One of Football Index’s unique attributes as a platform is that it allows traders to pick and choose which players to buy and sell, which to stockpile, and which to keep an eye on in the future. Traders can spot a promising footballer, buy stock in said player, and watch them flourish as the player’s profile grows on the world stage. If you truly believe that a teenage prospect who’s only registered a handful of substitute appearances will go on to become a Golden Boot winner, you have the power to put your money where your mouth is and add him to your portfolio.
Each Monday, Zach Lowy will analyse a new U-23 player who Football Index traders should consider buying in a new weekly series called “Weekly Wonderkids.” With this series, you’ll be able to discover which youngsters you should place your trust in – and money – and why.
Name: Mohammed Salisu
Age: 20
Club: Real Valladolid
In football, a player’s career can change for better or worse in an instant. That was certainly the case for Mohammed Salisu, who went from an unknown quantity to one of the most promising defenders in Spain in just one day.
Despite only being used sparingly in the preseason, Salisu was given his league debut in the season opener against Real Betis. With Federico Barba still suspended after picking up a red card for Chievo Verona three months earlier, and with the club having neglected to purchase a replacement for Fernando Calero, Salisu was thrown into the deep end, but ended up impressing as the Blanquivioletas managed a 2-1 victory.
He passed the test with flying colors, and excelled against Real Madrid and Levante. By the time the summer transfer window had closed, it was neither of the loan arrivals — Javi Sánchez and Barba — who was starting alongside Kiko Olivas in defense, but Salisu.
Salisu is now reaping the rewards of manager Sergio González’s trust, as well as the lucky circumstances that landed in his favor. On March 27, 2019, Bayern Munich smashed their transfer record to bring in Lucas Hernandez from Atlético Madrid for €80 million. In turn, the Rojiblancos brought in Mario Hermoso from Espanyol for €25 million plus another €4 million in add-ons, well below his €40 million release clause. This set off another chain of events; Espanyol signed Fernando Calero, who had blossomed for Real Valladolid last season, for a reported fee of €8 million.
Fast forward a few months, and Salisu has been the clear victor from this transfer chain. Calero has been an embarrassing flop for Espanyol, who are currently mired at the bottom of La Liga. Hermoso has struggled for minutes behind Felipe Monteiro and José Giménez, while Lucas has been out of action since October after injuring his ankle against Olympiakos. Salisu, on the other hand, has flourished into one of the most promising left-footed center backs in Iberia.
Humble Beginnings in Ghana
Having been born in Accra, Salisu grew up in the smaller city of Kumasi, before moving back to the capital when he was 13. It was there where he was discovered by Fran Castaño, who left his job in Spain to create the African Talent Football Academy. Castaño took note of his talent, saying, “He seemed very elegant and he was also left-footed. His technical level was very high, and he didn’t boot it long, but instead, played it short.”
Despite having to borrow a friend’s cleats for practice, and despite having not played association football in years, Salisu’s talent shone through. Castaño called the legendary Víctor Fernández, Valladolid’s third all-time leading scorer and academy coach. After seeing three matches of him, Fernández’s mind was made up: he wanted him in his team.
Salisu left the dirt pitches of Ghana for cold and windy Valladolid in October 2017, where he would develop in the youth sides under the tutelage of Fernández, Alberto Marcos and Miguel Ángel Gómez. Despite the sharp change in style, Salisu shot up through the ranks with remarkable ease, going from the Juvenil A side to the Promesas side. Such were his promising performances in the third division that González rewarded him with his first-team debut against Getafe in the Copa del Rey Round of 16. Eight months later, he was already an undisputed starter in La Liga.
Breakout Season in Valladolid
There have been painful reminders of his youth and inexperience in Spain, such as the September encounter against Villarreal, where he clumsily brought down Javier Ontiveros and conceded a penalty which would then be converted by Santi Cazorla for the opener. He doesn’t offer quite the same security in possession as Calero did, but he has shown several signs of improvement in the build-up. With his technical attributes, his raw physical power and pace, and his psychological toughness, Salisu has quickly made the supporters at the Estadio José Zorrilla forget about Calero.
After the costly penalty against Villarreal, González kept his faith in the youngster, saying, “He is a physically imposing player that doesn’t have any brakes. Only games and experience will make him improve, otherwise, he stopped many shots, was very strong in pressure, moved through the lines well and played a good match.”
He is quick at covering space and stepping off his line to intercept danger, and he has the mental fortitude to dust himself off after mistakes and fight for the victory. Between him and Joseph Aidoo (24), the latter of whom has been a pillar in defense since arriving at Celta Vigo in the summer, the future of the Black Stars’ defense is bright.
Next Big Move?
As a left-footed center back with an imposing physique and a stubborn refusal to back down in challenges, Salisu has already popped onto the radar of several teams such as Sevilla, Schalke, Everton and Southampton. His contract expires in 2022, and his €12 million release clause is more than accessible for plenty of second-tier and third-tier clubs. While Valladolid are hoping to renew his deal and increase his buyout clause, he has proved unwilling to renew his contract. For all parties, it would be best for the club to sell him in the summer to a stepping-stone club such as Newcastle, Everton or Sevilla.
Salisu and his entourage would also do well to remember the unfortunate fate of Calero, who left Valladolid too soon and has paid the price for it with his disastrous performances in Catalunya this season. He must keep his feet firmly planted on the ground, continue to improve and stay focused, and, when the time comes, pick the right move for his development.
He still has plenty of room for improvement, but once he polishes his ability on the ball to an elite level and makes fewer mistakes, there’s no telling how high his ceiling can be. One can clearly see the similarities between him and Samuel Umtiti, Salisu’s footballing idol. His friends in Ghana used to nickname him Umtiti, but now, he’s competing against Umtiti for the title of most promising left-footed center back in Spain.
When Salisu left his home country for Europe as a teenager, he did so with the goal of “making his family proud of [him.]” Nearly two years later, he’s doing just that.
Credit: Zach Lowy/ Footballindex.co.uk