Dimitar Danev is a 19-year-old North Macedonian midfielder currently under contract with Vardar. Primarily deployed on the right side of midfield, he is equally comfortable operating on the left. Having spent the past two seasons competing in the Macedonian First League, he joined Vardar during the summer transfer window following a spell at mid-table Rabotnicki, where he progressed through the youth system. Internationally, Danev has represented North Macedonia at various youth levels and is currently part of the U21 national squad. He has made a notable start to the present campaign, producing influential performances and scoring twice in the opening round of the season.
Standing at 1.80 metres, Danev can appear smaller in stature due to the physical profile of many players in the Macedonian league. He is a technically gifted footballer with significant flair, quick both in and out of possession and particularly explosive when accelerating with the ball at his feet. His stamina levels are excellent, enabling him to maintain a high tempo across ninety minutes, a valuable attribute given his age. Physically, he is not especially strong and rarely uses his upper body aggressively in challenges. Aerial play is not a notable strength and he generally avoids direct involvement in aerial duels.
In attacking phases Danev is highly effective. He is capable of finishing with either foot, genuinely two-footed, and consistently creates space for himself and his teammates through intelligent use of skill moves, with the step-over being his signature technique. He has a powerful shot, generating high ball speed with a short backlift, and also demonstrates the vision to execute well-placed, precise finishes. His crossing, particularly high deliveries, can be dangerous and are often struck with pace, though accuracy remains inconsistent and represents an area for improvement. At times his attacking play can be overly impulsive, resulting in missed opportunities to link with teammates.
Defensively, Danev shows strong commitment for a player with an attacking profile. He applies himself in the defensive phase with a high work rate and is willing to track back to support his defensive line. In one-on-one situations he performs effectively, defending on his forefeet to stay balanced and react quickly, which allows him to close down opponents decisively. This defensive intensity is most evident in matches against stronger opposition, while in games where his team dominates possession he can display occasional lapses in concentration, sometimes losing his marker or failing to provide sufficient defensive support. Greater consistency in this aspect would enhance his overall game.
Overall, Danev is a versatile and technically adept midfielder who can operate effectively across various central and wide roles. He combines flair, creativity and a significant goal threat with a solid level of defensive contribution. Improvements in decision-making, crossing precision and defensive consistency will be key to unlocking his full potential. Should he maintain his current trajectory and continue to develop, he possesses the qualities to progress to a higher level of competition, with potential destinations including lower-tier Belgian or Dutch clubs such as OH Leuven or RKC Waalwijk, or lower-ranked Serie A sides such as Parma.
Target Scouting 