Player Analysis: Gent's Investment Oleksandr Soroka
Smart, Composed Midfielder with Strong Defensive Foundations.
Biography
Oleksander (Sasha) Soroka is an 18-year-old defensive midfielder for Jong KAA Gent. He moved up from the U18s to the reserves this season and has quickly established himself as a key player. Born in Ukraine, Soroka developed in Shakhtar Donetsk’s academy before being forced to move abroad due to the war. Soroka stands out for his ability to read the game, scanning the pitch effectively, and releasing the ball quickly and maintaining excellent positional awareness. His intelligence in possession and ability to control the tempo make him a crucial part of the team.
Soroka has also represented Ukraine at both U16 and U17 levels, with 1 goal to his name in 17 appearances so far in all comps for Jong KAA Gent this season. His impressive ability to orchestrate the midfield has earned him his reputation, and he's definitely a player to keep an eye on in the future for Ukraine.
Full Name: Oleksander Ruslanovych Soroka
Date of Birth/Age: January 12, 2007 (18)
Place of Birth: Ternopil, Ukraine
Citizenship: Ukraine
Height: 1.80 (5’11)
Position: Defensive Midfielder
Preferred Foot: Right
Current Team: Jong KAA Gent, Ukraine U17
Joined: July 1, 2024
Contract Expires: June 30, 2027
Market Value: Undisclosed
Similar Profiles: Sergio Busquets, Jorginho
Player Style
Soroka described as a composed and intelligent defensive midfielder, known for his ability to dictate the tempo and read the game with precision. His exceptional positional awareness allows him to maintain possession with calm efficiency while controlling the flow of play.
Whether anchoring in front of the defense or operating as a deep-lying playmaker, Soroka orchestrates play from deep, using his quick scanning and sharp ball distribution to keep possession moving and protect his backline. His decision-making and football intelligence make him a vital part of the system.
Strengths
🔹 Elite Scanning & Positional Awareness
Highly proactive in scanning his surroundings before receiving possession, allowing him to position himself optimally and anticipate opposition movements. Maintains a high technical tempo, adjusting his body shape to receive under pressure and progress play efficiently.
🔹 Efficient Distributor in Possession
Plays with a high degree of composure in buildup phases, demonstrating strong decision-making in tight areas. Capable of breaking opposition lines with incisive vertical passing while maintaining security in possession through lateral and backward options when necessary.
🔹 Defensive Intelligence & Anticipation
Displays strong reading of the game, frequently intercepting passes by positioning himself between the ball and the intended recipient. His anticipation allows him to break up attacks early and facilitate quick transitions.
🔹 Press Resistance & Ball Retention
Composed under pressure, utilizing sharp turns and subtle body movements to evade pressing opponents. Effective at absorbing pressure and retaining possession without resorting to unnecessary risk-taking.
🔹 Tactical Discipline
Maintains defensive structure well, providing consistent coverage for the backline and facilitating balance in midfield. Ensuring he recovers defensive positions efficiently when possession is lost, and stays disciplined to position.
Weaknesses
🔻 Lacks Physical Imposition
Despite good defensive positioning, he is not the strongest in aerial duels and can be challenged by more physical opponents. Improving his aerial ability and physical strength could help him adapt better to higher-intensity environments.
🔻 Limited Ball-Carrying Ability
Rarely engages in progressive dribbles or carries into advanced areas. Primarily looks to distribute quickly rather than drive through midfield, limiting his ability to single-handedly break opposition lines.
🔻 Attacking Contribution
Rarely provides goal threat from midfield, lacking shooting ability from distance and showing limited involvement in attacking phases. Operates primarily in deeper zones with minimal risk-taking in the final third.
Career Projection
Soroka’s ability to control the tempo and distribute the ball efficiently makes him a natural fit for teams that prioritize possession and structured buildup. If he can develop on the physical aspect, his G/A and decision-making, he could make the jump to a more competitive league, with destinations like France, the Italy, or Germany being realistic steps forward.
His versatility in midfied also plays a key, he can operate as a holding midfielder or deep-lying playmaker, which could attract interest from clubs looking for midfielders who can adapt to different systems.
I expect him to have a future with the national team, as he has the qualities to play alongside Brazhko in the long run, a player he can learn a lot from. However, he’s still young and needs time to develop. If he continues to grow physically and refine his game at the club level, he should become an important piece for the national setup in the years ahead.
Grading
Current Ability:
⭐ 4.5/10 – A solid outfit in the Ukrainian Premier League or a relegation-threatened side in the Belgian Pro League.
(Potential clubs: Polissya Zhytomyr, KAS Eupen, KV Kortrijk)
Potential Ability:
⭐ 7.5 or 8/10 – Projection as a high-level holding midfielder in a possession-based, tactically disciplined setup competing in European competitions.
(Potential clubs: RB Leipzig, Olympique Marseille, SL Benfica)