Canadian Premier League Attacking Midfielders: A Comprehensive Scouting Report
The conclusion of the 2022 Canadian Premier League season marked a historic moment, with Forge FC securing their third title in just four years. Beyond the team accolades, the league demonstrated its growing reputation as a foothold for emerging talent, highlighted by high-profile transfers such as Victor Loturi’s move to Ross County and Diyaeddine Abzi’s switch to Pau FC in France. Amid significant player movement and a highly competitive season, the performance of attacking midfielders stood out as a pivotal element in many team strategies.
This in-depth analysis spotlights the top attacking midfielders in the Canadian Premier League (CPL) under 30, providing a detailed look at player roles, performances, statistics, and tactical contributions, helping clubs and enthusiasts better understand the standout playmakers in Canadian soccer.
Understanding the Attacking Midfielder Role in the CPL
In the modern CPL landscape, the traditional “number 10” central attacking playmaker is increasingly rare. Few teams employ a player strictly in that role, with many attacking midfielders now asked to drift between central and wide spaces, adapt to multiple attacking positions, and track back when needed. This flexibility means some players classified as attacking midfielders may actually start out wide but contribute from central areas during matches.
For this report, five standout players were selected based on their frequent involvement in central creative roles, whether from the wing or directly behind the striker. Notably, wingers who contributed less than 10% of their minutes in central positions were excluded, ensuring the focus remains on genuine creative impact.
Key Player Overview and Contract Status
The table below summarizes vital details for each selected player, including age, primary team, contract information, dominant foot, and secondary positions. With most CPL contracts being short-term and subject to change, many of these attacking midfielders could be targeted for transfers in the near future.
| Player | Team | Age | Nationality | Contract Expiry | Main Foot | Alternate Position(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marco Bustos | Pacific FC | 26 | Canada | Nov 2022 | Left | Right Wing |
| Tristan Borges | Forge FC | 24 | Canada, Portugal | Nov 2022 | Left | Left Wing |
| Mo Babouli | York United | 29 | Syria, Canada | Dec 2024 | Right | Left Wing |
| Sean Rea | Valour FC | 20 | Canada | Dec 2022 | Right | Left/Right Wing |
| Ali Musse | Cavalry FC | 26 | Canada | Nov 2022 | Right | Centre Forward/Right Wing |
Player Profiles: Strengths, Styles, and Impact
This section provides individual insights into each midfielder’s skills, tactical roles, and season contributions.
Marco Bustos – Pacific FC
A technically gifted left-footer, Bustos mesmerizes with his close control, dribbling, and penchant for the spectacular. While his goal and assist tally was lower than expected (2 goals and 6 assists), underlying statistics show he continued to create high-quality chances with flair. Bustos excelled when surrounded by clinical finishers and is comfortable both on the wing and as a central creator.
Tristan Borges – Forge FC
After a stellar start to his career, Borges has matured into Forge’s creative nucleus, often operating from the left side but thriving when allowed to drive into central spaces. Highly intelligent in positioning and adept at quick passing, Borges finished the year with 6 goals and 8 assists, making him a central creative threat and a key piece in Forge’s attacking dominance.
Mo Babouli – York United
Renowned for his technical skills, Babouli offered immediate impact after returning to the CPL — registering 5 goals and 2 assists in just 8 matches. His dribbling and close control under pressure are top-tier, though questions remain over his defensive work rate and consistency across a full season. Despite previous club changes, Babouli remains a unique, high-upside option for teams seeking attacking creativity.
Sean Rea – Valour FC
As one of the league’s most promising prospects, Rea enjoyed a breakout campaign with 5 goals and 9 assists in 27 appearances. His vision and passing set him apart, as he consistently led the league in key passes and chances created. At only 20, Rea’s defensive effort and ability to pull strings from various advanced positions underscore his appeal to higher-level leagues.
Ali Musse – Cavalry FC
Musse’s season began as a dynamic winger but flourished after moving into a central attacking role. Scoring 7 goals and providing 3 assists in 29 matches, he exhibited adaptability and strong defensive work. While slightly overshadowed by more prolific or dynamic attackers, Musse’s consistency and versatility make him a valuable asset for teams seeking a multi-functional midfielder.
