Richard
@rsmartscout.bsky.social
Close observer of Swiss football
This reemphasises the importance of a new arrival and, on paper at least, Hannes Delcroix fits the bill perfectly. He will be hoping for strong form and gametime in the lead up to the World Cup, and Lugano will hope that this season does not fizzle out like 2024/2025.
January 3, 2026 at 11:56 PM
This reemphasises the importance of a new arrival and, on paper at least, Hannes Delcroix fits the bill perfectly. He will be hoping for strong form and gametime in the lead up to the World Cup, and Lugano will hope that this season does not fizzle out like 2024/2025.
Lugano's other CB option, summer signing Damian Kelvin from 3rd tier side FC Biel-Bienne, has been injured for most of the season, but has struggled to impress in his limited game time. I strongly question his readiness for first tier football based on his poor physical ability.
January 3, 2026 at 11:56 PM
Lugano's other CB option, summer signing Damian Kelvin from 3rd tier side FC Biel-Bienne, has been injured for most of the season, but has struggled to impress in his limited game time. I strongly question his readiness for first tier football based on his poor physical ability.
Critically he is left footed, which replaces El Wafi & the previously departed Albian Hajdari, who transferred to Hoffenheim in the summer. Lugano have had to deploy Mai & Papadopoulos at LCB, & whilst both are capable there, the different angles limit their passing ranges.
January 3, 2026 at 11:56 PM
Critically he is left footed, which replaces El Wafi & the previously departed Albian Hajdari, who transferred to Hoffenheim in the summer. Lugano have had to deploy Mai & Papadopoulos at LCB, & whilst both are capable there, the different angles limit their passing ranges.
Hannes Delcroix
DOB: 28/02/1999 (26)
Nation: Haiti
International Caps: 3 (previously capped once by Belgium)
Height: 1.83m
Foot: Left
Position: CB
Contract Expiry: 30/06/2028
Transfermarkt Market Value: €2.50m
DOB: 28/02/1999 (26)
Nation: Haiti
International Caps: 3 (previously capped once by Belgium)
Height: 1.83m
Foot: Left
Position: CB
Contract Expiry: 30/06/2028
Transfermarkt Market Value: €2.50m
January 3, 2026 at 11:56 PM
Hannes Delcroix
DOB: 28/02/1999 (26)
Nation: Haiti
International Caps: 3 (previously capped once by Belgium)
Height: 1.83m
Foot: Left
Position: CB
Contract Expiry: 30/06/2028
Transfermarkt Market Value: €2.50m
DOB: 28/02/1999 (26)
Nation: Haiti
International Caps: 3 (previously capped once by Belgium)
Height: 1.83m
Foot: Left
Position: CB
Contract Expiry: 30/06/2028
Transfermarkt Market Value: €2.50m
For this reason, I was onboard with the links to Inter (Di Marco backup) a year ago, and a move to a similar system would be in his best interest. The space on offer in Germany would also suit him. A player destined to move on from Switzerland, especially if YB don't make Europe.
January 2, 2026 at 11:20 PM
For this reason, I was onboard with the links to Inter (Di Marco backup) a year ago, and a move to a similar system would be in his best interest. The space on offer in Germany would also suit him. A player destined to move on from Switzerland, especially if YB don't make Europe.
The combination of his clear attacking strengths and his lack of concentration and defensive lapses make him better suited as a LWB in a back 3 than a LB in a back 4. This could afford him more defensive cover to get forward, and he is capable of being the sole outlet on a flank.
January 2, 2026 at 11:20 PM
The combination of his clear attacking strengths and his lack of concentration and defensive lapses make him better suited as a LWB in a back 3 than a LB in a back 4. This could afford him more defensive cover to get forward, and he is capable of being the sole outlet on a flank.
He lacks the desire to properly track back on counters and mark runners; he seems to do just the 'bare minimum' so that it isn't his fault, though he was directly responsible for the opener against St Gallen in the 2-1 loss earlier this season.
January 2, 2026 at 11:20 PM
He lacks the desire to properly track back on counters and mark runners; he seems to do just the 'bare minimum' so that it isn't his fault, though he was directly responsible for the opener against St Gallen in the 2-1 loss earlier this season.
I've outlined his attacking prowess above, though he does have some quite clear defensive shortcomings.
He is careless with the ball in his own defensive third; whilst this can kickstart counter attacks at times, he is prone to turning it over in deep positions (see MD7 vs Thun)
He is careless with the ball in his own defensive third; whilst this can kickstart counter attacks at times, he is prone to turning it over in deep positions (see MD7 vs Thun)
January 2, 2026 at 11:20 PM
I've outlined his attacking prowess above, though he does have some quite clear defensive shortcomings.
