After finishing last season top of the charts for goals and assists for Accrington Stanley last season, Jack Nolan has signed for Gillingham in what is touted as one of the best moves of the summer in the division so far.
The England U21 international had a breakout season in 2023/24 when he became a regular and was scoring and assisting for fun.
The below visualisation shows where Nolan ranks for some key metrics compared with other players in a similar position to his in leagues on the same level as League Two.
Playing as a right-sided attacking midfielder, Nolan can play on the left as well and even higher up the pitch as a wide forward.
With 17 goals and nine assists to his name, Nolan ranked in the top 15% for expected goal contributions last term.
A good finisher as well as a good dribbler — ranking in the top 5% for dribbles per 90 — Nolan was among the best U23 players in League Two last season.
More direct in his style, Nolan has pace and is not afraid to carry the ball forward.
With agility and strength, Nolan plays in the half-spaces to receive and take on the opposition defender.
Defensively, he has to improve his game as he will be climbing up the ladder of English football divisions with Gillingham or otherwise.
Having played fewer than 500 minutes in the previous season for Accrington, who were relegated then, Jack Nolan was quick to settle into League Two and played the second-most minutes for his club last season.
This caught the eye of Gillingham and the wider audience, and the Gills were quick to secure his signature.
One will be surprised if Jack Nolan isn’t on the move again next summer, but for the upcoming season, he will be Gillingham’s player to watch out for.
