Jaap Stam Player Review
Pros
1. Exceptional Height and Physicality
At 6'3", Jaap Stam’s height and physical presence make him a dominant force in defense. He can easily overpower attackers and assert himself in aerial duels, making him extremely difficult to beat.
2. Impressive Speed and Aggression
Despite being a tall defender, Stam is remarkably quick and aggressive. His pace allows him to catch up with attackers and make crucial tackles, while his aggression adds to his effectiveness in breaking up opposition play.
3. Outstanding Man Marking
Stam’s man marking ability is second to none. He sticks to attackers closely, intercepting passes and shutting down any offensive threat with great precision.
4. Top-Notch Defending
His defending is world-class, with solid standing and sliding tackles. Stam's ability to make clean tackles ensures that he remains a defensive wall for his team.
5. Adaptability in Defense
Stam can seamlessly switch between marking multiple attackers, making him incredibly effective in blocking positional switches. His versatility and awareness in defense are major assets.
6. Great Passing Ability
For a center-back, Stam has an impressive passing range. His short passes are accurate, and he plays an important role in initiating counter-attacks from the backline.
Cons
1. Lack of Special Traits
One of Stam’s notable drawbacks is the absence of special traits. He would have greatly benefited from the Power Header and Dives into Tackles traits, which would have enhanced his overall defensive prowess.
2. Stamina Issues
Stam’s stamina becomes a concern after about 70–75 minutes of gameplay. He struggles to maintain his full pace and performance when running alongside speedy attackers in the later stages of matches.
3. Over-Aggression
While Stam’s aggression is a positive aspect, it can sometimes lead to him overcommitting to tackles. This over-aggression can result in him losing his defensive position, though he does recover quickly most of the time.
Conclusion
Jaap Stam is a towering and physically dominant centre-back, excelling in marking, defending, and tackling. His speed and aggression add to his overall effectiveness, though his lack of traits and stamina limitations hold him back slightly. Despite these minor drawbacks, he remains a highly valuable defender who can control the backline and shut down attackers.
Rating: 9.5/10