Charlie Goode 2019/20 – scout report

Northampton Town enjoyed an unlikely playoff victory to seal promotion to League One last month. After sneaking into seventh place on points-per-game, the Cobblers overturned a two-goal deficit in the semi-final. They lost 2-0 at home to Cheltenham Town, before shocking the Robins by winning the return leg 3-0 in Gloucestershire. Northampton followed that up by thrashing Exeter City 4-0 in the final, at an eerily empty Wembley Stadium. The humbling victory was a masterclass in route one football, and central defender Charlie Goode was right at the heart of it, as he has been for the Cobblers all season.

This scout report will provide a tactical analysis of his role, and what he brings to a Northampton side who will have to adapt to playing at a higher level next season.

Overview and role

24-year-old Goode is an uncompromising and powerful central defender. Standing at 6ft 5, the Watford-born man is an aerially dominant defender, who won a fantastic 70.78% of his aerial battles last season. He played in every single minute of all of the Cobblers’ league, playoff and FA Cup campaigns. The only games he wasn’t involved in were their League Cup and EFL Trophy encounters.

Northampton, managed by former Manchester City defender Keith Curle, mainly played a 3-5-2/3-4-1-2 last term. Within those tactics, Goode often played on the right side of the back three, as he has the acceleration and power to defend in wider areas.

As you can see from his heatmap, Goode is also comfortable advancing into more forward areas down the right channel and half-space to become an attacking threat for his team. The club captain, who is a product of the Fulham academy, managed to chip in with three goals and two assists last season.

Positional play

The analysis will now focus on Goode’s positional play. Below is a perfect snapshot of how he and his teammates defend when the ball is in the wide areas.