Yes, it’s another Lincoln City scouting piece! The thing is, you read them, and I know we have fun compiling them.
The fun isn’t mine this time: Ed Harrison has done all of the work on these six. Looking at the leagues we think Lincoln City will be looking at, then exploiting a wealth of scouting apps and programs available, he has come up with a list of six really interesting prospects.
There is no more need for justification; let’s just get on with it, shall we?
Cletus Nombil, FC Zlín
Cletus Nombil feels like the sort of player Lincoln City’s recruitment model would at least look at closely. The 25-year-old Ghanaian midfielder is playing for an FC Zlín side that spent much of the season under pressure, operating with the lowest possession numbers in the Czech top flight following promotion, and that context matters enormously when assessing his output. Defensive midfielders in struggling sides naturally rack up more tackles, interceptions and recoveries, but even allowing for inflation, his numbers stand out.
Nombil profiles as an aggressive ball-winner first and foremost. His 3.49 tackles per 90 ranks in the 97th percentile, while his interception and recovery numbers are also elite for the division. The 57.6% duel success rate suggests he is not simply diving into challenges either, and at 190cm he offers a physical presence City do not really possess in midfield outside of certain tactical setups. The question is whether the nine yellow cards point towards controlled aggression or clumsiness.
Technically, there is less excitement. His passing numbers are fairly average and he does not contribute much creatively, but Lincoln’s system under Michael Skubala has often prioritised midfielders who can regain possession quickly and move play efficiently rather than dictate tempo with expansive distribution. The fact Zlín also play direct football, with low passing accuracy and a high volume of long balls, potentially makes the transition easier stylistically.
There are also softer indicators recruiters often value. Nombil has already adapted to football in Ghana, Israel, Slovakia and the Czech Republic, suggesting relocation is not an issue, and he reportedly speaks English. He has spoken publicly about ambitions to represent Ghana internationally, which hints at drive and upward ambition. Add in the family-focused reputation and charitable foundation work, and there is enough there to suggest strong character alongside the physical profile.
Well done Jack for your Hat Trick for Eire !