Players for Top leagues #2 — Denso Kasius

The second player on the list of interesting options for strengthening in the top European championships is Denso Kasius.
Player Profile:
Age: 19
Height: 183 cm
Club: “Volendam”, on loan from “Utrecht”
Nationality: Dutchman
In the winter of 2021, he transferred on a loan to “Volendam” until the summer of 2022. The last time he was called to the U-16 team, there were no calls after that.

A very young (turned 19 in October) right-back, able to play on the left. He changed as many as 5 football academies, but there is an explanation for this: from “Delft” to Rotterdam “Sparta” he moved to promotion, from “Sparta” itself he was kicked out, since the player did not grow up at all, he was much less than his peers. Then there was “Feyenoord”, who saw talent in the boy, but he still did not want to grow, even at the age of 14, and had to say goodbye to him. Then he moved to “Den Haag”, in which Denso grew to the level of the national team of his age.
The transition to “Utrecht” was already a logical promotion, so all this is understandable. He was only 16 years old, he began to develop much faster than before. At the age of 17, he began to be involved in the second team, which plays in the first league, and received a short playing time. It was necessary to change something, to look for practice. This is where “Volendam” appeared, which performed well in the championship. Everything went right at once: an injury to a competitor, so he started the first game with an assist. Despite a major defeat, Denso showed himself well and was able to gain a foothold at the base.
“Volendam” started the new season with great ambitions — promoting the Eredivisie. Kasius became one of the most important players for the club, giving simply gorgeous statistics for a player on the defensive flank: 11 matches, 4 goals, 2 assists. What contributed to this progress? Even visually, Denso has changed, has become stronger. He plays bolder in attack and tougher in challenges, he has added to his understanding of his role on the field. Lucky with the team — “Volendam” attacks a lot, is in first place in the league. This helps the footballer to show and develop his best qualities.

Strong features:
1. Speed. An amazingly fast footballer. Thanks to this, he is able to cover up his positional mistakes in defense. “Volendam” are a typical Dutch team that plays 4–3–3 with wing backs, speed is essential. Such fast legs are very rare in top leagues.

2. Dribbling. Denso beats a lot (this season more than 6 attempts per game, 66% successful). He gains 1.14 fouls per game and he is hard to stop without breaking the rules. High-speed carries give a quantitative advantage to the team on the flank.

3. Attacking actions. This point logically follows from the first two. The performance of a football player this season is simply off scale, and how much of what is being created is not implemented by his partners. On average, 5 assists into the penalty area with an accuracy of almost 70%, 2.35 touches in the penalty area itself. If he continues to progress, he can become a big player.

4. Stamina. The 90-minute sprint across the entire field is the usual thing for Kasius. He does not fizzle out, his legs are always fresh. An important quality for great players.

Weak features:
1. Air challenges. More precisely, a complete lack of ability to play with his head. (1,29 per 90min, 46% won)

2. League level. The Netherlands First League regularly supplies talent, but how serious is the level of resistance? It’s hard to assess. Now the footballer looks much stronger than his rivals.

3. Loses position. With a high defensive line, it is important for the defender to choose his position correctly so that the opponent does not receive the ball in space. With this, everything is difficult: Denso does not feel the offside line, he loses sight of the attacking players who run behind their backs.

Statistics:
Successful actions, % — 81%
Accurate passes, % —82%
Accurate crosses, % — 20%
Successful dribbles, % — 69%
Challenges won, % — 60%
Air challenges won, % — 46%
Tackles won, % — 62%
Fouls, per 90min — 1,34
Ball recoveries, per 90min — 8
Interceptions, per 90min — 7

Why is he still in Netherlands?
In the summer, “Bayer” showed interest in Kasius, but the matter did not go further than conversations. The extension of the contract proves that Utrecht is counting on the player. “It’s a nice gesture, a sign that I’ve done a good job. The prospects at Utrecht were not very good at first. Then I went to Volendam, played some good matches and my contract was renewed. I think this is a worthy reward for my work. ”- said Denso. Jordi Zuidam was also delighted with the re-signing: “Denso is a talent that has developed well over the past six months. He will be able to play at Volendam for another year, which is a great deal for us. He will return with new experiences. We are glad we were able to renew his contract. ” Kasius does not look beyond this season, realizing that now he has a chance to move to a new level, he just needs to focus on his game.

What’s the result?
Right back with excellent speed, dribbling and shooting. The guy has been proving all his youth that he is better than he seems. He’s ready to fight for my place in the squad. Contract until 2024. The cost on Transfermarkt is 175 thousand euros. A budget footballer who is ready to play in defence and create chances in attack. I recommend to follow Denso Kasius, as early as next season he may surprise a wide audience.