He is careless with the ball in his own defensive third; whilst this can kickstart counter attacks at times, he is prone to turning it over in deep positions (see MD7 vs Thun)
He is careless with the ball in his own defensive third; whilst this can kickstart counter attacks at times, he is prone to turning it over in deep positions (see MD7 vs Thun)
He possesses good ball striking on his stronger left foot and has displayed his ability to finish from volleys (1-0 against Winterthur on MD14) and with his laces from tight angles (the go-ahead goal in the 4-4 draw at Servette after beating half the defense).
January 2, 2026 at 11:20 PM
He possesses good ball striking on his stronger left foot and has displayed his ability to finish from volleys (1-0 against Winterthur on MD14) and with his laces from tight angles (the go-ahead goal in the 4-4 draw at Servette after beating half the defense).
Ball carrying is also a standout quality. He is consistently able to slalom past defenders (similar to the style of MLS from Arsenal); he can create shooting opportunities for himself or teammates
See his assist in the 2-1 win at Luzern, beating two and playing to Fassnacht.
See his assist in the 2-1 win at Luzern, beating two and playing to Fassnacht.
January 2, 2026 at 11:20 PM
Ball carrying is also a standout quality. He is consistently able to slalom past defenders (similar to the style of MLS from Arsenal); he can create shooting opportunities for himself or teammates
See his assist in the 2-1 win at Luzern, beating two and playing to Fassnacht.
See his assist in the 2-1 win at Luzern, beating two and playing to Fassnacht.
Crossing is a clear strength: he is equally good at whipping balls in from deep or cutting back from the byline. He is also effective in both counter attacking scenarios and against low blocks.
His cross for Fassnacht's goal in the 5-0 rout of Winterthur was outstanding.
His cross for Fassnacht's goal in the 5-0 rout of Winterthur was outstanding.
January 2, 2026 at 11:20 PM
Crossing is a clear strength: he is equally good at whipping balls in from deep or cutting back from the byline. He is also effective in both counter attacking scenarios and against low blocks.
His cross for Fassnacht's goal in the 5-0 rout of Winterthur was outstanding.
His cross for Fassnacht's goal in the 5-0 rout of Winterthur was outstanding.
Hadjam has been a mainstay on the left-side of YB defense since he joined from FC Nantes (€1.30m) in January 2024. His 91 appearances across all competitions for YB have yielded 6 goals and 7 appearances (0.18 G/A per 90).
He is a far better attacker than he is a defender.
He is a far better attacker than he is a defender.
January 2, 2026 at 11:20 PM
Hadjam has been a mainstay on the left-side of YB defense since he joined from FC Nantes (€1.30m) in January 2024. His 91 appearances across all competitions for YB have yielded 6 goals and 7 appearances (0.18 G/A per 90).
He is a far better attacker than he is a defender.
He is a far better attacker than he is a defender.
Jaouen Hadjam
DOB: 26/03/2003 (22)
Nation: Algeria (currently at AFCON)
International Caps: 16 (3 goals)
Height: 1.85m
Foot: Left only
Position: LB (though better suited to LWB)
Contract Expiry: 30/06/2028
Transfermarkt Market Value: €9.00m
DOB: 26/03/2003 (22)
Nation: Algeria (currently at AFCON)
International Caps: 16 (3 goals)
Height: 1.85m
Foot: Left only
Position: LB (though better suited to LWB)
Contract Expiry: 30/06/2028
Transfermarkt Market Value: €9.00m
January 2, 2026 at 11:20 PM
Jaouen Hadjam
DOB: 26/03/2003 (22)
Nation: Algeria (currently at AFCON)
International Caps: 16 (3 goals)
Height: 1.85m
Foot: Left only
Position: LB (though better suited to LWB)
Contract Expiry: 30/06/2028
Transfermarkt Market Value: €9.00m
DOB: 26/03/2003 (22)
Nation: Algeria (currently at AFCON)
International Caps: 16 (3 goals)
Height: 1.85m
Foot: Left only
Position: LB (though better suited to LWB)
Contract Expiry: 30/06/2028
Transfermarkt Market Value: €9.00m
Turning 21 in April, he has significant potential, and I wouldn't be shocked if clubs come circling come the end of the season.
January 2, 2026 at 12:38 AM
Turning 21 in April, he has significant potential, and I wouldn't be shocked if clubs come circling come the end of the season.
