If the average football fan had to guess who led the Premier League in big chances created this season, it is likely that only the statistically-inclined among them would guess Bournemouth wide midfielder, Ryan Fraser. The diminutive Scotsman had a prolific 2018/19, helping Bournemouth to a mid-table finish and to what will be the club’s fifth season in the Premier League. This tactical analysis report will take a look at the success of Fraser this past season.
Who is Ryan Fraser?
Ryan Fraser grew up in Aberdeen, Scotland. Joining the youth academy of his local club, Fraser rose through the ranks and made his first-team debut at the early age of 16. The right-footed left winger joined Bournemouth three years later when the club was competing in League One. After a few inconsistent seasons including a loan spell at Ipswich Town, Fraser has begun to make his mark as an ideal attacker in manager Eddie Howes system.
This past Premier League campaign was somewhat of a breakout season for the 163cm tall Fraser. The midfielder recorded an impressive 93 key passes, good for third in the entire league, as well as 14 assists, second only to Eden Hazard. As stated, he led the Premier League in big chances created (created chances that should have ended in a goal) with 28, a whole 10 more than the next creator, Hazard. Add seven goals including a brace against Leicester and these statistics have the makings of a very strong season.
Positioning and attack
Howe, while not without his critics, has effectively kept Bournemouth from any real relegation threat since the club’s Premier League debut season in 2015/16. His mid-block system is considered brash by some as it has the disadvantage of leaving the space behind the backline open for opponents. This is evidenced by Bournemouth conceding the third-most goals in the Premier League this season, only ahead of Huddersfield and Fulham; 20th and 19th in the league table respectively. The advantage in this system, however, is in the positioning of the attacking players.
Howe utilizes a 4-4-2 out of possession with a counter-press and a 4-2-3-1 in possession involving quick ball rotation in attack. It is this attacking style that has suited Fraser well throughout the season.
Fraser often plays in the central, left half-space, and left areas of the pitch. This level of freedom on the pitch, combined with his spatial awareness and the quick attacking concepts, have given him the licence to penetrate the defence in a number of different ways.
This unpredictability paired with Fraser’s pace has been a major part of his recent success.
