Karim Onisiwo 2021/22: The under-the-radar creator partnering Burkardt at Mainz – scout report

Karim Onisiwo is a 29 year-old Austrian centre-forward currently playing for Mainz 05 in the German Bundesliga. He had played the entirety of his career in Austria until January of 2016 when Mainz stumped up €1.5 million for his signature from SV Mattersburg. He has grown into becoming a key member of this Mainz side, who at the time of writing sit in ninth place in the league. Onisiwo is having a stellar campaign this season, having scored five goals and made nine assists. He ranks joint fourth in the league for assists, along with Andrej Kramarić, David Raum, Christopher Nkunku and Bayern Munich’s Leroy Sané. Not bad company, whilst above Borussia Dortmund duo Marco Reus and Jude Bellingham.

The Austrian is predominantly a centre-forward, but can also operate as either a number 10 or as a winger. Mainz have predominantly played with a front two this season, with Onisiwo playing as part of this partnership.

This tactical analysis and scout report will provide a breakdown of some of the key facets of Onisiwo’s game.

Impact in possession

Standing at 1.88m, or 6’2”, in height, Onisiwo has a good frame to lead the line as a centre-forward. He has impressive hold-up play, and is comfortable receiving with his back to goal, and yet he is a skilful individual too, who can not only delay possession through his dribbling, but also navigate tight areas to evade pressure.

He is a frequent dribbler and uses it in areas like the one shown below, as much as he does in the final third to break past a defender in an isolated 1v1 duel. Onisiwo averages 8.48 dribbles per 90 in all competitions this season, with a 45.6% completion.

Below we see him operating as one of the furthest forward Mainz player, receiving the ball in transition, and not only retaining possession through his ability to dribble past the two surrounding players, but also delaying possession enough to allow his teammates to arrive forward.

Following this dribble he then expertly clips the ball into the space behind, accessing the space behind the opposition full-back, whilst his winger latches onto this through pass.