As far as National League players go, Dion Pereira is elite! In this in-depth scout report, I explain exactly why that is the case, break down his game and explain what must happen for him to fulfil his potential.
Pereira’s movement is full of pauses. He constantly stutters when taking on opponents, making his timing unpredictable.
Although he can play down either side, Pereira undoubtedly favours the right. Here, he can attack either side of the full-back by either cutting inside or dropping a shoulder and accelerating past him. This unpredictability is very difficult to defend.
Rather than panicking and rushing into the cross, Pereira remained calm. That exudes composure. He backed himself to win the 1v1, and increased the danger of the attack compared to if he had chosen to cross from the unfavourable angle.
This composure allows Pereira to delay his actions in order to make the ‘right’ choices; he isn’t rushed into them. This quality, known as ‘pausa’, is the ability to slow the game down for a split second to make better decisions; like hitting the ‘pause’ button in amongst chaos.
On top of that, Pereira dictates attacks because he has pausa; ‘gravity’ because he’s able to attract multiple opponents at once, which creates space for teammates; a ‘main man’ mentality who always wants the ball; and isn’t reliant on transitional moments or runs in-behind.
Pereira kills low-blocks with his wizardry to create separation before crossing or combining with others, and has the power in his ball-striking to send deep crosses to the far post. Then in transition through passing or carrying, whilst being somewhat of a goal-threat himself.
As he doesn’t rely on one particular game-state, Pereira creates so many opportunities per match – whether he’s the one directly setting the chances up or not. With more quality around him, he could be looking at a 30 goal involvement season. His output is ready to explode!
Pereira must work harder if he’s to play for the very best sides – the ones who control possession. Could you imagine him playing for Adam Hinshelwood’s York City, a side who press with ferocious intensity, whilst not giving 100% in the defensive moment? It just isn’t going to happen.
That mindset to work harder is coachable to a certain extent, but the most important thing is having the right mentality to do so. Time will tell if Pereira has it or not. At 26-years-old, time is still on his side to improve this aspect of his game – but it has to happen soon.
Nevertheless, Pereira has the quality to be a game-changer for every side in the division, whether it be by breaking down a low-block, delivering dangerous set-pieces, confidently converting a penalty, or in transition through passing or carrying. Every single side.
I wouldn’t be at all surprised to see Pereira sign for a League Two side this summer, but whoever signs him is getting some player. If he can add a ruthless streak and better defensive work-rate to his repertoire, he has the potential to be one of the best in League Two – never mind the National League!
Shrimper Stats 