Luis Campos: The Portuguese Talent Finding Guru

• By Luca Joseph
• Half-Time Orange

Luis Campos, has recently been linked to Newcastle, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur, but what does his role actually consist of? 

Luis Campos at Monaco

The 55 year old is currently the director of football at Lille OSC and his aptitude for finding talent has attracted the biggest European clubs. Campos has exceeded expectations on multiple occasions, most notably at AS Monaco and Lille OSC. During the 2012/13 season, he also worked under José Mourinho as a scout and tactical analyst. 

In 2013, Luis Campos was appointed as an advisor to club president Vadim Vasilyev at AS Monaco in Ligue 1. Armed with the library of data on young players on his computer, an iPad and a hefty transfer budget, Campos looked to help Monaco reach the top of Ligue 1. Vasilyev embarked on impressive player investments amounting to €150million, buying proven talents including the likes of: 

Radamel Falcao (€50million from Atlético Madrid), James Rodriguez (€45million from Porto) and Joao Moutinho (€25million from Porto).

James Rodriguez signing for AS Monaco, a Luis Campos recommendation

It was clear that this lavish spending was not sustainable which in turn allowed Campos the opportunity to shine. With his armoury of player profiles, he began to assemble a large roster of young unknown players, who now are regarded as superstars across Europe. These players all went on to be sold for significant fees reasserting how accomplished Campos is at his job. Throughout his tenure at AS Monaco he brought in various youngsters including:

Fabinho (19 year old for €6 million from Rio Ave), Bernardo Silva (19 year old for €15.75million from Benfica), Tiemoue Bakayoko (19 year old for €8million from Rennes), Thomas Lemar (20 year old for €4million from Caen), Anthony Martial (17 year old for €5million from Lyon), Benjamin Mendy (21 year old for €13million from Marseille). 

Luis Campos speaking at a press conference

These young players, aided by experienced talents brought in for cheap fees, took Ligue 1 by storm, finishing 2nd in their return to the league. However, in the 2016/17 season, with the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Youri Tielemans joining the squad, the project came together and AS Monaco pipped giants Paris Saint Germain to the Ligue 1 title. They were also the fairytale story of the Champions League, reaching the semi-final knocking out Tottenham Hotspur, Borussia Dortmund and most memorably Manchester City in a thrilling 6-6 game, won on away goals.

Although Campos had already left for Lille, it was clear that his blueprints for the team were an integral factor to AS Monaco’s success. The talents he brought in generated almost €1billion in player sales most notably:

James Rodriguez (€80million to Real Madrid), Thomas Lemar (€70million to Atletico Madrid), Anthony Martial (€60million to Manchester United) and Benjamin Mendy (€55million to Manchester City). In player sales, the club generated a profit of roughly €350million from just those investments.

Campos says that finding Fabinho gave him the most personal pleasure due to his continued success so far in his career. He explained “I remember Fabinho at a small club in Brazil at 18 years old and now he is a champion of Europe.”

Campos later in 2017 went on to work as the director of football for struggling Lille OSC. At the time, the Northern based French club had scraped survival in Ligue 1, finishing only one place above the relegation zone. The Portuguese maestro then began to work his magic.

Given Lille OSC’s financial status, they would not be able to spend as freely as AS Monaco, which gave Campos a new challenge. He looked to bring in cheaper players, focusing on youngsters. He brought in many talents that are now known around the world and are attracting top European clubs. This group of players include:

Nicolas Pepe (22 year old for €10million from Angers), Boubakary Soumare (18 year old for free from Paris Saint Germain B), Rafael Leão (18 year old for free from Sporting Lisbon) and Victor Osimhen (20 year old for €12million from RSC Charleroi). The team experienced a massive resurgence and in the 2018/19 season they finished second behind Paris Saint Germain and qualified for the UEFA Champions League. This feat was extremely impressive considering they were almost relegated the season before. 

Campos described his time at Lille so far with a positive reflection, saying “My time at Lille has given me big pleasure, we were struggle and two years later we were playing Champions League football, even making a profit with great young players.”

