Finding the best wingers in the OBOS-Ligaen – data analysis

In this data analysis piece, we will be looking out for the best wingers currently playing in OBOS-ligaen using statistics. The wingers’ evolution in football has been well documented where they once upon a time were only key to creating chances but not scoring goals. The modern-day wingers have changed the trend by getting more involved than their strikers in front of the goal.

In our analysis, we will be considering both the attacking as well as defensive attributes.  We will be looking at players who registered at least 900 minutes of football in the 2021 league season.

We will shortlist the best options according to the statistics and data analysis.  While there are some top talents that are noticed in the Eliteserien, some hidden gems go unnoticed in the lower divisions. In this piece, we look into the players who might make the jump to the 1st tier soon. Let’s dive deep into the analysis.

Scoring

Wingers over the past 20 years have had their roles re-defined. Where once they were used for playing crosses into the box for strikers, the last 20 years have seen wingers being in more inverted positions and are more of a goal threat to the team than their strikers. The likes of Cristiano Ronaldo for Manchester United and Real Madrid, Lionel Messi for Barcelona or even Mohamed Salah for Liverpool currently are some of the best goal-scoring wingers of the current generations.

Sigurd Haugen  The 24-year old from Aalesund. He recorded 0.73 xG per game last season and also scored 0.7 goals from it. Though he underperformed by a slight bit, his xG showed that his underperformance wont be a matter for a long time and next season he would definitely post a higher number too.

Nicolay Solberg  The 30-year old right-winger from Fredrikstad. He recorded 0.38 xG per game last season and scored 0.54 goals on average which is a goal in every 2 games that he played in the league last season. He also seems to be having a sustainable level of finishing and can expect to carry the same next season.

Riki A