Most young boys at the age of 18 and not playing with a professional club would give up the dream of being a famous professional footballer. However, this is certainly not the case for Dundee United's newest striker Mario Bilate.
Mario Amare Bilate was born in Moscow on the 16th of July 1991, where he lived until he was 5 years of age. He then moved to the Netherland's growing up with his mother and sister.
From a young age, Bilate was quickly snapped up by the Dutch side Sparta Rotterdam. He played in Rotterdam through the under 12's to the under 16's where he was released.
Although he had been released by Sparta Rotterdam and had unsuccessful trials at various Dutch professional sides,
Bilate stated, “I always had belief in myself that I could be a footballer,”
He added,
“My family and I were very frustrated when I was released by them (Sparta Rotterdam) as they had given us no reasons.”
Despite the frustration of being released, Bilate continued with football and his hunger for the game continued at a local boys club in Rotterdam.
After four successful years with Xerxes Junior Boys club; the Russian born striker signed part-time for RFC Xerxes in the Dutch second division.
After a successful first season with the “Zebras”, Bilate was again asked to rejoin Sparta Rotterdam; this time on a professional contract.
Despite the pain of being released by the club, Bilate accepted the contract and said,
“I was never in any doubt over signing the contract. Despite the frustration from their decision when I was 16, it would've been a stupid decision for my career to reject it.”
Bilate spent three mixed years with the Rotterdam club. In total, he made 77 appearances, notching 17 goals in the process. Over the three seasons, Bilate often found himself in an unfamiliar
position out wide. Those who have seen Bilate play so far in his time with United will agree that his link up play and footballing brain is better placed for the role of centre forward, a position that McNamara has placed him so far when called upon.
Thus far with United, Bilate has started four matches and finding the net twice. Bilate's first goal came at 83 minutes against Motherwell. His first touch cleverly took him away from the Motherwell midfielder, before firing into Dan Twardzik's goal, giving the keeper no chance.
Bilate's second goal rounded off Bilate's best performance to date in a United strip, against Dundee. Throughout the first half, Bilate was excellently holding the ball up and cleverly jinking past Dundee players with clever touches and turns. His goal came from the penalty spot, where he dispatched the ball excellently into the goal, before happily celebrating in front of the opposing fans.
This season, Bilate should be a good alternative for Nadir Ciftci. Like Ciftci, Bilate is strong, yet surprisingly good on the ball for such a big man. Although he has admittedly had a few games in which he has failed to influence the match as much as he would have liked, I believe that come the end of the season, Bilate could finish with a goal tally of 13 or more, these goals can potentially be significant in United’s realistic push for second spot in the league.
Scout rating:
Heading- 7/10
Strength- 8/10
Pace- 7.5/ 10
Finishing- 8/10
Footballing brain- 8/10
Skill- 7/10
Overall rating- 38/60
Current price- £300k
Potential price- £900k
Article by Joseph James
Mario Amare Bilate was born in Moscow on the 16th of July 1991, where he lived until he was 5 years of age. He then moved to the Netherland's growing up with his mother and sister.
From a young age, Bilate was quickly snapped up by the Dutch side Sparta Rotterdam. He played in Rotterdam through the under 12's to the under 16's where he was released.
Although he had been released by Sparta Rotterdam and had unsuccessful trials at various Dutch professional sides,
Bilate stated, “I always had belief in myself that I could be a footballer,”
He added,
“My family and I were very frustrated when I was released by them (Sparta Rotterdam) as they had given us no reasons.”
Despite the frustration of being released, Bilate continued with football and his hunger for the game continued at a local boys club in Rotterdam.
After four successful years with Xerxes Junior Boys club; the Russian born striker signed part-time for RFC Xerxes in the Dutch second division.
After a successful first season with the “Zebras”, Bilate was again asked to rejoin Sparta Rotterdam; this time on a professional contract.
Despite the pain of being released by the club, Bilate accepted the contract and said,
“I was never in any doubt over signing the contract. Despite the frustration from their decision when I was 16, it would've been a stupid decision for my career to reject it.”
Bilate spent three mixed years with the Rotterdam club. In total, he made 77 appearances, notching 17 goals in the process. Over the three seasons, Bilate often found himself in an unfamiliar
position out wide. Those who have seen Bilate play so far in his time with United will agree that his link up play and footballing brain is better placed for the role of centre forward, a position that McNamara has placed him so far when called upon.
Thus far with United, Bilate has started four matches and finding the net twice. Bilate's first goal came at 83 minutes against Motherwell. His first touch cleverly took him away from the Motherwell midfielder, before firing into Dan Twardzik's goal, giving the keeper no chance.
Bilate's second goal rounded off Bilate's best performance to date in a United strip, against Dundee. Throughout the first half, Bilate was excellently holding the ball up and cleverly jinking past Dundee players with clever touches and turns. His goal came from the penalty spot, where he dispatched the ball excellently into the goal, before happily celebrating in front of the opposing fans.
This season, Bilate should be a good alternative for Nadir Ciftci. Like Ciftci, Bilate is strong, yet surprisingly good on the ball for such a big man. Although he has admittedly had a few games in which he has failed to influence the match as much as he would have liked, I believe that come the end of the season, Bilate could finish with a goal tally of 13 or more, these goals can potentially be significant in United’s realistic push for second spot in the league.
Scout rating:
Heading- 7/10
Strength- 8/10
Pace- 7.5/ 10
Finishing- 8/10
Footballing brain- 8/10
Skill- 7/10
Overall rating- 38/60
Current price- £300k
Potential price- £900k
Article by Joseph James