The defensive side of his game requires some work. He presses with intent & energy, especially when the ball is in front of him, though he lacks defensive instincts in his own final third. He struggles marking & is frequently caught ball watching, allowing opponents to overlap.
January 2, 2026 at 12:38 AM
The defensive side of his game requires some work. He presses with intent & energy, especially when the ball is in front of him, though he lacks defensive instincts in his own final third. He struggles marking & is frequently caught ball watching, allowing opponents to overlap.
His end product has undoubtedly been a positive this season. He has 5 G/A in the league (0.53 G/A per 90) and 13 G/A in all competitions (0.62 G/A per 90).
His goal on matchday 11 in the 1-3 loss to Servette was a highlight, demonstration great composure and shot placement.
His goal on matchday 11 in the 1-3 loss to Servette was a highlight, demonstration great composure and shot placement.
January 2, 2026 at 12:38 AM
His end product has undoubtedly been a positive this season. He has 5 G/A in the league (0.53 G/A per 90) and 13 G/A in all competitions (0.62 G/A per 90).
His goal on matchday 11 in the 1-3 loss to Servette was a highlight, demonstration great composure and shot placement.
His goal on matchday 11 in the 1-3 loss to Servette was a highlight, demonstration great composure and shot placement.
Dribbling is a major strength; he is capable of riding contact and retaining possession as he drives forward with the ball, making him a counter attacking threat.
His decision making around the box is also good; he has an understanding when to distribute and when to shoot.
His decision making around the box is also good; he has an understanding when to distribute and when to shoot.
January 2, 2026 at 12:38 AM
Dribbling is a major strength; he is capable of riding contact and retaining possession as he drives forward with the ball, making him a counter attacking threat.
His decision making around the box is also good; he has an understanding when to distribute and when to shoot.
His decision making around the box is also good; he has an understanding when to distribute and when to shoot.
He has a low centre of gravity, due to his lack of height, with a relatively stocky build with strong hips. His body movements are very fluid, with strong agility and acceleration. He controls his body well with the ball and can change direction efficiently with his first touch.
January 2, 2026 at 12:38 AM
He has a low centre of gravity, due to his lack of height, with a relatively stocky build with strong hips. His body movements are very fluid, with strong agility and acceleration. He controls his body well with the ball and can change direction efficiently with his first touch.
Signed from NK Istra 1961 in February 2025 for €2.00m, he was eased into action in the second half of the 2024/2025 season, starting 3 times. This term he already has 22 starts and 32 appearances in all competitions.
January 2, 2026 at 12:38 AM
Signed from NK Istra 1961 in February 2025 for €2.00m, he was eased into action in the second half of the 2024/2025 season, starting 3 times. This term he already has 22 starts and 32 appearances in all competitions.
Beyatt Lekoueiry
DOB: 11/04/2005 (20)
Nation: Mauritania
International Caps: 11
Height: 1.71m
Foot: Left
Contract Expiry: 30/06/2028
Transfermarkt Value: €1.50m
DOB: 11/04/2005 (20)
Nation: Mauritania
International Caps: 11
Height: 1.71m
Foot: Left
Contract Expiry: 30/06/2028
Transfermarkt Value: €1.50m
January 2, 2026 at 12:38 AM
Beyatt Lekoueiry
DOB: 11/04/2005 (20)
Nation: Mauritania
International Caps: 11
Height: 1.71m
Foot: Left
Contract Expiry: 30/06/2028
Transfermarkt Value: €1.50m
DOB: 11/04/2005 (20)
Nation: Mauritania
International Caps: 11
Height: 1.71m
Foot: Left
Contract Expiry: 30/06/2028
Transfermarkt Value: €1.50m
He is not starting Swiss Super League level at this stage, and I have not noted significant improvement from the start of last season when he joined from Troyes.
If YB are serious around European qualification, then they must upgrade at CB.
If YB are serious around European qualification, then they must upgrade at CB.
January 1, 2026 at 4:10 AM
He is not starting Swiss Super League level at this stage, and I have not noted significant improvement from the start of last season when he joined from Troyes.
If YB are serious around European qualification, then they must upgrade at CB.
If YB are serious around European qualification, then they must upgrade at CB.
His reckless red card in the 3-3 thriller away at Grasshopper, lunging in after a heavy touch, was the result of an over-eagerness to impact the game, especially when trailing. He constantly attacks space, but his short distribution lacks precision and can often lead to counters.
January 1, 2026 at 4:10 AM
His reckless red card in the 3-3 thriller away at Grasshopper, lunging in after a heavy touch, was the result of an over-eagerness to impact the game, especially when trailing. He constantly attacks space, but his short distribution lacks precision and can often lead to counters.