Scouting Report: Bruno Onyemaechi - Olympiacos's New Physical Force | OneFootball

Announcment of Signing of Bruno Onyemaechi at Olympiacos - Giorgos Matthaios/EUROKINISSI

Olympiacos has added a new dimension to their defense with the signing of Bruno Onyemaechi, a 25-year-old Nigerian left-back from Portuguese side Boavista.

Known for his physicality, aerial dominance, and relentless work ethic, Onyemaechi brings a different profile compared to the club’s current left-back, Francisco Ortega. Onyemaechi excels in aerial duels, making him a valuable asset in both defensive and attacking set-piece situations. His ability to crash the box and fight for rebounds is a rare trait among fullbacks, potentially addressing one of Olympiacos’ long-standing weaknesses.

Unfortunately, his passing accuracy (66% at Boavista) and limited involvement in possession-based play raise questions about how well he will adapt to Olympiacos’ ball-dominant style in domestic competitions. Encouragingly, his performances for the Nigerian national team, where he plays a more active role in possession, suggest he has the potential to adjust.

Defensively, Onyemaechi is fast and physically imposing, allowing him to recover from positional mistakes. However, his football IQ and anticipation in defensive transitions need improvement, as he has shown a tendency to get drawn out of position.

While Onyemaechi’s aggressive style and box presence could make him a standout in specific situations, there are concerns about his overall fit in José Luis Mendilibar’s system, which values precision and control.