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A bit of new viz here, looking at which players are creating good-quality shooting opportunities. I was looking at this through a bit of a Utd lens, so this has just a few select right-wingers under the age of 24. The blue heatmap shows the concentration of
A bit of new viz here, looking at which players are creating good-quality shooting opportunities. I was looking at this through a bit of a Utd lens, so this has just a few select right-wingers under the age of 24. The blue heatmap shows the concentration of
goals scored in Europe's top 5 leagues over the last 6 seasons (~280,000 shots)., so obviously, the more passes a player can make into that area, the better the chance he creates. This isn't anything complex, but basically, just a way to visualise the players' xA. To reduce the
occurrence of false positives, I excluded shots which were taken after a dribble/take-on, so these pictures should give us a fairly accurate look at what these players have created themselves. I've also left out set-pieces.
I thought I'd start with Utd's current options for the
I thought I'd start with Utd's current options for the
right-wing spot:
Mason Greenwood and Dan James have played the most minutes on United's right flank, but the output isn't great. Greenwood is a striker being played out of position, while James just hasn't produced enough, although what he has created has been largely good.
Mason Greenwood and Dan James have played the most minutes on United's right flank, but the output isn't great. Greenwood is a striker being played out of position, while James just hasn't produced enough, although what he has created has been largely good.
Utd need a starter for that position, hence the pursuit of Jadon Sancho, whose shot creation map looks a little something like this:
No surprises here.
No surprises here.
But given that Utd seemed to have cooled their interest in Sancho of late, the next (reported) target is Bournemouth's David Brooks:
This map is for the 18/19 season, Brooks' last *proper* season (given how much he missed this year). He seems quite adept at putting the ball into
This map is for the 18/19 season, Brooks' last *proper* season (given how much he missed this year). He seems quite adept at putting the ball into
that hotspot in the middle of the goal, whilst also picking out players well on the left side, which bodes well for United, given the goal threat they carry from that side of the pitch.
However, if Utd really want a left-footed option, it doesn't get much better than
However, if Utd really want a left-footed option, it doesn't get much better than
Riccardo Orsolini:
A little central cluster, combined with a nice spread of shot assists across the penalty area is promising, not to mention the fact that Orsolini is quite comfortable on his right foot as well and a good shooter, so he carries a credible goal threat as well.
A little central cluster, combined with a nice spread of shot assists across the penalty area is promising, not to mention the fact that Orsolini is quite comfortable on his right foot as well and a good shooter, so he carries a credible goal threat as well.
The football analytics community's darling, Emi Buendia, is an extremely solid option for this spot as well. His precision and ability to thread the ball through narrow gaps could help United break down defensive sides, something they've had trouble with this campaign.
In addition, Buendia's exceptional off the ball work rate only strengthens his case.
A potentially shrewd signing for Utd could be Milot Rashica, from Werder Bremen, who were nearly relegated last season. Pacy and direct with a dangerous final ball delivery, he could have a real
A potentially shrewd signing for Utd could be Milot Rashica, from Werder Bremen, who were nearly relegated last season. Pacy and direct with a dangerous final ball delivery, he could have a real
impact if he signed for the club.
This is by no means a comprehensive scouting exercise, but in terms of the prime attribute that United ought to be looking for, these five players tick the box.
(I *might* make an interactive version and put it up on my Tableau profile,
This is by no means a comprehensive scouting exercise, but in terms of the prime attribute that United ought to be looking for, these five players tick the box.
(I *might* make an interactive version and put it up on my Tableau profile,
but don't bank on that.)
If anyone out there also wants to see the shots taken/created by any specific players (for any season(s) from 2014/15 onwards), I'm open to requests for the next hour. (It might take me a while to get back to you, but I will get it through.)
If anyone out there also wants to see the shots taken/created by any specific players (for any season(s) from 2014/15 onwards), I'm open to requests for the next hour. (It might take me a while to get back to you, but I will get it through.)
Comments and criticisms welcomed, likes and RTs appreciated :)
@GoalAnalysis @utdarena @DomC0801 @VenkyReddevil @AshwinRaman_ @alexfrco @DAHughes_ @SanchoQuinn @thirtyfeet @ARDataAnalysis @MishraAbhiA @DrMukherjeeS @topimpacat @NinadB_06 @FMAnalysis @HemmenKees @ThatGarateyjc
@GoalAnalysis @utdarena @DomC0801 @VenkyReddevil @AshwinRaman_ @alexfrco @DAHughes_ @SanchoQuinn @thirtyfeet @ARDataAnalysis @MishraAbhiA @DrMukherjeeS @topimpacat @NinadB_06 @FMAnalysis @HemmenKees @ThatGarateyjc
