Vincent ENYEAMA - "The Cat" an international keeper with potential to rise. - Football Manager Forum

Hesse · 02-19-2009, 03:56 PM

Name:Vincent Enyeama
Team: Hapoel Tel Aviv (Israel)
Shirt Number: 1
D.O.B (Age): 29/8/1982 (26)
Nationality: Nigerian
Height: 1.80 m
Weight: 80kg

First of all, there are a couple of threads on this guy already around his rating, and he has been mentioned previously albeit some time ago on the forums. What we have here though is an in-depth scouting report on the player, which up until now has been lacking.

General Description

One of the best goalkeepers to have ever played in Israel, Enyeama is a classy goalie who is now playing the best football of his career. Enyeama is the custodian of the Nigeria national team and after polishing his skills in the Israeli top flight since 2005, he looks set for a move to a bigger club in Europe.

The Nigerian, nicknamed "The Cat" is almost a complete goalkeeper, with state of the art reflexes and one-on-one abilities as well as good technique with his feet, confidence and leadership skills. His only shortcoming is his height, but since the beginning of 2008/2009 he is showing improvement in his aerial ability.

Strengths

Enyeama's strengths lie first and foremost in his reflexes and instincts. Amazing physical athleticism gives Enyeama a competitive edge in the game, and reflexes and one-on-one skills that match goalkeepers of the highest calibre. Positioning, anticipation, agility, throwing, kicking and control of his defence are also
excellent.

His reading of the game is magnificent; therefore the Nigerian is almost always in the right position during an attack. His game with the ball at his feet is complete – at the level of any above-average outfield player in Israel. He tends to stay on his feet unless absolutely necessary, making him excellent in one-on-one situation.

Furthermore, Enyeama possesses great presence in the box; his personality projects itself to his defence, affecting his team and the opponents. Unlike many African goalkeepers, Enyeama is not driven by emotions and his decision making is excellent.

Weaknesses

Enyeama has suffered from a lack of consistency from time to time in past seasons, but it seems he's over this period of his career now. On the other hand, despite showing brilliant ability, it still seems that he's not committed enough to his team and is over-confident, believing that he should play in a much better
league.

In technical terms, Enyeama's height might be an obstacle for him in a bigger league. Despite having great positioning and a natural leap, it's fair to say that he might have problems against tall, athletic strikers of a high calibre. He has a problem with good set-pieces; he continues to work on this but will never have real
high calibre aerial ability due to his height.

History

Enyeama started to play for the Nigerian national team back in 2002, and quickly took Ike Shorunmo's place once the latter retired. He played in the 2004 and 2006 version of the Africa Cup of Nations, was a member of the squad in 2008 (didn't play) and regained his position as the number one goalie of the Nigeria national team at the start of the 2008/2009 season.

At club level, he played with several Nigerian clubs, twice winning the CAF Champions League with Enyimba. Excellent ability during his first season in Israel (2005/2006) gave his club Bnei Yehuda a spot in the UEFA Cup after reaching the state cup final. Enyeama moved to Hapoel Tel Aviv in the summer of 2007,
and since then proved himself worthy to be the goalie of one of Israel's finest teams.

Mentality

Joyful and funny, Enyeama is considered a valuable member in the dressing room. He is a true professional in training, who works hard and shows his ability to work and improve his skills in the last few years. He is a true leader on the field, always talking to his defence and directing them. He is not a typical African goalkeeper as his decision making ability is excellent; he's not driven by emotions, rather relying on a “cold as ice” ability to read the game.

Enyeama has shown his ability to perform in important matches, and is now a calm goalkeeper with his extensive personality coming to the fore when on the field. Off the pitch he's a calm, religious person, preferring to spend time with family and friends rather than going out. But he had one discipline error in his career: back in 2007 he received a four match ban for hitting a player. It seems he has left such things behind him now.

Current Form

Enyeama has been playing the best football of his career since the summer of 2008. His improved aerial ability and faultless performances have ensured Hapoel Tel Aviv are experiencing a fine season in defensive terms. He maintains stability while continuing to improve from game to game in the matter of dealing with crosses. Now, more than ever, Enyeama is fully ready for the next step in his career – to a top notch club.

Current Club Situation

The Nigerian is tied to Hapoel Tel Aviv until the summer of 2011, but his recent displays have caught the eye of foreign clubs and he has received some offers in the past. Enyeama himself admitted that he seeks a move away from the club to a higher calibre team. The Israeli league is no longer a challenge for him now.

Potential

Enyeama has the potential to be a leading goalkeeper in Europe. His progress as a goalkeeper in recent years has made him a player far above the level of the Israeli top flight. Since he started working on basic elements of his game later on in his career, only after arriving in Israel, he is only now reaching his full potential.

With the right confidence, he can easily play for a medium club in any top European league. It remains to be seen whether his height will limit him to be a second class goalie in Europe, as in every other league he can play for any top club in a major league.

Potential within SM

Enyeama is currently rated 84, the joint highest for Hapoel Tel Aviv, which instantly makes him one to look at during the summer transfer window, because unfortunately without a move a rise is unlikely in the short-term. However, if he remains in his current form there is no reason why a bigger European club shouldn't come knocking. In fact, he has said in the past that he has had enquiries from France, Turkey, Greece and Premiership side; Bolton. If a move to one such club does materialise, then he could comfortably move to a rating in the high 80s. Enyeama might not be a player to put on the shopping list straight away, but he is certainly one to keep an eye on. If the "big move" materialises snap him up then, but then again he might be worth a £3.5M investment now to save yourself some cash for the future, and to avoid missing out on him later.

Seftinho · 02-19-2009, 04:56 PM

Hesse, what's it with you and goalkeepers?