Luis Campos sat next to Spurs manager Jose Mourinho who he has described as a ‘brother to him’

Already, Lille OSC have made enormous profits on Campos’ signings, most notably Nicolas Pepe. The winger was sold for €80million to Premier League giants Arsenal. Victor Osimhen is also an impressive find, his market value has increased to €60million after just one season at Lille OSC. The young striker is attracting the likes of Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea.

It looks increasingly likely that Campos will join the Portuguese revolution at Tottenham Hotspur. He describes Spurs boss, José Mourinho as “the best manager in the world” and explains that “José is like a brother to me”. Recently, Campos explained that he loves doing cheap deals which makes him a perfect fit for the North London based club, given their financial situation.

As one of the most prized possessions in Europe, Lille OSC fans know that they are lucky to have him. His mantra is that “Videos are very important but seeing players live, the emotion and getting a sense of the player makes the difference”. Given this, his job demands worldwide travel and last year his hard work was recognised by his airline that gave him a prize for travelling the equivalent distance of 10 times around the globe in 12 months!

An Interview with Liam Delap: The Super Sky Blues Striker with a Bright Blue Future

• By Luca Joseph
• Half-Time Orange

“I’ve always looked up to Cristiano Ronaldo

Liam Delap on which footballer(s) have inspired him

Liam Delap is an exciting prospect in the Manchester City academy. The young English striker had made an impressive start at the Sky Blues since his move from Derby County in July 2019. He is the son of the esteemed former Premier League midfielder, Rory Delap who was especially notable for his long-range throw ins. Despite this, Liam has a different style of play and uses his skill on the ball and deadly shooting ability to create for his team.

The 17 year old has had a prominent starting role in City’s U18 side scoring seven goals and assisting seven times in just in 11 games. He has even been part of the Manchester City U23 side getting an assist off the bench against Arsenal.

Delap’s bulldozing runs and toughness on the ball makes him a real threat at the top. A direct runner with a keen eye for goal. His bullish running makes him a real handful for defenders. This was shown in his impressive goal against Stoke where he picked up the ball, wide on the halfway line and used his agility and pace to beat defenders, weaving through and finishing in the bottom corner. 

Liam Delap scoring against Stoke

We asked Liam a few questions about his time at Manchester City and his hopes for the future. Delap could only shower City with praise about his transition over from Derby.

LD: “It’s been really good, settled in really well and had a great first season”.

Delap had a fantastic spell at Derby which earned him a move to City. He has had a great season this year winning the U18 Premier League Cup in a ruthless 6-0 win. Delap spoke about the young City sides success in the cup.

LD: “It was probably my best moment at City as we got rewarded for all the hard work and how well we played in the games in the competition”.

Liam Delap celebrating a goal for Manchester City

There is no doubt that Liams aggression and strength played a big role in their cup run. Liam revealed that one of the greatest footballers ever inspired him.

LD: “I’ve always looked up to Cristiano Ronaldo”

Liam’s performances for the U18’s will put him at great stead for next season hopefully with the U23 squad. He has shown what he is capable of and can only go up from here. Liam also revealed that in the future he would like to be playing “Premier League football”.

Given his impressive performances, not just in the U18 Premier League but also in international tournaments. Liam also spoke about his experience playing for England at youth level. 

LD: “I think it’s a great experience and a huge honour and reward for your hard work so it’s nice to be recognised that you’re doing well”.

His success on the international level has been no surprise, even taking home the Golden Boot from the Mercedes Benz Aegean Tournament in 2019 scoring 4 goals. His outstanding performances in Turkey were a testament to his great skill and most notably his pace and power.

Liam Delap in his Manchester City strip

Liam’s attitude gives him the platform to improve to reach his aims for his career. His attitude has impressed the city coaches and he looks to improve his touch to suit the style that City have adopted under Pep Guardiola.

The young striker had a great ten year spell at Derby and at the age of 16 helped the U18 side to win the Premier League North title. It is reported that Liam’s move to City came with a large transfer fee which really shows the potential and ability that the young striker poses. 

Liam has been tipped to go far and it is clear that he has the skill to do so. Next season, Delap should feature more often for the U23 side and hopefully join academy graduates Phil Foden, Eric Garcia in featuring for the first team as he unquestionably has the ability to achieve this. 

