In the world of Premier League football, an intriguing trend has emerged that goes beyond the usual focus on goals and assists. This season, the spotlight has been on long throws and the players who excel at getting their heads to the ball in these situations. It's a unique aspect of the game that has gained unexpected prominence, and it raises some fascinating questions about strategy and player specialization.
The Rise of the Long Throw
The concept of long throws as a strategic weapon has become surprisingly mainstream in recent years. Traditionally, long-throw specialists were a rarity, often found on teams playing a more old-school style of football. However, even the top title contenders have embraced this tactic, showcasing a shift in the game's dynamics.
When we discuss long-throw specialists, names like Michael Kayode, Ethan Ampadu, and Chris Richards come to mind. These players are adept at launching the ball into the box, but as we'll explore, it's only one piece of the puzzle.
The Importance of First Contact
While throwing the ball into the box is an important skill, it's not enough on its own. You can't score directly from a throw-in, and assists from these situations are extremely rare. So, the focus shifts to the players who can win the first contact, whether it's nodding the ball into a more dangerous position in attack or clearing it away in defense.
This 'first contact' has become a critical aspect of the game, and it's here that we find the true specialists. Let's delve into the numbers to identify the Premier League's masters of first contact.
Leading the Charge
When we examine the data for first contacts in both boxes, two players stand out: Crystal Palace's Maxence Lacroix and Bournemouth's Marcos Senesi. These towering defenders are regular winners of aerial duels. Everton's James Tarkowski is another expected name on this list, known for his ability to be a target for attacking set pieces.
Interestingly, these players are almost exclusively defenders. It's not until we reach Brentford's Igor Thiago, in joint-eighth place with 17 first contacts, that we find a center-forward. This highlights a trend: the players excelling at first contact are primarily defenders, with no midfielders, wingers, or full-backs making the cut (unless they've occasionally played as center-backs).
Splitting the Difference
To gain a more nuanced understanding, let's split the data for long throws into the opposition box and defensive long throws.
Lacroix continues to feature prominently, but it's Tarkowski who truly stands out. His career has been built on being a target for attacking set pieces, and this season is no different. It's no surprise to see Sunderland's Dan Ballard and several Brentford defenders also making an impact in this category.
However, when we look at defensive long throws, a different picture emerges. Here, it's Thiago who shines. Despite being the Premier League's second-top goalscorer this season, all 17 of his first contacts from long throws have come inside his own box. He's joined by West Ham's Konstantinos Mavropanos, who has been a key figure in the Hammers' recent defensive solidity.
The Brentford Enigma
What's particularly intriguing about Brentford is the role reversal they've implemented. Their best attacking players at throws are defenders, while their best defensive player at throws is their main attacker, Thiago. This suggests a deliberate tactical approach, likely influenced by their manager, Keith Andrews, who served as the club's set-piece coach last season.
Thiago's roles in these situations are specific. At attacking throw-ins, he's tasked with blocking the opposition goalkeeper, allowing his teammates to challenge for the first ball. Defensively, he's positioned at the near post, free from marking, which gives him the space to head the ball clear.
This strategy has been so effective that opponents may need to adapt. By blocking Thiago off, they could neutralize his impact, essentially returning the favor.
A Battle of Specialists
This weekend's fixture between Brentford and Everton sets up an intriguing battle between two specialists. Thiago, the center-forward, will face off against Tarkowski, the center-back, in open play. But at throw-ins, their roles are reversed, with Tarkowski excelling at winning the first contact in the opposition box and Thiago dominating defensively.
This unique dynamic showcases the depth of strategy and specialization in modern football. It's a reminder that beyond the goals and assists, there are countless other skills and roles that contribute to a team's success.
Final Thoughts
The focus on long throws and first contacts highlights the ever-evolving nature of football tactics. It's a fascinating insight into the game's intricacies and the specialized skills that players develop. As we continue to analyze and discuss these trends, we gain a deeper appreciation for the complexity and beauty of the beautiful game.
