### Wout Faes Scout Report
**Player Profile**
Wout Faes, born April 3, 1998 (age 27), is a Belgian international centre-back standing at 187cm (6’2″) and weighing approximately 84kg. Right-footed, he joined Leicester City from Stade Reims in 2022 for €17m, with a contract until June 2027. Market value: around €15-20m. He has 18 caps for Belgium, debuting in 2022. Faes is versatile, capable of playing as a right or left centre-back in a back-four or three.
**Physical Attributes**
Faes possesses strong athleticism for a defender his size. His pace (top speed ~32km/h) allows recovery runs, and he uses his frame effectively in physical duels, winning 54% of ground challenges. However, aerial duels are a relative weakness, with only 48% success rate despite his height—he often mistimes jumps or gets outpositioned by stronger forwards. Strength and stamina enable him to maintain performance over 90 minutes, averaging 90% pass completion in high-possession systems.
**Technical Skills**
Technically sound, Faes excels in ball progression. He averages 73 passes per 90 minutes at 86% accuracy, including long balls (7.2 per game, 62% success). His dribbling is strong for a CB, with 0.8 successful dribbles per game, aiding build-up play. Shooting is occasional but effective, scoring 7 career goals, often from set-pieces. Weak foot usage is adequate but not elite.
**Tactical Awareness**
Positionally disciplined, Faes thrives in possession-based teams like Leicester under Enzo Maresca (now departed). He’s proactive in interceptions (1.2 per game) and blocks (1.0 per game, 2nd in PL for blocks). In a high line, his reading of the game helps with offside traps, but he can be exposed by pacey attackers. Adaptable to 4-3-3 or 3-5-2 formations.
**Strengths**
– Ball retention and distribution: Very strong at holding possession under pressure.
– Defensive actions: Leads in clearances (5.4 per game, 3rd in PL) and blocks.
– Leadership: Vocal organizer, with captaincy experience at youth levels.
– Versatility: Comfortable on either side of defense.
**Weaknesses**
– Aerial dominance: Loses too many headers (weak in duels).
– Error-prone under pressure: Occasional lapses, like own goals or poor decisions in internationals, labeled “catastrophic” in a recent Belgium loss.
– Limited attacking contribution: Rare assists (2 career).
**Recent Performance (2024/25 Season)**
In 34 PL appearances (30 starts), Faes scored 1 goal, with 184 clearances, 42 tackles, 26 interceptions, and 35 blocks. Average rating: 6.52. Helped Leicester avoid relegation threats early on. Internationally, mixed—criticized for arrogance in a 0-1 loss to Israel (2/10 rating). Transfer interest from Galatasaray noted.
**Potential and Recommendation**
At 27, Faes is in his prime with room for refinement in aerial work. Suited for mid-table PL sides or European clubs needing a ball-playing CB. Potential rating: 7.5/10. Scout verdict: Reliable squad player, but not elite. Ideal for teams emphasizing possession. #woutfaes #leicestercity #championship #belgiumfootball #scoutfootballer