An Interview with Harry Halwax: The Strong-Minded Derby County Keeper with a Point to Prove

“I would like to see myself  being the first choice GK for Rep. of Ireland Senior team with a number of caps under my belt.”

Harry Halwax on his ambitions for his career

Harry Halwax is an Irish goalkeeper playing for the Derby County U18 side. His impressive performances have earned him international caps and he has been looking to build on this in the future.

We asked Harry a few questions about his career and he spoke about his time at Derby County so far.

HH: “My first year at the club was great. I found preseason tough as it was my first proper preseason with a professional club and I wasn’t used to the intense training and condition work. I had received my international clearance either so I wasn’t able to play any games for 2-3 months.”

Harry Halwax, along with his family, signing a contract with Derby under the management of Frank Lampard

After a tough start his exemplary attitude paid dividends and he continued to improve massively.

HH: “After the first half of the season I really started to kick on and found myself becoming much stronger and my physique was improving a lot. My technical areas had improved greatly and was getting known for my ability to zing passes about to any area of ​​the pitch.”

Not only was Harry’s passing becoming an area in which he was recognised for his talent but he also gained recognition for his attitude.

HH: “The coaches always praised me on my work ethic and desire to improve and all the staff members would also comment on my attitude and maturity. This was a real confidence booster and helped me a lot.”

Shay Given, a member of the Fifa Century Club, is the current Derby County Goalkeeper coach. With his experience in the top flight and the fact he is a compatriot of Harry Halwax, he is bound to help him prosper.

Halwax played in an exciting Derby side who not only qualified for the UEFA Youth League with Category One academies but also won the U18 Premier League title. He spoke highly of Derby County and how they treated him as a foreign young player.

HH: “I was welcomed with open arms when I first went to the club and met all the staff, players, management, etc. I knew from spending a week on trial that this was definitely the club I wanted to sign for if given the opportunity.” 

However, in the current 2019/20 season, Harry has not been given the same opportunity to perform and he spoke about how this has affected him as a young player. 

HH: “This past season has been very tough for me. I haven’t had much game time and I feel it is affecting me a lot. My confidence levels are low and my self motivation isn’t what it used to be. I’ve played around 10 games this season over the course of about 8 months which isn’t very ideal considering my age and it has affected my development a lot. The competition between goalkeepers in the club is very healthy and there are a lot of us so it’s hard for all of us to get game time and going on loan didn’t really work out. I’m looking forward to getting back playing and interested to see what I can get out of next season with hard work and dedication.”

Harry Halwax pictured in his Derby County strip

It is clear that although Halwax may have had a set back this season regarding his game time, his work ethic and attitude to improve to showcase his talent will aid him in his rise through academy football. He spoke about where he would like his career to take him in the future.

HH: “I would like to see myself playing first team football as a first choice GK at any professional club, hopefully at DCFC and also being the first choice GK for Rep. of Ireland Senior team with a number of caps under my belt. I’d also love to have started a family and have a house and to have all my GK coaching badges done to have the option of coaching when I retire. I would also love to try playing football over in America in the MLS for the experience as I love the lifestyle in the United States and I love traveling.”

Unlike many youth footballers Halwax does not only just look forward to his career as a professional but intriguing plans for the future. This maturity that he displays will put him at great stead for the professional game. Not only his attitude but also his shot stopping and distribution ability makes him stand out as a goalkeeper. Harry also spoke about players that inspire him. 

HH: “My inspirations are Joe Hart and Jack Butland. I’ve always admired the two of them for their bravery when coming out, blocking and spreading themselves in front of the ball while not being afraid to get hit by it. Also their ability to pull off game winning and ridiculous agility saves, due to their power and strength. I also feel I have the same agility, power and strength to do so as well. Jack Butland’s ability to distribute the ball with both feet with any technique he desires is someone that I am also working on and improving a lot as well.  

The young goalkeepers impressive power and agility gained interest from the Republic of Ireland scouts who have selected him on multiple occasions to represent the national team at youth levels. Halwax spoke about his experience playing for the Irish team.

