Jordy Makengo has been one of many breakout stars at SC Freiburg this season. The youngster was influential in SC Freiburg II’s 2nd place finish in the 2022/23 3. Liga, and since the summer, he has cemented his place in Christian Streich’s first-team squad.

The 22-year-old had to bide his time to earn senior minutes this season, but since the start of November, he has slowly developed into a first-choice left-back in captain Christian Günter’s absence. 

His recent exploits will have undoubtedly attracted continental interest, but Makengo only extended his contract with Freiburg back in October. It will be extremely difficult to pry the youngster away from the Breisgau in the upcoming two windows. 

In today’s report, I analyze the SC Freiburg defender, highlighting his strengths and weaknesses, and predicting his current ability and future potential.

Injury History

Makengo broke his cheekbone earlier in the year, but he has successfully recovered and returned to the pitch without any lasting concerns. Otherwise, there are no notable injuries that should have an impact on his value or future potential.

Player Style

Jordy Makengo is a complete offensive-oriented fullback. He has competencies in and out of possession and impacts the game at both ends of the pitch. He prioritizes pushing forward with good timing, but he does not entirely forget about his defensive responsibilities.

Player Model: Josha Vagnoman

Strengths

Impressive Pace & Power

Jordy Makengo has elite pace and power that immediately catches the eye. He has an imposing stature and superb top speed over longer distances. He is often able to make up large ground quickly to support his side in attack, and recover space defensively. 

Extremely Robust in Isolated Defensive Duels

Makengo is robust in isolated defensive duels. When Makengo can establish contact or close down the space between himself and an opponent, it is extremely difficult for said opponent to unbalance the Frenchman and not turn over possession. 

Very Dynamic Vertical Ball Carrier

When afforded open space, Makengo has a lot of ball-carrying quality that allows him to quickly cover ground and penetrate opposition lines. He combines his unique power with close ball control to create a sizeable threat to most opposition defenses. 

Closes Interior Spaces Defensively

When playing in a back four, Makengo is very good at closing interior channels that would provide the opposition the shortest, and most dangerous, route towards goal. This positioning often creates additional space for an opponent to receive in wide channels, however, Makengo can often quickly counteract this with his aforementioned pace and power. 

Solid & Competitive in Defensive Aerial Duels

Though he struggles to connect and find teammates with his headers, Makengo is very good in isolated aerial duels. The Frenchman uses the full extent of his 1,91m frame to compete with large center forwards in crucial aerial challenges.

⭐Recognizes & Exploits Moments to Overlap Quickly 

Makengo’s biggest quality is his ability to recognize and exploit attacking phases via his off-ball movement. Makengo regularly implements effective overlaps and surging runs that make him a viable attacking outlet or take opponents away from a better-placed teammate.

Share The German Football Weekly

Weaknesses

Extremely Left-Footed

Even for a left-back, Makengo is very left-footed. This quality limits his impact in numerous ways, but it particularly hampers his versatile threat in possession. The Frenchman rarely attempts in-dribblings into central pockets, instead favoring a vertical run down the channel where he can remain on his left foot at all times. Even in the moments when he does opt to venture into the center of the pitch, he predominantly selects his left foot to carry the ball. That is a dangerous decision given that he can not use his physical frame to create a barrier against an opponent. 

Lacks a level of Change-of Direction Mobility and Agility Compatible with his Top Speed

Makengo has extreme pace and power, but he does not necessarily have the same agility and change-of-direction mobility to match these traits. Over the first 5-10 meters Makengo is rarely able to reach his maximum velocity. Against opponents with a particularly low center of gravity, or those who implement a lot of sharp changes of direction, he can often be exploited. 

Over-Eagerness to Engage in Defensive Duels

Makengo needs to work on his over-eagerness to engage in defensive duels. He often follows opponents far up the pitch, creating sizeable gaps in the backline that can be exploited through quick opposition interplay. 

⭐ Defensive Positioning

Makengo must address his defensive positioning. He is very reliant on his physical qualities to solve almost all defensive scenarios. Makengo’s pace and power can often make up for tactical and positional errors (i.e. Alphonso Davies in the early stages of his FC Bayern career), but it is not something he can continue to rely upon at the highest level. 

Opponents with a low center of gravity can wriggle free or draw fouls in scenarios where Makengo is desperately looking to make up space quickly, while intelligent opponents can utilize the 1-2 second advantage where Makengo is still getting into the optimal defensive position. 

GRADING

Current Ability: 

A club/level of club where the player has the qualities to play at least 70% of available minutes right now. 

6/10 - A Mid-table Outfit in the Bundesliga

• FC Augsburg

• Borussia Mönchengladbach

• Werder Bremen

Potential Ability:

A club/level of club where the player has the qualities to play at least 70% of available minutes at his career peak.

8/10 - A Club With a Competitive Track Record in Elite European Competition

• RB Leipzig

• AS Roma

• AS Monaco

OVERVIEW

Jordy Makengo is one of many remarkable talents Christian Streich has integrated into the first team setup at SC Freiburg this season. It is immediately obvious that Makengo possesses elite physical qualities. He has extraordinary pace over longer distances and a powerful and physically imposing frame. These qualities give him a distinct edge in defensive duels and recovery phases, as well as providing him a platform for his extremely effective ball-carrying and off-ball runs in the final third. 

Nevertheless, Makengo still needs to make some notable improvements to reach his talent ceiling. The 22-year-old has particular weaknesses concerning his tactical intelligence and positioning in defensive phases. He is too eager to solve situations via his physical attributes, often neglecting an advantageous defensive positioning because of his desire to quickly engage. 

If you are interested in sourcing my video-scouting expertise for your club, agency, or company, please reach me at business.adamkhan@gmail.com or on Twitter at @XxAdamKhanxX.