A scouting report for Samba Camara

The New England Revolution’s latest off-season signing is Samba Camara. The left-footed center back brings some much-needed depth to the back line. To gain some insight on the 27-year-old, we spoke to Luc Gallais of Paris Normandie.

The Bent Musket (TBM): Can you give us a quick summary of Camara’s career?

Luc Gallais (LG): Samba Camara comes from a club in the southern districts of Le Havre, AM Neiges. He evolved there from 6 to 20 years, before signing initially for the Havre AC (B) in the summer of 2013. He turned professional in 2016. With the HAC, he made his debut in the Ligue 2 championship under coach Bob Bradley in 2016, and played a total of 69 Ligue 2 games.

TBM: Camara spent some time in prison. Can you tell us about that?

LG: It was April 2015, from my memories. At this time, he could’ve signed his first professional contract.

He was only a small hand, in a small affair, but he could not avoid prison (a short time), then the wearing of an electronic bracelet. But Johann Louvel, who was the director of the training center (coach of HAC B), trusted him to reintegrate him in the summer of 2015.

TBM: What are Camara’s strengths?

LG: He doesn’t overplay. He’s a sober but generally effective defender, fairly hard on the man, without excess. He’s able to secure his team on good tackles.

TBM: What are Camara’s weaknesses?

LG: Frankly, he is not a great technician. His pass quality is not exceptional. He also sometimes makes some mistakes. I think to the match against Lorient this season at Stade Océane where he was completely beat on the second Lorient goal scored by Hamel.

TBM: How should Revs fans feel about this signing?

LG: He is clearly not a star, but he is a fairly reliable player.

We want to thank Luc Gallais for taking the time to answer our questions. Luc can be found on Twitter (@LucGallais) and at Paris Normandie.