Nikita Ivanov (2003)

This player profile is based on video scouting by Scout Pilgrim. A full written scouting report is not currently available.

Nikita Ivanov is a 22-year-old Estonian attacking midfielder and the creative hub for Nõmme Kalju FC in the domestic league. When fit and injury-free, he is arguably the best playmaker in Estonia.

He is a highly entertaining player with excellent technical quality, strong dribbling ability, very good vision and precise passing. Ivanov consistently produces goals and assists and has the kind of attacking influence that makes him stand out immediately.

His right foot is exceptional on set pieces, while his left foot is also very strong. He is genuinely two-footed and close to equally comfortable with either foot, giving him variety and unpredictability in possession and around the final third.

Although best used as an attacking playmaker, Ivanov can also operate as a central midfielder in an advanced No. 8 role and can play on either wing. His pace and physical strength are both good, he wins plenty of ground duels and, at 182 cm, he is also a useful aerial player.

In terms of pure footballing ability, he is a midfielder who has virtually everything. The major question is whether he can stay healthy and maintain the fitness levels required to show that quality consistently over full matches.

Areas for improvement

Ivanov has no obvious technical weakness and is overall a very complete player, but he rarely completes the full 90 minutes. Some of that may be tactical, but there is still reason for concern about his overall fitness levels, particularly during the latter stages of the 2025 season.

To progress further, he needs a move to a stronger league in the next transfer window. We believe he is ready for the next step, ideally to a top-12 European league, provided he can stay fit and healthy.