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Let's take a detailed, comprehensive look at under-24 strikers from the top 5 leagues. This study considers both conventional centre forwards as well as players who switch between the wings and the central "9" role.
Data thanks to the brilliant @fbref as always! (THREAD)
Data thanks to the brilliant @fbref as always! (THREAD)
Output is fundamental for any young striker and the sustainability of a striker's output can be measured in xG and xA. The graph shows us that Haaland and Gabriel Jesus have superb movement while Werner is a considerable all-round threat. #BVB #MCFC #RBL
Does your favourite young striker like getting on the ball, and if so, where does he get the ball? Werner loves being involved in general play while strikers like Tammy and Lautaro prefer taking few touches, with most of them being in the box. #RBL #CFC #Inter
How much do young strikers move with the ball? Strikers who are used to playing out wide such as Werner and Rashford tend to be more mobile while taller centre forwards such as Tammy and Calvert-Lewin are more static in the way they play. #RBL #MUFC #CFC #EFC
As football evolves, strikers are required to do more defending than even before. In this regard, Lautaro and Jesus are constant sources of action as they press and harry opponents. A dominant style of football always begins with pressing from the front. #Inter #MCFC
While target men are few in number in the modern game, they nevertheless possess qualities that will elevate any team. The Premier League has three of the best young target men in the form of Calvert-Lewin, McBurnie and Joelinton. #EFC #Blades #NUFC
A more unconventional way to gain advantage is by winning set-pieces by getting fouled and by recovering loose balls. In this aspect, the likes of Lautaro, Richarlison and Thuram are fantastic as they do both to a very high level thanks to their quick feet.
On the back of this analysis, let's take a took at certain individual profiles that are very interesting, starting with Gabriel Jesus.
GABRIEL JESUS
Besides getting into high quality positions, Jesus has also shown the ability to get shots away quickly and contribute enormously to his team's general play. He is without a doubt one of the five best U-24 forwards right now. #MCFC
Besides getting into high quality positions, Jesus has also shown the ability to get shots away quickly and contribute enormously to his team's general play. He is without a doubt one of the five best U-24 forwards right now. #MCFC
ERLING HAALAND
E for Erling, E for Efficiency. Haaland is averaging a mind-boggling 1.8 non penalty goals+assists right now, sweeping away the Bundesliga. His 1.94m frame is accompanied by a speed, elite movement and a desire to press, meaning he is a defender's nightmare! #BVB
E for Erling, E for Efficiency. Haaland is averaging a mind-boggling 1.8 non penalty goals+assists right now, sweeping away the Bundesliga. His 1.94m frame is accompanied by a speed, elite movement and a desire to press, meaning he is a defender's nightmare! #BVB
TAMMY ABRAHAM
Give the ball to Tammy and he'll score. Tammy is a buzzing presence inside the box and gets away a lot of high quality chances. His 1.91m frame makes a potent threat in the air too. #CFC
Give the ball to Tammy and he'll score. Tammy is a buzzing presence inside the box and gets away a lot of high quality chances. His 1.91m frame makes a potent threat in the air too. #CFC
TIMO WERNER
Werner has elevated himself world class status in the past 12 months at Leipzig. His exceptional movement results in him getting on the end of plenty of chances. Furthermore, his decision making also enables him to create buckets of chances. #RBL
Werner has elevated himself world class status in the past 12 months at Leipzig. His exceptional movement results in him getting on the end of plenty of chances. Furthermore, his decision making also enables him to create buckets of chances. #RBL
LAUTARO MARTINEZ
Lautaro is the definition of never-ending energy and motion. His constant pressing does not give defenders a moment's rest and his ability to get plenty of shots away makes him a threat regardless of game state. #Inter
Lautaro is the definition of never-ending energy and motion. His constant pressing does not give defenders a moment's rest and his ability to get plenty of shots away makes him a threat regardless of game state. #Inter
LUKA JOVIC (2018-19)
While Jovic has endured a difficult start at Madrid, it should not take away the fact he remains an exceptional young striker. His ability to associate himself in open play while also getting on the end of chances is very rare and valuable. #RMFC
While Jovic has endured a difficult start at Madrid, it should not take away the fact he remains an exceptional young striker. His ability to associate himself in open play while also getting on the end of chances is very rare and valuable. #RMFC
JOAQUIN CORREA
Moving on to wide forwards, Joaquin is a very underrated player who has a highly unique skillset. He is 1.88m tall yet has superb ability to run with the ball. His versatility is also highly commendable as he can fill in basically anywhere across the attack.
Moving on to wide forwards, Joaquin is a very underrated player who has a highly unique skillset. He is 1.88m tall yet has superb ability to run with the ball. His versatility is also highly commendable as he can fill in basically anywhere across the attack.
MARCUS THURAM
Thuram has taken the Bundesliga by storm this season, making complete use of Monchengladbach's attacking set-up to rack up exceptional numbers. Like Correa, his height combined with his dribbling ability is a scary proposition for defences.
Thuram has taken the Bundesliga by storm this season, making complete use of Monchengladbach's attacking set-up to rack up exceptional numbers. Like Correa, his height combined with his dribbling ability is a scary proposition for defences.
RICHARLISON
Richarlison is consistently good across the board, a testament to his versatility and a varied skillset. His productivity, tendency to get on the ball and willingness to press makes him a highly valuable young player. #EFC
Richarlison is consistently good across the board, a testament to his versatility and a varied skillset. His productivity, tendency to get on the ball and willingness to press makes him a highly valuable young player. #EFC
MARCUS RASHFORD AND ANTHONY MARTIAL
United's dynamic duo are both highly productive players who offer plenty in open play. Their technical ability allows them to receive the ball well in dangerous positions and hurt opponents. #MUFC
United's dynamic duo are both highly productive players who offer plenty in open play. Their technical ability allows them to receive the ball well in dangerous positions and hurt opponents. #MUFC
Thank you for the reading the thread till this point! RTs and follows are much appreciated to spread the word.
Is there any other under-24 striker you'd like to see visualized like this?
