What to Expect, Slavi Spasov

Southend United | 23 Years Old | Striker (9)

Background

Originally from Bulgaria, Slavi Spasov moved to United Kingdom aged 12 joining Oxford United shortly after this relocation. His time at “The Us” was monumental in kickstarting his professional career, Spasov made his senior debut in an EFL Trophy fixture against Fulham in September 2018. Spasov came on as a substitute, scoring a penalty and becoming the clubs youngest ever goal scorer at 16 years 226 days old, this led to a league debut three months later and a call up to the Bulgarian u18s side. However, appearances became sparse for Spasov who then joined National League side Woking in October 2020 on a short-term loan making 19 appearances scoring 3 times before returning to Oxford. Spasov’s next loan would come in 2022 but would also be the start of a number of unsuccessful moves, the first coming at North Leigh in the Southern Central, then a double loan spell at Banbury United before joining Southern Prem side Hungerford United after being released by Oxford United at the end of 2022/23 season, across all these spells Spasov scored only 3 goals (as reported). After a promising start to his teenage career, it looked like it had now plateau, but still there was interest from clubs. In December 2023 Spasov joined NLS side Slough Town and manager Scott Davies renowned for developing players into stars to then move higher up the pyramid. Davies’s management enabled Spasov to score 6 goals in 21 games within his first season, a steady improvement. But it was last season where he really took off contributing to 15 goals and 5 assists in 3,205 minutes, meaning he was working at a rate of a goal involvement every 160 minutes. This form has earned him a move to Essex powerhouse Southend United a team who have just missed out on promotion to League 2 by one match.

Playstyle

Spasov is a serial poacher, he works by stretching defences with his movement either working space for himself or tricky wingers who are then able to provide him with service. Within the box his movement and intelligence enables him to create space to deliver one of his deadly finishes. He is uber composed within the box and has the ability to bring the ball down and beat a defender to then slot calmly past the keeper. Reminds me of Alexander Isak with the way he stretches the play but has the natural goalscoring and movement of Harry Kane.  

How He Fits Southend

From the majority of games I watched, Southend tended to play with an aggressive front two or a proper striker and then a false 9 dropping into the half spaces. Even though he is not the smallest Spasov looks to stretched play with his movement rather than hold the ball up so you would expect him to be partnered with a more target man type forward, who he can create space for through his movement. Southend love a set piece which could see Spasov either gambling on second balls and deflection within the box or being involved in fine-tuned set piece routines that see him as the designated finisher. From what I saw Southend create chances from both the wing and also more central areas whereas the majority of Spasov’s goals came from the wide areas at Slough, so he may have to adapt slightly to receiving the ball with his back to play. But again his off the ball running fills me with confidence that he is more than suitable to play this role.

Key Attributes

Movement | Goalscoring Intelligence | Finishing