Jaden Philogene – The Humberside Houdini
Jaden Philogene-Bidace, the magician in Humberside with the world at his feet caught the eyes of football enthusiasts all around the globe during the 23/24 campaign with his dazzling performances and spellbinding goals. Reminiscent of the streets won’t forget ballers the footballing world has dearly missed.
The JB in his name doesn’t stand for Jaden Bidace, it’s Joga Bonito and Philogene is bringing back The Beautiful Game. Premier League fans get ready to tune in weekly for his show because with Everton, Crystal Palace and Ipswich all keenly interested in the England U21 international it’s only a matter of time until we see him on the grandest of stages. A real performer ready for Broadway.
The 22 year-old hasn’t had the easiest of times getting to this stage in his career though. He started his career at Aston Villa, working his way through the youth ranks alongside some very impressive talents such as Carney Chukwuemeka, Jacob Ramsey and Kaine Kesler-Hayden.
However, he only managed to appear 6 times for the first team before eventually being sold for £5m to Hull City at the beginning of the 23/24 season and he hasn’t looked back since. He did have prior Championship experience with two rather unfruitful loans to Stoke City and Cardiff City and after an eye-catching pre-season with Villa, Hull took the gamble and they won the lottery.
Philogene appeared 32 times for Hull City in the 23/24 campaign, accumulating 18 G/A which has definitely increased that price-tag. Though despite having an impressive return in regards to goal contributions, he brings so much more than that. JPB is a real entertainer – the type of player that gets fans on the edges of their seats with his showman profile. His most impressive skill set is his ball retention and dribbling ability.
Standing at 6’3, he uses his athletic build and long-legged frame to manipulate the ball. The ball is kept close to him at all times using both the inside and outside of his foot to open up the possibility to take his opponent either way. He is also ambipedal which increases Philogene’s unpredictability in 1v1 scenarios – combined with his trickery and you have a top tier winger.
Danny, Danny Röhl – Sheffield Wednesday and the Great Escape
It’s not only the litmus test that shows how good Philogene is at dribbling but the data too. Over the course of his first full Championship season he averaged 2.79 successful take-ons per 90 which ranks him in the top 90 percentile for players sharing a position similar to him in the top 14 leagues ranked closest to the Championship. However, not only is he dangerous in a 1v1 but also when progressing the ball – averaging 4.88 progressive carries per 90, ranking in the top 92 percentile.
A real asset for any teams looking for a ball progressing winger accomplished in 1v1s. These ball progressions and take-ons aren’t just performed anywhere on the pitch either – 2.79 carries into the penalty area per 90 last campaign (top 98 percentile) shows he is succeeding in his actions in dangerous areas of the pitch, increasing his goal threat and showcasing how he can improve the squad’s goal threat.
The lower leagues always have this profile of player however Philogene offers something different. Output. Only one player aged 22 or under scored more than the Hull man in 23/24 and that was the eventual Championship POTS, Crysencio Summerville. Jaden scored on 12 occasions for the playoff-chasing hopefuls, one of which in particular got everyone talking with even Puskas Nominee discussions surrounding it.
A spectacular rabona goal vs Rotherham which really showcases the calibre of player Philogene is and the fearless and arrogant nature that comes with him. Though if there was one downfall in his finishing and goal output it would be the sheer volume of shots he has per 90.
The winger is slightly ‘shot happy’ averaging 3.69 per 90, reaching the upper 97 percentile of wide men. It’s not necessarily a negative but merely a feature in his game that could be refined – knowing when to shoot, type of shot, decision making etc. But at such a young age this will only improve and make him an even bigger threat.
Photo: Transfermarkt
Despite being such a joy to watch in the attacking areas, Jaden is actually one of the best defensive wingers in the division. His work ethic is exemplary and offers a lot when helping track back as well as going forward. Last season he actually averaged 2.5 tackles per 90 which places him in the top 98 percentile for wingers – which is partially down to Hull’s system but it’s an energy that he brings to the team to make it function. He isn’t just a luxury player, he works relentlessly for his teammates and has the attitude to make the step up to the Premier League seamlessly.
For Philogene, a move to Ipswich would suit him the most. A chance to maintain his star status in a newly promoted PL team with a point to prove. Having a winger pairing of Jaden Philogene and Omari Hutchinson instantly strikes fear into any opponent. Not only that but being able to get the opportunity to work under Kieran McKenna would be beneficial for Jaden – an excellent tactician and a great man manager.
This move would suit him the most because of his work-rate and ability to play in a high pressing/high intensity system. Most importantly, he has that ‘wow-factor’ that he brings in his dynamic and expressive playstyle. Jaden is a pressure player, thrives in the biggest occasions and Portman Road will always be rocking. Instead, however, it seems that he will instead join Aston Villa on a five-year contract, with Unai Emery’s side paying £13 million just one year after selling him to Hull for £5m.
— backup (@backup3259281) December 16, 2023
The ability to create something from nothing will be a huge factor into his possible success in the PL especially for a newly promoted club who may lack firepower – a magician is exactly what they require and Jaden Philogene-Bidace fits the bill. His career is only just taking off but strap in because it’s going to be a monumental one. Pressure makes diamonds and JPB is the crown jewel destined for the top.
By: Ben Sheldrick / @bshlrz
Featured Image: @GabFoligno / Richard Sellers – PA Images