2024-11-18, 12:04 AM - Word count:
Irepsej Imeinaktok was taken 57th overall in the most recent draft. But why did such a talented player drop out of the first two rounds, and what to expect from him in the future?
First off, not much was known about him when he left Finland to join the SSL Academy for their 18th season. Most scouts knew Irepsej (pronounced e-rep-sey) had a ton of raw talent, but were unsure of his ability to model it into a level of skill viable in the top leagues. Such a worrying point could partly explain the insane drop in the draft, after the ex-wonderkid showed lots of promise.
Another reason explaining the fall off in draft ranks could be Irepsej’s incredible streakiness. Yes, he’s amazing in transitioning the ball from the defensive zone to the offensive half, and supporting the attack… but only sometimes. His consistency is not a strength, having stagnated in terms of progression for the entirety of last season. After a late selection, Imeinaktok might have something to prove to all the managers who passed on him, as well as São Paulo’s, who trusted in his ability to rebound from a disappointing season. Regardless of what he could or could not do, what’ll matter is what Irepsej ends up doing for his organization, and whether he decides to show up and perform or be lazy is entirely up to him.
This has been Ierdna Volinhcevs, reporting for GOAL.
And no, before you ask, there certainly isn't a trend with the names. Or is there...
First off, not much was known about him when he left Finland to join the SSL Academy for their 18th season. Most scouts knew Irepsej (pronounced e-rep-sey) had a ton of raw talent, but were unsure of his ability to model it into a level of skill viable in the top leagues. Such a worrying point could partly explain the insane drop in the draft, after the ex-wonderkid showed lots of promise.
Another reason explaining the fall off in draft ranks could be Irepsej’s incredible streakiness. Yes, he’s amazing in transitioning the ball from the defensive zone to the offensive half, and supporting the attack… but only sometimes. His consistency is not a strength, having stagnated in terms of progression for the entirety of last season. After a late selection, Imeinaktok might have something to prove to all the managers who passed on him, as well as São Paulo’s, who trusted in his ability to rebound from a disappointing season. Regardless of what he could or could not do, what’ll matter is what Irepsej ends up doing for his organization, and whether he decides to show up and perform or be lazy is entirely up to him.
This has been Ierdna Volinhcevs, reporting for GOAL.
And no, before you ask, there certainly isn't a trend with the names. Or is there...
