 to 24, we introduce new players from different countries born in 2003. Area managers, users, and data scouts come into play as experts throughout the series. You can follow all those players by adding them to your TM watchlist.
