Once the Coronavirus pandemic is over, many clubs will be faced with major economic problems. People are already beginning to predict the effect it will have on the transfer market. Prices may fall sharply or clubs may be forced to sell their most valuable assets in light of cashflow issues. Such issues may give rise to clubs looking towards newer, potentially undervalued markets for players – like Luxembourg.
Norwich City announced last Friday that they are to sign Danel Sinani on a free from F91 Dudelange after the expiration of his contract on June 30th (hopefully). Dudelange play in the Luxembourg first division, albeit they participated in the group stages of the Europa League this season against the likes of Sevilla. The Canaries recruitment strategy has gained plaudits in recent times with signings such as Teemu Pukki from Brondby in Denmark and Emiliano Buendia, who had been playing in the Spanish Second Division for Cultural Leonesa when he was spotted. The signing of Sinani suggests they may well be looking at, and purchasing from, markets that other British clubs tend not to once more.
In this tactical analysis, in the form of a scout report, we will look at Sinani’s strengths and play-style and do an analysis to see what Norwich will be getting and why they took the plunge despite the lowly league in which Sinani plied his trade.
Overview
Sinani is an attacking player who primarily plays in the number 10 position, though he is capable of playing on the right wing. The 23-year-old is left-footed. In the limited appearances he’s made in the UEFA Europa League, the performances have been good, especially when compared to Dudelange’s. In five games Sinani has scored four goals, as well as a solitary assist. Furthermore, when playing for Luxembourg in the UEFA Nations League, he’s registered three goals and three assists.
Statistical analysis
Firstly, the data available is limited so that has to be factored in, but despite the small sample size, there are points of encouragement. In Europe for the 2019/20 season, where Dudelange went out in the group stages, Sinani recorded 0.47 xG per 90, as well as 46.2% of his shots were on target. His finishing ability and dribbling skills are two strengths that I will explore later. 45% of 5.14 dribbles per 90 were successful. Similarly, 2.06 progressive runs were made per 90.
Dribbling skills
The relative volume of dribbles he attempts implies the importance of this on his game. Particularly when considering the central role Sinani generally plays, resulting in less space than if he was just a right-winger, in which he could come wider to receive and be able to dribble more directly with greater room to operate.
Dribbling inherently attracts the opposition, a consequence of this initial action is the opening up of space elsewhere, usually defenders’ previous position. It is a helpful tool in escaping pressure, bringing teammates into play, and initiating or enhancing attacking moves.
In the example above Sinani has already bypassed the two Apoel Nicosia players to his right. Then, another seeks to tackle him, however, Sinani demonstrates slick close control to shift away from the oncoming defender, thus passing the ball to his centrally-located teammate who has space and time to switch the play to the underloaded flank opposite.
In