HH: “Playing for Ireland at youth level was hard for me if i’m being honest. I never had consistent game time and experience in me and whenever I did play for Ireland I wouldn’t have the best of games. I feel the past 2 years or so I haven’t had the confidence levels anywhere near I am able to have, which has affected me quite a bit. I have traveled to a large number of different countries and I am very grateful for the opportunities and experiences I have been given. The U17 European Championships were a great experience and thoroughly enjoyed it with a great bunch of lads and coaching staff.” 

In the U17 European Championships the Irish team unfortunately did not make it past the group stage. Although they did not win, they were undefeated in their group. For any young player, the tournament is a great experience playing against top players from all around Europe. Halwax also aims to become a regular in the Ireland squad.

HH: “Hopefully when I start to get more consistent game time, I can start to focus on cementing my place in the Ireland squad again.” 

Harry Halwax in action for Derby County

Although Halwax has struggled for game time which has affected the security of his position in the Ireland squad, his ability and physical strength act as clear indicators for what he can do. Harry spoke about his aims for next season.

HH: My main aims for next season are to gain more consistent game time whether it be for the U23’s or out on loan. I would also like to then seal a long term contract at the club so I have a bit of security for the near future. I want to get my confidence levels up to as high as possible and improve my mental strength and resilience to be more proactive. I would also like to get myself in the Ireland U19 squad for the European Championships as well.

Harry Halwax is an example of how important consistent game time can be for a young player. Without a doubt Halwax’s work ethic to improve gives him a platform to succeed in the professional game. A loan move for the Irish keeper could be the best solution to his lack of game time. We wish Harry all the best for his bright future!

An Interview with Jordan Harrison: The Young Aussie with Big Dreams

“I dream of captaining Australia at a World Cup and leading the green and gold to huge successes.”

Jordan Harrison on his aims for the future

Jordan Harrison is an Australian midfielder playing in Watford’s U18 Academy side. Harrison was previously in the Chelsea youth ranks and signed for Watford in March 2019. Jordan is looking to improve and fulfill his promising potential at Watford.

Harrison was born in Saudi Arabia but moved to Brisbane where he was raised. He moved to the UK at 9 years old and in the last decade has been in the Manchester City, Chelsea and Watford academies.

Jordan aims to play for his national team, Australia, despite being eligible to represent Scotland, England and South Africa. Jordan has made a great start at the Hornets, scoring on his debut for the U18’s.

We asked the midfielder a few questions about his time at Watford and his hopes for the future as an Aussie in the Premier League. Jordan speaks very highly of his club, Watford.

Jordan Harrison in action for Watford

JH: “Watford has been great from the start, a very welcoming club with good culture and their playing style suits me because the idea is to play quickly with the ball and dominate. I’ve developed loads and learned so much in my first season here and can’t wait to carry on!”

Jordans impressive start at Watford was rewarded by manager Nigel Pearson, with training with the first team. This achievement puts him in great stead for the future at the club. Jordan also described his transition from Australia to England as an academy footballer.

JH: “When I came to England I wasn’t fazed at the challenge because I had waited my whole life for it to come. The move from Australia to England wasn’t scary because all I wanted to do was play football, and it’s still like that to this day. I didn’t really realise what I had sacrificed right away, it was only after a couple months when I noticed that I couldn’t do a lot of the things I used to do in Australia. I adapted quickly from Australian to English football as it was more suited to my style – quicker and more technically demanding – so I loved it and would do it all again! So far the big sacrifice has proven to be worthwhile and my tunnel vision to professional football continues.”

Harrison’s great ambition to excel is matched by his determination and exemplary attitude. The midfielder has great aspirations in the future to improve and reach his potential. Jordan spoke about what he would like to achieve in the future. 

JH: “In 10 years time I would like to achieve 2 World Cup and Champions League runs, trophies and a Ballon d’or. However, more importantly I’d love to be playing football everyday with a smile on my face and making my loved ones proud, that’s the dream.

The attitude he shows on and off the pitch is one of the key attributes he has to improve to the level he aims for. He can certainly be proud of his achievements and has the potential to improve tremendously. He also revealed the players he looks up to as a midfielder.

JH: “I’m inspired by Luka Modric and David Silva, they are world class players and I could watch them all day. There are many more I look up to, like De Bruyne, Thiago and Lampard, but Modric and Silva are probably my favourites.”

