U23 Strikers – Data Analysis

In this thread, I used data again to find the best U23 Strikers from the top5 leagues.

Below you will find 5 charts, an updated ranking system, and short introductions with radars.

Let’s get into it!

My first chart looked at the classic xG90 x Shots90 data. These are arguably the two most important stats for strikers.

For the next chart, I used Conversion Rate x Shot Quality -> xG/Shot. McBurnie leads the line in Quality, while Maja is the most efficient in conversion.

Although Chance creation is not the most essential skill of a classic no. 9, I added a graph to measure this ability. My two chosen stats were xA x Passes to the Penalty Area.

Mbappé is far above everyone else but Rashica, Lukebakio, and Richarlison are also remarkable.

My fourth chart focuses on attempted dribbles and successful dribbles %.

We find the "regular” names in the top right corner, complemented by Cucho Hernandez from Mallorca and Ganago from Nice.

The last graph – as always – is output. For many years goals and assists were considered as indicators of the quality, especially for strikers. Although the best names are popping up, relying only on these two stats - particularly with the amount of available data - isn't enough.

As I said in the beginning, I updated my scoring method.

This time I used distance from the average percentages, plus I weighted the stats. This way the ranking system is way more detailed and precise.

SCORESHEET

Kylian Mbappé - PSG (21)

Yes, he is playing for PSG. Yes, in Ligue1 which is probably not the strongest league in the top 5. But the dominance and the consistency Mbappé represents is something we haven’t seen in a long time from a 21-year-old.

MV: €180.00m

Breel Embolo – B. Mönchengladbach (23)

Embolo is probably not the most hyped young striker, not even in his team to be fair but this analysis proves that he is having a monster campaign. His transfer to Gladbach for only €10m could be the steal of the season.

MV: €13.00m

Gabriel Jesus – Man City (23)

Jesus earned his spot on the podium thanks to his excellent shooting quality. He really knows how to get into the best positions, his 0.89 xG per 90 confirms that. Juve is reportedly interested but City would be crazy to sell him.

MV: €56.00m

Tammy Abraham – Chelsea (22)

Honestly, I don’t understand why would Chelsea spend big on another CF. Yes, he needs a backup, but Tammy – with Ziyech/Pulisic/CHO supporting him - will terrorize the PL next season!

MV: €40.00m

Josh Maja – Bordeaux (21)

Maja is the surprise of this analysis. The young Nigerian joined Bordeaux in 2019 January for a fee of €1.70m. His sample size is fairly small to draw serious conclusions but these numbers are not here due to coincidence only.

MV: €6.30m

Honorable Mentions

Victor Osimhen – Lille (21)
Milot Rashica – Werder Bremen (23)
Dodi Lukebakio – Hertha BSC (22)
Dominic Calwert-Lewin – Everton (23)

I have to piont it out again, that this thread is not a clear indicator of the quaility of the players. Stats can be affected by many factors, including the style of play, teammates, the league etc. However, I think these comparisons are useful for further scouting and analyzing.

data: @Wyscout
radars: http://www.footballslices.com/ 
market values: @Transfermarkt

Hope you enjoyed this!
Feel free to DM me with suggestions/requests.