Up Next, Jordan Alves

Age 25 Position LW/10

Current Club Bath City

Background

Alves started his youth career at Reading, before heading over to America to sign for Muskegon Risers. After returning from “The States” in 2019, the Hampshire born winger joined Hartley Wintney before joining Basingstoke Town in Step 4 for the 2019/20 season. Alves would then go to have a number of spells at Thatcham Town, North Leigh and Kingfishers. It wasn’t until a move to Westfield (Step 4) in November 2023 where Alves really caught fire, finishing the season with 15 goals in 37 appearances. This form caught the attention of various Step 2 clubs with Bath securing his signature for the 2024/25 season, however even with a two league jump Alves wasn’t fazed, finishing with 8 goals and 7 assists in 17 starts being the catalyst in “the Romans” bid for survival in the National League South. 

Playstyle

Alves has operated predominantly in the wide areas for Bath, preferably on the right where he is able to cut in onto his left foot and drive inside. Alves is extremely direct and fearless, he takes on lots of shots and dribbles, creating high numbers of chances in games which his team might not be dominating. Alves loves a long shot; he has scored a number of screamers in his career most notably his 35-yard free kick against Enfield Town last season. Like mentioned previously when on the ball Alves loves to run at defenders adding that little bit of flare to a game to get supporters off their seats, I do think his ability to get on the ball and create chances would enable him to play in the 10 as well as on the flanks. If I was to be uber critical of Alves, he is heavily left footed and sometimes I have felt he almost refuses to use his right foot in some situations making him too predictable.

Strengths

Dribbling | Creativity | Long Range Shooting

Where should he go next

Having watched a number of “The Roman’s” games this season Alves has had a frustrating start so far, easily one of Baths most exciting and creative players but has only played 30% of available minutes this season. Bath play a very old school and direct style of football which I don’t believe plays to the strengths of Alves’s game, as the ball barley touches the floor and is suited to more aerially strong players. Due to the minutes he has got this season and the talent he possess I suggest Alves looks for a more ball playing side – could see him making a move to Farnborough, Chippenham or Slough, or even make the step towards the top of the NLS to a side like Weston-Super-Mare.