Finding the best forwards in Belgian Pro League – data analysis

This is the last part of ‘’Finding the best players in Belgian Pro League’’ series that was based on data and statistics. The final data analysis will show us the best forwards in the league this season. Our dataset consists of players who mainly played as forwards and played at least 600 minutes in the league. Its too bad that the season finished prematurely due to COVID-19, because Terem Moffi couldnt collect 600 minutes to be included in the analysis, but the 20-year-old Nigerian is one to watch next season. 

Last summer Belgian Pro League lost a pair of great forwards in Wesley and Victor Osimhen. Osimhen moved to play in the Ligue 1 side LOSC Lille, while Wesley got into newly-promoted Aston Villa in the Premier League. Wesley also suffered a season-ending knee injury which cleared the path for transfer of Mbwana Samatta from Genk to Aston Villa. The English Premier League is clearly the number one buyer for Belgian Pro League best players. At the end of this data analysis, we will highlight the best three forwards who could be next in line for a potential move.

Goal contribution

This section will compare forwards based on their goal contribution and expected goal contribution per 90. 

Okereke, Rezaei and Mbokani are showing great numbers in both metrics and over-perform their expected contribution. 

Dieumerci Mbokani, the 34-year-old veteran striker, is having the best season of his career with 18 goals for Antwerp. He contributes with 0.78 goals per 90, exceeding his expected contribution value of 0.74 per 90. 

David