Harrison has great skill, pace and distribution which is vital for his success in future years. His intelligence on the ball and vision to see passes are also key attributes of his game. Jordan also is not afraid to take shots with his impressive right foot. His strength in defence also adds to his well rounded game. 

Jordan Harrison training with the Watford first team

Jordan hopes to follow in the footsteps of Tim Cahill, a fellow Aussie, in the Premier League.

JH: “I dream of captaining Australia at a World Cup and leading the green and gold to huge successes. Being an Australian in the Premier League would be a great achievement and to do what Tim Cahill and others did would be a dream. It’s what I’ve been working for ever since I started playing and it’s always been my goal to play in the Premier League. I definitely think that I can do that.”

Jordan shows fantastic potential and, for next season, can push into the U23 side at Watford with hopefully a few features in the first team. His ability is great and so is his attitude which gives him a great platform to head straight for the top. We wish him all the best in achieving his aims and hope to see him playing in the Premier League soon!

An Interview with Kion Etete: The Young Spurs Striker Rising Through The Ranks

• By Luca Joseph
• Half-Time Orange

“My experience at Spurs so far has been absolutely surreal”

Kion Etete

Kion Etete is an 18 year old striker playing for the Tottenham Hotspur Academy. Etete showed his talent coming through the ranks at League Two side Notts County where he featured in the FA Cup and even in their league campaign for the first team at just 17 years old. He was bought by Spurs in June 2019 for a reported £200,000.

Etete has had a great start to life at Spurs featuring mainly in the U18 team and has even captained them against rivals Arsenal. He has also broken into the U23 side on multiple occasions this year. In terms of his goalscoring numbers, he has had a prolific debut season for the U18 Spurs side so far notching 10 goals in just 14 games. He has also featured off the bench in a UEFA Youth League group stage fixture against Red Star Belgrade in which he scored after just 11 minutes on the pitch.

The young forward in action for Tottenham U23s against Bayern Munich

At 6,4ft Etete boasts a strong aerial presence and showcases great strength on the ball. His impressive close control and pace, sets him apart from the stereotypical tall strikers, like Llorente who featured in Spurs’ Champions League run. 

I was able to ask Etete a few questions about his time at Tottenham and he told us about his aims for the future as an up-and coming-talent in Tottenham Hotspur’s youth teams.

KE: “My experience at Spurs so far has been absolutely surreal, the facilities, the coaching staff, the fans are all incredible”

He also added that his move to Tottenham Hotspur has been ‘a massive step’ in his career. 

Tottenham do not have a back-up striker at the moment which has caused many problems for the Premier League outfit in the absence of Harry Kane. Etete could be of great value to the first team in the near future as a back-up.

Etete could soon join a list of academy graduates that Jose Mourinho has given debuts to including Malachi Fagan-Walcott, Oliver Skipp (first start) and Japhet Tanganga. Etete shows a great deal of ambition for the future and hopes to play regular first team football.

KE: ‘I would like to be playing regular first team football and competing in the Champions League’.

Kion Etete tussling for the ball for the Spurs U23s against Wolverhampton Wanderers

Etete also revealed which players have inspired his playing style. He admires the skill of other physical Premier League Strikers. When asked who influenced his style he replied ‘Harry Kane and Dominic Calvert Lewin’. Both of those strikers have great finishing and ability not just in the air but on the ball as well.

Etete, at Spurs, has been learning from some of the best and after a Q&A sessions with Jermain Defoe, he highlighted Defoe’s winning mentality which is a value that is important for any player in football. 

One of Etete’s best attributes is his hold up play and his ability to provide for his team mates. He can learn a lot from Harry Kane who has world class ability in this part of his game. His bullish approach from long balls against defenders makes him a real handful adding to his relentless pressing from the front. The young striker is also not afraid to shoot from range with his  strong right foot. His ability at making intelligent runs and his composure in front of goal are also important parts of his game.

Kion has great potential and is unquestionably a player to keep an eye out for at Spurs in the coming years. He has a great opportunity at Spurs at their new state-of-the-art training facilities in Enfield. Next season with minutes for the U23 side under his belt, Jose Mourinho could look to push the youngster into the first team.