This short blog is to highlight three young footballers currently playing in the National League South, all of whom have the potential to play at a higher level.
Ben Brookes, 22, Left Back/Left Centre Back (Chelmsford City)
The data - Brookes crossing stats are where he stands out on the data. He has 4.32 crosses per 90 with an accuracy percentage of 41.18.
The story - Brookes spent time with both West Ham and Chelsea at youth level before playing senior football at Tower Hamlets, Great Wakering Rovers, Basildon Utd and Hashtag Utd. He left Hashtag for Chelmsford in January 2023
The video - Brookes is approximately 5ft11 and is left footed. Brookes can operate as either a full back in a four or as a left centre back in a three. He has deadly crossing ability and will often deliver a ball from deep. Brookes has beautiful technique and highly dangerous set piece delivery.
Jordan Thomas, 22, Wide forward (Bath City)
The data - The wideman has eight goals this season from an xG of 3.48. That shows you the level of quality that he possesses. He also has three assists to his name. Thomas has attempted 161 dribbles this season (2nd highest in the league) at 9.51 per game
The story - Jordan Thomas first came onto my radar playing for a struggling North Leigh side in the 2022/23 season. I watched him stand out a mile for them against Plymouth Parkway and although North Leigh got relegated that season it was clear that Thomas was playing below his level. He signed for current team Bath City at the end of that season and hasn't looked back, scoring eight goals from his wide forward position and producing a dazzling performance level.
The video - Thomas is approximately 6ft. He has a beautiful left foot. Thomas plays to a high standard on either flank but he is most dangerous playing inverted from the right where he utilises great balance, superb dribbling and ball manipulation to create scoring chances for himself. Thomas is capable of the sublime. Destined for the National League, maybe even the EFL.
Levi Amantchi, 22, Striker (Maidstone Utd)
The data - Amantchi has scored nine goals from 1074 minutes played this season from an xG per 90 of 0.66. He averages 3.02 shots per 90 with 50% on target and 4.19 touches in the box per 90.
The story - Although only 22, Amantchi already has the feel of a journeyman forward. He began his career at Chesterfield in the National League, making his debut at 17 he played fourteen times in his first season. After a loan at Blyth Spartans he signed first for Workington and then had spells at Redditch and Potters Bar. In the 2022/23 season he spent time at two clubs, Braintree and Brackley where between both he scored twelve NLS goals. He signed for Maidstone ahead of this season and currently has nine goals for the season. He's inching towards getting his career back where it started.
The video - Amantchi is approximately 6ft4. Athletic, powerful, strong. A big penalty box predatory presence, he is aggressive in the six yard box. Amatchi is left footed and a direct runner with the ball at his feet, he provides a great outlet for his team to relieve pressure. What he lacks in grace he makes up for in power.
Data and information gathered from Wyscout & Transfermarkt