SNA off-season: Carlos Baleba, the Premier League's new force to be reckoned with

Carlos Baleba was born on 3 January 2004 in Douala, Cameroon. From an early age he kicked a ball around the streets of his home city before joining Futur Soccer FC, where he played as a right winger. At 13, he joined the renowned Brasseries du Cameroun football academy, where he was settled in central midfield for good.

In January 2022 he packed his bags for Europe, signing for Lille. Initially in the reserve squad, his talent quickly caught the eye. After first appearances in the senior squad in 2021-2022, the Cameroonian went on to establish himself among the first-team regulars in 2022-2023.

He made his professional debut on 7 August 2022 in the 1st round of Ligue 1 fixtures. Carlos Baleba played 21 games in his 1st season as a professional. Then, the following season, after only 2 games played, he answered the call of English clubs and joined Brighton.

Profile: a box-to-box midfielder in the mould of Yaya Touré

From his first steps at Brighton, Carlos Baleba showed everyone he can thrive in England. Capable of winning the ball back, but above all of breaking lines with the ball at his feet, he sometimes gives the impression of walking through opponents. His monstrous physical power at times makes it look like a man against boys. His stride, his ease in shrugging off opponents and his technique on the ball also bring Yaya Touré to mind. A Cameroonian who reminds you of an Ivorian. We'll leave the two countries, fierce rivals, to squabble over that one.

In his first season with Brighton, Carlos Baleba quickly made people forget the departure of Moises Caïcedo, playing 37 games in all competitions. This season, he has already played 19 games. And unlike in that first season, when he had neither scored nor provided an assist, he already has 3 goals and 2 assists this campaign. And proof that he has stepped up another level is that Manchester City would like to sign him.

A bright future

Even against the Premier League heavyweights, Carlos Baleba impresses. Last weekend against Arsenal (1-1), he lit up the game with all his talent. His stats: 90 minutes played, 49 touches, 86% pass completion, 4 successful through balls, 2 fouls won, 7 duels won, 2 of 2 dribbles completed, 3 tackles won, 3 shots blocked, 2 interceptions.

With Cameroon, Carlos Baleba has 4 caps. He should very soon become the leader of the Indomitable Lions' den and one of the future stars of African football.

Read also: SNA off-season: Rayan Aït-Nouri, the Fennec enjoying himself at Wolves