Tell that to Bielsa So enlighten us, in what way is it ultimately flawed? Football stats are typically quantitative not qualitative data and should be treated in context... but they are one snapshot measurement in a fluid game with a huge amount of things influencing it. The xg stat i quote quite a bit, because it attempts to put some science behind taking chances. Of course it's not perfect but it's an indication. Just one that doesn't suit your narrative on this. I agree on the eyeball test. My eyeball test says Bamford works hard and his alround line-leading play and contribution is very good. He's missed some sitters and should have scored more goals this season. The stats happen to support that on this occasion. What does your eyeball test say? I wasn't one of those w*nking over Nketiah, though I undoubtedly expressed some frustrations about some of Bamford's misses earlier in the season, just as I will be delighted if he scores tomorrow.
Spot on their Shaks, after all he can hit a 5" goalpost with no trouble,so a strapping 6' Defender easy peasy Good afternoon everyone.
I did read it. Cheeky b'stard. I'm trying to make the point that there's no-one to compare him too. Perhaps if there was, their stats might be similar & reflect that their goal-scoring focus is not as sharp as a fox in the box, for instance. Or perhaps they're more physically & mentally drained than a breakaway Vardy-type player, meaning that their focus is a bit out. As there is no obvious player to compare him with, we have no idea if the demands we place on him simply affect him personally, or if it's a generic thing that would influence any player in that position. When Eddie started his 2 games, all of a sudden he couldn't head the ball to save himself & missed umpteen chances. And failed to score (in such a high-scoring game too!). Couldn't defend either. He was expected by many to be the second coming, but failed miserably. (It's much easier to come on as a sub & score. Ask Jack Clarke). He simply couldn't do what Bamford could, and in trying, he lost the edge on every skill he had other than pace. Perhaps a slight exaggeration, but I think my point is valid. I don't think people realise just how much we expect (and get!) from Bamford. I honestly can't think of a striker, past or present, that could do his job as well as him - and only cost £7m!
The main problem with the stats shown is the rating of difficulty of each chance is only taking into account the distance and angle of shot from goal. There are much better stats that take into account the number of defenders between the attacker and the goal, but the company supplying the stats in the link don't.
I remember doing finishing drills in training and they used to run you and run you with sprints, jumps, turns etc then without rest they would start hammering balls at you from all different angles and directions usually with a shuttle run in between each chance. It's an understatement to say that if you are working hard before the chances come then it's a heck of a lot harder to convert. Bamfords probably just ****ed by the time the ball gets to him. Ian Wright was in Eddie's ear all the time telling him not to waste energy chasing defenders and to save his energy for when the chances come along. When Eddie followed Bielsas instructions then his conversion rates plummeted too. Doesn't mean he is ****, just means he is human. Ian Rush was great at defending from the front in his day. He could also finish. We just need a prime Rushy to come along. Unfortunately Bamford or Eddie have proved they can't do both. That's fine, not many can and especially in the Championship.
There are different algorithms from different companies i believe... these are the only ones i've found who cover the championship... It says location and shot type are the main criteria not the only ones... which also include fast build up v slow... set piece etc. Never claimed it was perfect. But then I don't have an agenda on proving bamford is great or bamford is sh*t... the stats provide some credence to those who question his finishing. Like the stats, hate them, whatever, that's what they say. https://www.infogol.net/en/blog/education/an-introduction-to-expected-goals-11112016 Anyway, you don't care whether Bamford scores or not!
You must be mistaken, Bielsa invented defending from the front, passing the ball out from the back and 'The Press'. Hang your head in shame.
He suits our system well but he is not and never will be a natural finisher. His whole career has been a run of goals followed by a drought. Seen nothing to suggest this will change, he is however, a major reason why we are top. My concern is a lack of cover. And I’m happy to call myself out, I honestly thought Eddie would tear this division apart.
Doing some coaching of strikers a few years back (played at a fairly high standard/level plus won golden boots etc) i asked the strikers to think different as they were never going to be Pele. Hung a tyre on the crossbar and asked them to get it through from outside the box BUT aim 2ft either side of it depending on which foot you use. Hitting a postage stamp target is only done regular by top players but aim to miss you will hit what you wanted to hit many more times than actually going for it. Try it on a crossbar challenge. There you go Bamford that'll be a couple of grand or win the league.
Signing No2 almost a done deal and another Man City winger who actually looks a great replacement for Clarke. The video below shows some great skills and techniques and also highlights some shyte finishing by his Man City and England team mates. Ian Poveda guys
