Finding the best centre-forwards from the Danish Superliga – data analysis

In this data analysis piece, we will be identifying centre-forwards (strikers) to be scouted that are currently playing in the 2021/22 Danish Superliga. Strikers in the modern game have evolved a lot. No longer do we see them be a target man, being very tall in the air and bulldozing defenders. The roles of false-9, wide forwards have started to change as to how teams in EPL, La Liga, etc deploy their strikers and use them. We also see very short players playing in these positions that have had great success like Sergio Aguero, Insigne, etc. 

In our analysis, we will be looking into the major attributes that are key for a striker to have. We will be looking at players who have registered at least 800 minutes of football in the league so far this season. We will shortlist the top options according to the statistics and data analysis. Let’s get into the analysis.

Goal contributions

The first thing we’re looking at is the goal contributions (goals and assists combined). In the graph below, we have the expected goal contributions per 90 on the x-axis and goal contributions per 90 on the y-axis. The colour of the dots represents the xG per game. It is an important metric when it comes to rating or comparing forwards with each other as they are pretty much judged based on their ability to contribute goals to their team. 

Junior Brumado  The 22-year old forward from Midtjylland. The Brazilian has played more of a centre-forward this season but has also played some important minutes as a winger. He has recorded 0.51 expected goal contributions per game and 0.89 actual goal contributions per game. In total, he also has 8 goal contributions. 

Mikael Uhre  The 27-year old forward from Brondby. The Danish forward has recorded 0.5 expected goal contributions and 0.85 actual ones per game. This is an impressive figure and he is doing it by also performing more than expected. 

Jonas