Tobin Heath 2018/19 – scout report

With the United States Women’s National Team (USWNT) set to return to their domestic clubs over the next few weeks, the attention now turns towards the hotly contested National Women’s Soccer League. Some of the stars of the USWNT will be eagerly anticipated by their clubs but none more than Portland Thorns. They welcome back Lindsey Horan and Tobin Heath, two important members of the World Cup-winning squad. While Horan was relegated to substitute appearances, Heath was an integral part of the United States attacking line up.

Alongside the ruthless Alex Morgan and outspoken Megan Rapinoe, Heath formed part of the attacking trident that scored 12 goals between them. Even if the Portland Thorns winger failed to find the back of the net, it was her overall performance that enabled her teammates to perform so effectively.

This tactical analysis will look to decipher the strengths and attributes that Tobin Heath brings to her team. This will also give us an indication of what we can expect from her upon her return to Portland.

Tobin Heath, the beginning

Tobin Heath is a 31-year-old right-winger that plies her trade for the Portland Thorns. The American winger has been a mainstay of the USWNT for a few years now having established herself after making her debut in 2008.

Standing at 5’6, Heath uses her height to drive forwards making mazy runs down the right flank. Heath’s style of play may seem arbitrary, however, her combination of speed, positioning and dribbling all contribute towards her effectiveness in the final third. With an impressive defensive drive, the Portland Thorns winger can be considered a managers dream. This scout report will explain these qualities in finer detail.

Tactical analysis  Off the ball movement

Heath’s most impressive attribute is her ability to create space using her positioning and dribbling. Whether she dribbles from deep or navigates herself through one v one situations, Heath manages to get the better of her marker. A player in her position looks to stretch the opposition and isolate the full-back or find pockets of space to provide a wide passing option. This allows the midfield runners to make runs in between the centre-back and full-back to capitalise on the space created by Heath.

The USWNT play with a dynamic front three with Rapinoe drifting in from the wide areas making quick runs into the area benefiting from Heath’s crosses. Morgan’s presence distracts the centre-backs paving a way clear for Rapinoe, Heath or Rose Lavelle to latch onto.