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Let's take a deep look at under-24 attacking midfielders and wingers playing in the top 5 leagues. This study includes conventional wingers, number 10s, second strikers and players who can play both centrally and out wide.
Thanks to @fbref for the data as always!
Thanks to @fbref for the data as always!
There will be some overlap with the previous study about centre forwards. Some players such as Werner, Rashford, Martial, Thuram and others will feature in both studies due to their ability to play both centrally and out wide.
This graph shows the expected output of attackers. Clearly, Gnabry and Werner are the most productive attackers in this age group when it comes to xG and xA. Both of them have put up extraordinary expected numbers thanks to their skill and intelligence.
Having a good xG + xA tally is good, but even better is being able to convert it to actual output. There is nobody who does this better than Sancho. Sancho has an expected goal output of 0.7 per 90 yet actually averages more than 1.4 goal contributions per 90. Simply outstanding.
A way to measure the threat of a young attacker is by using their activity around their box. In this aspect, Hudson-Odoi is perhaps the best in his age group. His ability to play passes into the penalty box and also be on the receiving end of others passes is very unique.
Dribbling is pivotal to an attacker's skillset (cc: @AshwinRaman_) but not all dribbles are equally dangerous. This graph compares the total dribbles of attackers to dribbles that actually lead to shots. Boga and Saint-Maximin are the most dangerous U-24 dribblers, as seen here.
What about the touch profiles of young attackers? How much do they like to get on the ball and if so, where? The elite young wingers such as Hudson-Odoi, Gnabry and Sancho get plenty of touches and focus on the attacking third. Wide strikers such as Rashford prefer fewer touches.
Defending from the front and following your opponents is clearly a pre-requisite for every young player. Which players excel in this? Lozano is a bundle of energy who never stops harrying his opponents. Willock is a fantastic tackler. Araujo offers the best of both worlds.
In the upcoming tweets, we'll be looking at specific players who are worthy of special attention.
SERGE GNABRY
Gnabry is arguably the best young winger in the world. His ability to combine his rapid pace with superb skill on the ball and exceptional intelligence makes defending him nearly impossible. It is not a stretch to say he is among the best in the world already.
Gnabry is arguably the best young winger in the world. His ability to combine his rapid pace with superb skill on the ball and exceptional intelligence makes defending him nearly impossible. It is not a stretch to say he is among the best in the world already.
JADON SANCHO
Sancho needs no introduction at all. He is the definition of an all-round attacker and is capable of fitting in pretty much every team on the planet. He can score, assist, dribble, take part in combination play and do everything else you want from a winger.
Sancho needs no introduction at all. He is the definition of an all-round attacker and is capable of fitting in pretty much every team on the planet. He can score, assist, dribble, take part in combination play and do everything else you want from a winger.
CALLUM HUDSON-ODOI
If you want a winger who can contribute to goals, torment opponents 1v1, pass like a maestro and still be only 19 - Better Call Cal. Hudson-Odoi is a phenom of a player who has racked up mind-boggling numbers despite a major injury.
If you want a winger who can contribute to goals, torment opponents 1v1, pass like a maestro and still be only 19 - Better Call Cal. Hudson-Odoi is a phenom of a player who has racked up mind-boggling numbers despite a major injury.
CHRISTIAN PULISIC
Pulisic has made the adaptation from Germany to England look like child's play with his numbers. His all-round excellence despite a supposedly slow start is very encouraging for Chelsea and USA fans alike. His ability inside the box deserves particular praise.
Pulisic has made the adaptation from Germany to England look like child's play with his numbers. His all-round excellence despite a supposedly slow start is very encouraging for Chelsea and USA fans alike. His ability inside the box deserves particular praise.
RAHEEM STERLING
In a scarcely believable fact, he was only 24 when the season began! To achieve everything he has at before turning 25 says everything one needs to know about his quality. He is underperforming his expected numbers, so a goal flurry soon would not be a surprise.
In a scarcely believable fact, he was only 24 when the season began! To achieve everything he has at before turning 25 says everything one needs to know about his quality. He is underperforming his expected numbers, so a goal flurry soon would not be a surprise.
The comparison between Hudson-Odoi, Martinelli and Greenwood has long dominated the arguments between Chelsea, United and Arsenal fans. In truth, all three fanbases have valid arguments in favour of each player. Let's see how they rack up statistically.
We'll be taking a small break at this point in the thread before focusing on a few attacking midfielders and a few other highly underrated players.
Till then, I'd be extremely thankful for any RTs and follows. :-)
Till then, I'd be extremely thankful for any RTs and follows. :-)
