Gheorghe Popescu

Romania · Centre-back (Defensive midfielder) · Gen 2 · Zidane & Ronaldinho · Peak 1991-1999

Cultured Romanian leader who built play from defence or midfield

Nicknames Baciul

75.6OVR#642 of 1,235 outfield players

Position-weighted average of all outfield and career attributes, as on the main table.

Top 10 attributes

Leadership88
Decision Making86
Spatial Awareness86
Defensive Positioning86
Interceptions86
Longevity86
Anticipation85
Long Passing84
Game Management84
Marking84

All 64 attributes

Speed 59.0

Top Speed65
Acceleration63
Dribbling Speed53
Top Speed with Ball60
Knock-on & Run53
Change of Pace60

Shooting 58.2

Finishing54
Shot Power72
Long Shots66
Volleys50
Curve52
Penalties66
Heading80
Direct Free Kicks48
Shooting Creativity44
Acrobatics50

Passing 68.6

Short Passing82
Long Passing84
Through Balls72
Crossing50
Link-up Play68
Vision76
Set-Piece Delivery48

Ball Control 67.0

Dribbling62
Possession74
First Touch74
Skills & Tricks50
Weak Foot64
Press Resistance78

Movement 63.0

Off-the-Ball Movement56
Runs in Behind50
Attacking Positioning54
Anticipation85
Recovery Runs70

Football IQ 83.5

Decision Making86
Spatial Awareness86
Game Management84
Tactical Creativity78

Defending Skill 83.3

Defensive Positioning86
Marking84
Interceptions86
Standing Tackle84
Sliding Tackle80
Offside Trap80

Physical 72.9

Strength80
Stamina81
Agility63
Balance72
Recovery74
Reactions72
Hold-up Play58
Aerial Duels78
Aggression78

Mental 83.7

Big-Game Temperament82
Leadership88
Selflessness84
Concentration82
Determination82
Tactical Discipline84

Career 76.8

Consistency84
Longevity86
Achievements60
Durability84
Loyalty70

Profile

Born: 9 October 1967
Height: 188 cm
Foot: Right
Career: 1984–2003
Prime: 1991-1999

Club career

1984–1990 Universitatea Craiova
1988–1988 Steaua București (loan)
1990–1994 PSV Eindhoven
1994–1995 Tottenham Hotspur
1995–1997 Barcelona
1997–2001 Galatasaray
2001–2002 Lecce
2002–2003 Dinamo București
2003–2003 Hannover 96

Honours

Europa League 1

2000 Galatasaray

League title · Eredivisie PSV Eindhoven 2

1990–91, 1991–92

League title · Süper Lig Galatasaray 3

1997–98, 1998–99, 1999–2000

UEFA Super Cup 1

2000

Cup Winners' Cup 1

1996–97

Copa del Rey 1