Having struggled to make an impact on Dutch football in the Eredivisie, Thijs Dallinga managed to make his mark in the second division. Following an exceptional 2021/22 Eerste Divisie campaign with Excelsior Rotterdam, the striker scored 32 times and assisted 8. A club record fee of £2.1 million was received for him from Toulouse. The Ligue 1 club managed to land his signature amid interest from clubs such as Rangers.
Having started every league game so far this season, Dallinga has impressed boss Philippe Montanier. The young striker has scored twice so far and is settling in well. However, he is yet to hit the dizzy heights of last season. A step up in opposition quality, as well as a move away from his home in the Netherlands, may be to blame.
This scout report will provide an analysis of how Dallinga will fit into Toulouses style of play as they look to have a strong first season back in Ligue 1. It will be a tactical analysis of the 22-year-old and the tactics used to get the best from him.
Player profile
Dallinga is an out-and-out striker and one that knows where the back of the net is. He has started all of Toulouses league games as their striker. He was deployed always as a striker last season too. A typical number 9 is well sort after in todays game especially due to the introduction of inside forwards.
As mentioned all of his minutes this season have come in the role of striker. Dallinga is always the furthest player forwards for his Toulouse team. He is comfortable playing as a single 9 and has great experience playing as a pair. Last season Dallinga played as a pair for a large majority of the season striking a great relationship with partner Reuven Niemeijer.
As a striker, he is a great height at 511 tall and is relatively lightweight meaning he is sharp and agile. His heatmap shows his strengths, playing narrow and within the width of the box.
Although he can find himself in pockets of space.
