The Seattle Sounders signed S2 forward Felix Chenkam last week. Here is what to expect from the 19-year-old Cameroonian.
Style of Play
While Felix Chenkam has developed a reputation as a back-to-goal No. 9, he has a versatile skill set that could bring some dynamism to the First Team’s forward line. Standing at 5-foot-6, he brings the prototypical attributes of a target forward — willingness to battle center backs, excellent hold-up play, an ability combine with midfielders and precise movement in the box — in an unconventional manner, as he relies on his low center of gravity, excellent positioning and reading of the game to get the job done.
“Chenkam is still a developing player,” said Sounders FC Director of Player Development Marc Nicholls. “Like all young players, he has a lot of things he can improve. But his willingness to press and defend from the front is very good. He doesn’t always win the ball, but the next guy behind him can often read off his press.”
An intelligent, malleable center forward, Chenkam has added new wrinkles to his game this season under the tutelage of S2 Head Coach John Hutchinson. Whereas last season he almost always tended to come toward the ball and shield the center back before spraying a pass wide, this season he’s introduced more incisive runs between the center backs and a willingness work the channels.
If a defender cheats and routinely follows him into midfield, the Cameroonian forward now has a tendency to spin off his shoulder and dart into the space the center back has vacated.
“John has done a really good job developing Chenkam’s understanding of when to run in behind, which has helped him know when to stretch the defense,” said Nicholls. “He’s able to keep center backs honest and play off their shoulder. He finds good spaces inside the box, and he has the ability to generate a lot of power on his shots from very little back lift with both feet.”
While he can certainly be a bit more ruthless with his chances in front of goal — this is true of all young strikers — Chenkam is able to generate a high volume of quality opportunities because of his subtle, clever movements inside the box. The Cameroonian might not be the fastest striker, but his first few steps are explosive, which allows him to create separation with defenders. Couple that with his ability to read the body shape and positioning of defenders and Chenkam is often the first player to every ball inside the box by making angled runs from the defender’s blindside. Eager to find the back of the net, he’s willing to pull the trigger if given an inch of space inside the area.
Rainbow FC/S2
Following in the footsteps of First Team left back Nouhou, Chenkam made the jump from Cameroon’s Rainbow FC in 2017 to Sounders 2 in the USL. With Chenkam and Nouhou reuniting on the First Team, the pathway from Africa to the Sounders organization has started to congeal.
“We know there are markets in the world that in the past have been under-scouted, like Central and North Africa,” said S2 Assistant Coach Wade Webber. “These countries have sent teams to the World Cup and have players all over the world, but there are still so many prospects out there that have the potential to be First Team players and internationals for their country.”
In total, six players from Rainbow FC, which competes in the Cameroonian first division, have signed with S2 in the past three years. This partnership between the two clubs was first forged by agent Leo Cullen, who played alongside Webber and General Manager and President of Soccer Garth Lagerway on the Miami Fusion.
Though he battled multiple injuries for much of his rookie season with S2, the young striker showed flashes of his high potential, scoring five goals and generating 10 key passes from 19 appearances. Through just nine appearances in 2018, he’s already secured four goals and three key passes, as well as winning five percent more of his duels.
What to Expect
After starting the 2017 season as a bench option, dynamic left back Nouhou impressed in several cameo appearances off the bench. If Chenkam can replicate his countryman’s success when given opportunities by Head Coach Brian Schmetzer, expect him to earn a few spot starts during the dog days of summer.
“Chenkam’s willingness to press and be the first line of defense, and willingness to stretch the opponent in order for players to come in the space behind, will be valuable [to the First Team],” said Nicholls. “I think he’s an excellent option off the bench because he’s different from the other strikers that we have. Any time that you’re able to add some enthusiasm and hard running into a game as it progresses, it can be effective if you have a lead or if you’re chasing the game.”
