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Sky Sports Scout - Gael Bigirimana

Sky Sports Scout is where we scour the globe looking for the best talent, next up is Gael Bigirimana.

We run the rule over Coventry starlet Gael Bigirimana

Sky Sports Scout is our exciting feature where we scour the globe looking out for the best talent and bring you a report on what we find. Our Scout will report back and you can comment on what you think of our appraisal. Also, in association with Football Manager, we give all readers the chance to win a copy of the latest game by nominating a player. You can only nominate a player by emailing here, including the word 'Scout' in your subject line and please check to make sure we have not already covered the player, you can see over 100 previous reports to the right of the page. Should your player get reviewed by our scout, and you were first to send in his name, then you will win a copy of Football Manager 2012, which is released in October. You can also now interact with the scout via his all new Twitter feed! You can get in touch with him and interact here or just search for @skysportsscout! Latest under our scout's gaze is Coventry youngster Gael Bigirimana - recommended by Sky Sports reader Graham Close.

The scout reports...

Having heard a number of good things about Coventry prospect Gael Bigirimana, I decided the time was right to take a check on him. Bigirimana was born in Burundi and was forced to flee the civil war - aged just 11 he arrived in England as a refugee. 12 months after arriving in Coventry he knocked on the door of the club asking for a trial, now barely five years on he is playing regularly in the Championship. A box-to-box midfielder, Bigirimana is technically very good which makes him an outstanding prospect when combined with his natural athleticism. Bigirimana has suddenly emerged on the footballing radar this season when he made his Coventry debut in the league against Leicester - which came shortly after he was handed his first professional deal. The 17-year-old's progress has also not gone unnoticed by England. Bigirimana was granted citizenship two years ago and was recently placed on stand-by for England's Under 19s which is a sign of his progress in recent years. Despite Coventry's own struggles, Bigirimana has been a true shining light with his combative style. His passion for the game is also factor which has seen him already become a firm fans' favourite. Bigirimana is currently playing more of a holding role, but he sees himself in an attacking role as he feels he would be better placed to use his creative attributes.

The scout says...

When playing it is like looking at a young Michael Essien - Bigirimana is a huge talent. Ideally he would continue his footballing education in Coventry's first team - but his progress is already bringing him to the attention of some of England's top clubs.

The Scout rating...

Shooting: 6 out of 10 Passing: 8 out of 10 Tackling: 8 out of 10 Heading: 6 out of 10 Pace: 7 out of 10 Vision: 7 out of 10 Current ability: 6 out of 10 Potential ability: 10 out of 10 OVERALL SCOUT RATING: 58/80 Current value: £2million Potential value: £10million
Your opinion...
You have read our opinion of Gael Bigirimana - now we want your views. Have you seen Bigirimana in action? Do you agree with our assessment? Do you think he will make it? Get in touch, either using the form below, email or the scout's Twitter feed - @skysportsscout And if you have spotted anyone you think we should feature then please get in touch using the same form. We will look to send out the Scout to follow up your leads.