Exclusive scouting reports on Godts: 'When he is confident, he is at his best'

2020: From Brussel to Genk
That summer, Godts left Anderlecht to join KRC Genk. In August 2020, Ajax scouts watched the young Belgian twice in action, and the feedback was entirely positive. First came a match between KRC Genk U16 and Lille U16: "He has pace, is aggressive, and has sufficient strength in his legs. Once he accelerates, he can find an extra gear. Mika gives a highly driven impression and has the desire to make the difference." Other terms noted at the time included: technically gifted, capable of playing multiple positions, and strong with both feet. Ajax's interest grew, and just over two weeks later, scouts watched him in Amsterdam against Ajax U17.

"In my opinion, he is a player capable of making the step to Ajax and then continuing his development here. He possesses something that others do not have, and he can adapt to the high speed of decision-making within Ajax teams." From that point on, Godts was monitored closely by the Amsterdam club. Starting in May 2021, several Ajax scouts regularly attended his matches. Week after week, similar observations appeared in their reports: "Courage, confidence, one-on-one ability, presence, and strong physical balance." At that stage, his best position was still unclear. Playing for KRC Genk U18, Godts featured in midfield as well as across all three attacking positions.

2022: Excessive interest
At the beginning of 2022, the reports on Godts became overwhelmingly positive. "Explosive runs in behind the last defensive line. If he does not receive the ball, there are no complaints. His first touch is of a very high level because the ball always ends up exactly where he wants it. Mika has a wonderfully quick step-over and beats opponents both on the outside in physical duels and on the inside with a short, sharp dribble. He can shoot with both left and right foot."

Perhaps the most striking observation was: "Mika with confidence is Mika at his best; then he is a top-class player."

On March 2, 2022, Godts came on for the final fifteen minutes in KRC Genk U19's UEFA Youth League match away at Liverpool U19. The scouts wrote: "Almost every touch or run carried a threat. Very interesting." In April 2022, besides his previously noted playing qualities, scouts also highlighted his physical development: "Athletic body with an excellent build."

Ajax continued to follow him closely and watched him represent Belgium U17 against Serbia, Spain, and Turkey in May 2022. Godts played as a midfielder, left winger, and striker during those matches. Regardless of position, the same themes appeared repeatedly: "Confidence, looks for combinations, highly mobile." He was also monitored during the VV Terborg Tournament later that month."Refined technique, moves easily, and regularly demonstrates an extra burst of acceleration."

2023: The Transfer
Ajax clearly recognized his potential and wrote in September 2022:"If he continues in this form, he will come into consideration for Genk's first team. We should take action."

The transfer moved closer, and during one of the final scouting reports, following Club Brugge U23 vs KRC Genk U23 on October 9, 2022, scouts continued to observe the same valuable qualities. Ajax eventually made their move and reached an agreement with both Godts and KRC Genk at the end of January 2023.

And now, more than three years later, the skilful, direct, and cheerful Godts has left Ajax for Paris Saint-Germain.