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Robert Snodgrass: scout report thread. West Ham have lacked that cutting edge this season. Anderson has completely lost his confidence and Antonio is isolated. With Snodgrass apparently ruled out for the season, this thread analyses why he will be a big miss 
Robert Snodgrass: scout report thread. West Ham have lacked that cutting edge this season. Anderson has completely lost his confidence and Antonio is isolated. With Snodgrass apparently ruled out for the season, this thread analyses why he will be a big miss
Why is Snodgrass a big miss?
The 32-year-old has more direct goal involvements than any other West Ham player this season.
Goals: 5
Assists: 5
The 32-year-old has more direct goal involvements than any other West Ham player this season.
Goals: 5
Assists: 5
The midfielder is often a scapegoat for his lack of pace and ability to beat players, but his influence on the West Ham team shouldn't go unnoticed.
He averages 1.4 key passes per game, joint-highest in the squad with Manuel Lanzini.
He averages 1.4 key passes per game, joint-highest in the squad with Manuel Lanzini.
Strengths:
1. Crossing
2. Movement
3. Composure
4. Set-pieces
5. Work-rate
1. Crossing
2. Movement
3. Composure
4. Set-pieces
5. Work-rate
1. Crossing
West Ham have struggled to be inventive this season and rank 15th when it comes to chances created from open play. Snodgrass has been by far the best exponent for Moyes' side.
- Cook tracks Haller's run
- Snodgrass cuts it back in the space left
- Noble unmarked
West Ham have struggled to be inventive this season and rank 15th when it comes to chances created from open play. Snodgrass has been by far the best exponent for Moyes' side.
- Cook tracks Haller's run
- Snodgrass cuts it back in the space left
- Noble unmarked
The quality of his delivery goes without saying. West Ham lack players who have final product, which is what Snodgrass demonstrates here. His ability to spot Chica's run and curl the ball into the space outlined is outstanding.
- Two players mark Arnie
- Chica drifts into space
- Two players mark Arnie
- Chica drifts into space
Another example. West Ham caused Chelsea problems with Snodgrass' delivery and their narrow defensive shape allowing him time to cross.
- Antonio operates the space between James & Zouma
- Snodgrass' cross is pin-point in between the two defenders
- Antonio meets the cross.
- Antonio operates the space between James & Zouma
- Snodgrass' cross is pin-point in between the two defenders
- Antonio meets the cross.
2. Movement
Snodgrass' goals at West Ham are mainly from being in the right positions. His ability to read the bigger picture complements his composure.
- PVA comes narrow to block Antonio's run
- Snodgrass comes from his blind spot
- Through on goal
Snodgrass' goals at West Ham are mainly from being in the right positions. His ability to read the bigger picture complements his composure.
- PVA comes narrow to block Antonio's run
- Snodgrass comes from his blind spot
- Through on goal
Snodgrass' ability to make forward runs centrally as shown provided an added threat. His variability allows him to slot comfortably as an box-to-box midfielder in a 4-3-3 or as a wide-man in a 4-2-3-1.
Another example.
Snodgrass came on against Sheffield United and changed the dynamic. Moyes' initial 3-5-3 system wasn't effective. His movement & willingness to support Rice here is another positive to his game.
- Egan closes Rice down
- Snod vacates the space in-behind.
Snodgrass came on against Sheffield United and changed the dynamic. Moyes' initial 3-5-3 system wasn't effective. His movement & willingness to support Rice here is another positive to his game.
- Egan closes Rice down
- Snod vacates the space in-behind.
3. Composure
West Ham have lacked composure in the final third all season. Despite lacking the flair that Anderson & Lanzini may possess, he's the most efficient midfielder when it comes to creating chances inside the penalty area
West Ham have lacked composure in the final third all season. Despite lacking the flair that Anderson & Lanzini may possess, he's the most efficient midfielder when it comes to creating chances inside the penalty area
His goal against Newcastle earlier this season highlights his ability. This isn't an easy finish
- Atsu closes down
- Snodgrass connects with a low volley across the keeper
I doubt many West Ham players in the current squad could execute a volley as well as that.
- Atsu closes down
- Snodgrass connects with a low volley across the keeper
I doubt many West Ham players in the current squad could execute a volley as well as that.
Most players would panic in this situation, especially against a GK of Dean Henderson's quality (11 clean sheets this season)
- 4 players are pressurising Snodgrass
- DH's positioning narrows down the angles
- Snodgrass shapes his body and shoots near post.
- 4 players are pressurising Snodgrass
- DH's positioning narrows down the angles
- Snodgrass shapes his body and shoots near post.
4. Set-pieces
West Ham have scored 35 goals this season, five of them have come from set-pieces taken by Snodgrass. A refreshing sentence considering the majority fail to pass the first man.
- the quality of this free-kick requires a touch
- pace
- curl
West Ham have scored 35 goals this season, five of them have come from set-pieces taken by Snodgrass. A refreshing sentence considering the majority fail to pass the first man.
- the quality of this free-kick requires a touch
- pace
- curl
As you can see from the clip below, the technique of his corners are very difficult to defend. The quality of the accuracy in finding the aerial threat of Ogbonna is pin-point.
5. Work-rate
Snodgrass' work rate & defensive contribution goes under the radar. He's been one of few players this season who has given 100% every game.
Snodgrass' work rate & defensive contribution goes under the radar. He's been one of few players this season who has given 100% every game.
His work ethic this season is outlined by the following stats this season:
- 101 recoveries
- 367 pressures (5th highest)
- 101 recoveries
- 367 pressures (5th highest)
Summary:
- Snodgrass is West Ham's most creative player
- A player Moyes can rely on
- Has ability to change games
- Outstanding technique makes him a valuable player
- West Ham will miss his qualities
- Snodgrass is West Ham's most creative player
- A player Moyes can rely on
- Has ability to change games
- Outstanding technique makes him a valuable player
- West Ham will miss his qualities
RT's appreciated as always.