Hesse · 02-19-2009, 05:18 PM

What can I say, I have a problem!

Hesse · 02-20-2009, 07:15 PM

Does anybody have anything to say about this guy? Come on people feed my goalkeeper addiction!

Seriously though I think he could be worth a punt if you're looking to secure a back up keeper for the imminent changes in April.

Trent · 03-21-2009, 09:10 PM

LoL, I think that Elin Topuzakov and Dimitar Telkiyski might've been telling this lad too much about Ivankov's goalscoring record - because in the last Apoel game, the team won by 2:1, Enyeama getting the winner from a penalty [just like Ivankov did a few days ago against Fenerbahce

]

Maybe Vincent is inspired to conquer new sights

IrishDavid99 · 03-22-2009, 05:00 AM

26 yeah good post...should have been called a dying cat

Hesse · 05-11-2009, 05:55 AM

Just a quick update....he got a +1 rise to 85 in the recent changes.

andyowls · 05-12-2009, 02:12 PM

The latest news with this guy is that Espanyol scouts are travelling to Israel to watch Enyeama with a view to signing the Nigerian to replace Carlos Kameni, who is out of contract in the Summer and is widely expected to leave. Hapoel Tel Aviv are willing to accept offers in the region of 2 million euros - quite a bargain if you ask me. With him rated only 85, he could be set for a good rise if he signs for a La Liga side who should avoid the drop after their recent good run of results. I'd keep a lookout to see if this deal goes through as he would certain to become the number one between the sticks for the Barcelona side.

Below is a highlight reel displaying Enyeama's talent:

P.S. Another good report from IMScouting, eh Hesse?

Hesse · 05-12-2009, 02:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by andyowls

The latest news with this guy is that Espanyol scouts are travelling to Israel to watch Enyeama with a view to signing the Nigerian to replace Carlos Kameni, who is out of contract in the Summer and is widely expected to leave. Hapoel Tel Aviv are willing to accept offers in the region of 2 million euros - quite a bargain if you ask me. With him rated only 85, he could be set for a good rise if he signs for a La Liga side who should avoid the drop after their recent good run of results. I'd keep a lookout to see if this deal goes through as he would certain to become the number one between the sticks for the Barcelona side.

Below is a highlight reel displaying Enyeama's talent:

P.S. Another good report from IMScouting, eh Hesse?

Thanks for adding to the thread, and yes, a report taken from IMScouting, produced when I didn't appreciate the importance of crediting the source. I don't use the site that often these days, but when I do they are always credited. Sarky get!

andyowls · 05-12-2009, 02:49 PM

Hehe, that's alright, I've noticed that you usually do give credit where it's due. And yes, I am possibly the most sarcastic person you will ever meet!

EDIT: It may well be the lowest form of wit, but yes, it may also be the funniest!

Radebe20 · 06-13-2009, 11:00 PM

Little update for you Hesse, well, for everyone I guess.

He's not going to Espanyol now, with them extending the contract of Kameni, but within the next 2 days he'll leave for Arsenal. The fee is meant to be around the same figure, but Arsene Wenger is viewing him as a long term number 1, and short term good cover for Almunia. This news is off the back of him being awarded Player of the Season in Isreal, no mean feat for a goalkeeper.

It would be best to pick him up now before his transfer becomes official, as it will be a lot easier to get your hands on him while no one has heard of him!

MightyShrimper · 06-13-2009, 11:05 PM

He's always been quality on FM since as long as I remember. Only cost about £250k too. Not surprised he's being looked at by some top clubs.

IOA · 06-13-2009, 11:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Radebe20

Little update for you Hesse, well, for everyone I guess.

He's not going to Espanyol now, with them extending the contract of Kameni, but within the next 2 days he'll leave for Arsenal. The fee is meant to be around the same figure, but Arsene Wenger is viewing him as a long term number 1, and short term good cover for Almunia. This news is off the back of him being awarded Player of the Season in Isreal, no mean feat for a goalkeeper.

It would be best to pick him up now before his transfer becomes official, as it will be a lot easier to get your hands on him while no one has heard of him!

How do you know of this?

up gunners · 06-13-2009, 11:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Radebe20

Little update for you Hesse, well, for everyone I guess.

He's not going to Espanyol now, with them extending the contract of Kameni, but within the next 2 days he'll leave for Arsenal. The fee is meant to be around the same figure, but Arsene Wenger is viewing him as a long term number 1, and short term good cover for Almunia. This news is off the back of him being awarded Player of the Season in Isreal, no mean feat for a goalkeeper.

It would be best to pick him up now before his transfer becomes official, as it will be a lot easier to get your hands on him while no one has heard of him!

I doubt it. Fabianski just extended his contract with us.

Radebe20 · 06-13-2009, 11:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by up gunners

I doubt it. Fabianski just extended his contract with us.

So what?

Quote:

Meanwhile, Super Eagles first choice goalkeeper, Vincent Enyeama, is the subject of inquiries by Arsenal of England, which is looking for a new challenger for its incumbent shot stopper, Manuel Almunia.

Quoting reports from the Israeli website Telesports, kickoffnigeria.com reports that Arsenal manager, Arsene Wenger is on the verge of signing Enyeama, adding that the Gunners' boss was at the Stade Geoffroy Guichard in Saint Etienne to see Nigeria stun France 1-0. It added that he was impressed enough to make enquiries about the goalkeeper.

"Wenger is looking for another goalkeeper for the squad and in the coming days, Enyeama should move to Arsenal.

"Hapoel wants two million euro for him out of which his former club, Bnei Yehuda will get 30 percent, " the website said.

Article from the Guardian. I got the info from an extremely reliable place, but I'm not telling you where that was