Cameroon international Jackson Tchatchoua is the latest player through the Molineux doors, and wolves.co.uk lifts the lid on what Old Gold supporters can expect from the new arrival.
- Name: Jackson Tchatchoua
- Date of birth: 14th September 2001
- Position: Right-wing-back
- Nationality: Cameroonian
- Previous club: Charleroi & Hellas Verona
- Appearances: 128
- Goals: 4
- Assists: 10
The background
Jackson Tchatchoua’s enjoyed a steady career progression to date, from what is considered a top eight league in Belgium, to a top five league in Italy, and now the Premier League. He started his career as a winger with Charleroi, before dropping deeper during his second season in Belgium, and was usually utilised at right-back or wing-back at Verona, but can cover on the left side too.
He debuted aged 19 in July 2021 for Charleroi and was starting games the following month, claiming his first two assists in the same game against KAA Gent. He retained his shirt for the majority of that campaign from that point, and played even more the following season, helping his side to wins over the best sides in the league in Anderlecht and Royal Antwerp.
The loan move to Verona stepped up the challenge, but also his progression. The youngster claimed a debut assist and faced both Napoli and Juventus in his first three games in Italy. Having enjoyed a strong run in the starting eleven, the youngster was rotated towards the end of that first campaign, but still had his deal made permanent. Last season was his best yet, with the defender missing just two matches due to suspension and making himself a regular for Cameroon too, as they successful qualified for the Africa Cup of Nations.
Playing style
Last season, while playing for Verona, Tchatchoua was the winner of the inaugural Frecciarossa Speed Award. The award is named after a high-speed Italian train and was achieved when the Cameroonian hit a speed of 36.3km/h. That raw pace combines with a strong physical stature which makes him well suited to the Premier League. That strength and pace, as well as 180cm height are useful offensively, but also defensively, where he is solid.
The 23-year-old possesses high energy levels and a desire to get forward and support attacks, while also having both the discipline and recovery pace to track back and defend. He’s well suited to the wing-back role, and therefore Vitor Pereira’s preferred system, given he can over space which opens up in wide areas, allowing him to be a regular presence in the final third. He consistently joins attacks throughout the 90 minutes, making himself always available – being a converted winger, he’s retained that attacking mentality.
Recruitment
Wolves staff first watched Tchatchoua in Belgium while with Charleroi, but, as is often the case with targets, the move to Serie A triggered more significant viewing. Particularly last season, Tchatchoua was watched numerous times by Wolves staff, ensuring sufficient reports were collected. It was evident to staff from those matches that the defender had a strong pitch personality – showing high work rate and commitment on the pitch, which will endear him to Wolves supporters quickly.
