Estimated market value (beta)
Overview
Weighted average of attribute scores for this role, position-adjusted. Standout attributes count more than weaknesses.
Attributes (grouped)
Mobility
Efficient rather than explosive over the first few steps. (conf 0.45)
Adequate pace for a defensive midfielder. (conf 0.45)
Turns away from pressure well enough in tight midfield space. (conf 0.45)
Covers plenty of ground in a screening or box-to-box role. (conf 0.5)
Control
Reliable control under pressure for a holding midfielder. (conf 0.5)
Functional carrier who protects the ball more than he beats players. (conf 0.45)
Uses his frame to protect the ball when screening the defence. (conf 0.45)
Occasional clean strike but not a regular shooting threat. (conf 0.4)
Distribution
Tidy, accurate circulation that keeps tempo in build-up. (conf 0.5)
Can switch play but is not a standout distributor. (conf 0.45)
Rarely crosses from his deep central position. (conf 0.4)
Finds safe, sensible passing lanes rather than creating chances. (conf 0.45)
Chance threat
Limited goal threat from a deep midfield role. (conf 0.4)
Cautious about shooting and prefers to retain possession. (conf 0.35)
Offers a passing outlet rather than making attacking runs. (conf 0.4)
Not a regular dead-ball or long-range taker. (conf 0.35)
Duels
Competes reasonably in midfield aerial duels. (conf 0.45)
Combative in the tackle and wins a good share of midfield battles. (conf 0.5)
Defense
Presses consistently as part of a hard-working midfield unit. (conf 0.5)
Breaks up attacks through interceptions and well-timed tackles. (conf 0.5)
Disciplined screen in front of the back line. (conf 0.5)
Mental
Generally calm in possession against a press. (conf 0.45)
Sound choices between recycling and progressing possession. (conf 0.45)
Tireless engine who keeps up effort across matches. (conf 0.5)
Resilience
No long-term injury detail found; treated as average. (conf 0.3)
Outlook
Mid-20s holding midfielder near his level with limited headroom. (conf 0.4)
Bulgaria international and Premier League midfielder at Leeds. (conf 0.45)
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Scouting Report & Player Insights
Ilia Gruev is a Bulgarian defensive midfielder, born in Sofia and raised in Erfurt, Germany, who also holds German citizenship. He screens the back line with disciplined positioning and combative tackling, circulates possession simply, and can step into a box-to-box role. A product of the Rot-Weiß Erfurt and Werder Bremen academies, he debuted for Bremen in December 2020 and joined Leeds United in August 2023. He is a senior Bulgaria international and a squad midfielder for Leeds in the Premier League.
Won the 2024-25 Championship title with Leeds United.
Made his senior Bulgaria debut in September 2022 against Gibraltar.