Role and Position Analysis: Heatmap Comparison
Tracking these players’ average positions throughout the season reveals distinct tendencies:
– Babouli and Musse occupied the central “10” space most frequently, roaming across the pitch to orchestrate attacks.
– Borges and Bustos primarily started from wide areas but regularly drifted inside for creative combinations.
– Sean Rea showcased versatility, popping up across advanced midfield and wide channels depending on tactical needs.
Visual heatmaps confirm these patterns, highlighting each player’s areas of influence.
Statistical Analysis: Defense, Attack, and Possession
Defensive Contributions
Despite being primarily offensive players, several attacking midfielders displayed notable defensive acumen. Musse topped the group in aerial duels and overall defensive actions, while Borges excelled at defensive dueling percentage and entries into pressing phases. Babouli, by contrast, played a limited role in defensive phases, focusing on transition outlets.
| Player | Tackles + Interceptions | Defensive Actions | Duel % | Aerial % | Dribbled Past | Fouls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ali Musse | 1.97 | 5.79 | 61.0 | 47.2 | 0.93 | 0.95 |
| Tristan Borges | 2.26 | 5.64 | 66.4 | 22.2 | 1.00 | 1.22 |
| Marco Bustos | 1.79 | 4.64 | 56.7 | 37.0 | 0.41 | 0.93 |
| Sean Rea | 1.27 | 4.32 | 59.3 | 21.4 | 0.67 | 0.74 |
| Mo Babouli | 1.10 | 4.09 | 59.4 | 25.0 | 1.51 | 0.00 |
Attacking Output
Babouli boasted the highest goal contributions per 90, including a remarkable 0.77 combined goals and assists. Rea was the leader in chance creation, reflecting his vision and involvement in the final third. Bustos and Borges featured strongly in supporting statistics, such as progressive passes and key passes.
| Player | Goals + Assists (per 90) | xG + xA (per 90) | Duel % | Dribbles (per 90) | Key Passes | Passes to Penalty Area |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mo Babouli | 0.77 | 0.59 | 50.4 | 3.58 | 2.06 | 3.70 |
| Sean Rea | 0.41 | 0.44 | 38.1 | 1.50 | 2.77 | 2.53 |
| Marco Bustos | 0.24 | 0.32 | 40.8 | 1.42 | 1.27 | 2.88 |
| Tristan Borges | 0.52 | 0.39 | 34.6 | 1.39 | 1.87 | 2.39 |
| Ali Musse | 0.36 | 0.43 | 36.0 | 1.77 | 1.22 | 1.35 |
In-Possession Metrics
Bustos led his peers in pass completion and involvement in build-up play, indicating his confidence and technical ability in tight spaces. Babouli was highly progressive with his passing in a limited sample but showcased strong on-ball quality. Borges shone in creating movement in the final third and positioning himself between defensive lines.
| Player | Passes Completed | Pass % | Progressive Passes | Passes in Final Third | Possession Lost / Touch | Dispossessed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marco Bustos | 32.7 | 84.3 | 5.35 | 10.5 | 0.27 | 1.35 |
| Mo Babouli | 31.9 | 81.5 | 6.64 | 8.53 | 0.33 | 3.58 |
| Tristan Borges | 22.8 | 77.2 | 3.98 | 7.45 | 0.37 | 2.00 |
| Sean Rea | 21.5 | 78.8 | 3.87 | 6.34 | 0.38 | 1.54 |
| Ali Musse | 17.1 | 78.4 | 3.01 | 4.97 | 0.39 | 2.19 |
Conclusion: Identifying the Best Fit for Your Team
The data and profiles presented here underline a crucial point: there is no single “best” attacking midfielder, but instead a set of highly talented playmakers, each suited to slightly different tactical systems and roles. Whether your team prioritizes creative dribbling, precision passing, defensive pressing, or versatility, there is a player in this group to match your needs.
Recruitment decisions in the CPL—and in soccer generally—require harmonizing tactical fit, club culture, contract status, and long-term potential. The five midfielders profiled above not only excelled statistically but also demonstrated adaptability and a capacity to grow within the ever-evolving landscape of Canadian professional soccer.
By thoroughly analyzing their strengths, roles, and output, clubs can make informed recruitment decisions to enhance both their immediate on-field performance and long-term squad development, ensuring the continued rise of Canadian soccer talent both within the CPL and abroad.
