Finding the best centre-forwards from the Eliteserien – data analysis

In this data analysis piece, we will be identifying centre-forwards (strikers) to be scouted that are currently playing in the Eliteserien. Strikers in the modern game have evolved a lot. No longer do we see them as target men, being very tall in the air and bulldozing defenders. The roles of the false ‘9’ and wide forwards have started to change how teams in Premier League, 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 and Lorenzo Insigne.

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.

Goalscoring

The first thing we’re looking at is 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.

Ola Brynhildsen  The 23-year-old forward from Molde has averaged a league-high 0.85 xG per game and 0.81 actual goals from 3.65 shots per game which shows that he has a sustainable level of performance although he has underperformed by a bit. In total, he scored 8 goals for his team.

Ole Christian Sæter  The 26-year-old forward from Rosenborg has averaged 0.65 xG per game and a league-high  0.98 actual goals from 3.65 shots per game which shows that outperformed his xG by a quite bit with a very good ability to finish. In total, he scored 13 goals for his team.