Kanya Fujimoto (7 replies)
0
174
I think he has gone under the radar a little, given the lack of involvement in pre-season and early season thus far.
He also appears to be left out of most people's matchday squads since the window shut, so I thought it might be useful to re-evaluate what he might bring to the table once fully fit.
I have included the below graphic from Givemesport which shows his stats from last season compared to all midfielders in the Portuguese league who played at least 60% of minutes. As you can see he ranked top 3 for goal involvements, combined goals and assists, and big chances created, as well as ranking top 6 for shots per game. He also shows up well on final third passes per game, and ball recoveries per game. This indicates a player that has a tangible impact high up the pitch, both getting shots off and creating chances for others; something we appear to have struggled with in a couple of games recently; in addition to being able to win possession high, which is a hallmark of our system.
The graphic also handily includes his heat map, showing a player that gets around the entirety of the midfield, but seems to operate most often on the inside right channel, where he can cut in on his stronger left foot.
I see him most often operating either in the central 10 spot, or in that hybrid RW/right sided 10 role, where he can look to link up with Kyogo/Ducksch/Stansfield on the inside, or Laird/BOS on the outside.
While he doesn't possess lightning pace, he has quick feet, good close control, balance and the acceleration to beat players.
His main strength lies in his vision and ball playing ability through the lines, crucial for unlocking a low block, and could be key for getting Kyogo involved in tight games.
He also appears to be left out of most people's matchday squads since the window shut, so I thought it might be useful to re-evaluate what he might bring to the table once fully fit.
I have included the below graphic from Givemesport which shows his stats from last season compared to all midfielders in the Portuguese league who played at least 60% of minutes. As you can see he ranked top 3 for goal involvements, combined goals and assists, and big chances created, as well as ranking top 6 for shots per game. He also shows up well on final third passes per game, and ball recoveries per game. This indicates a player that has a tangible impact high up the pitch, both getting shots off and creating chances for others; something we appear to have struggled with in a couple of games recently; in addition to being able to win possession high, which is a hallmark of our system.
The graphic also handily includes his heat map, showing a player that gets around the entirety of the midfield, but seems to operate most often on the inside right channel, where he can cut in on his stronger left foot.
I see him most often operating either in the central 10 spot, or in that hybrid RW/right sided 10 role, where he can look to link up with Kyogo/Ducksch/Stansfield on the inside, or Laird/BOS on the outside.
While he doesn't possess lightning pace, he has quick feet, good close control, balance and the acceleration to beat players.
His main strength lies in his vision and ball playing ability through the lines, crucial for unlocking a low block, and could be key for getting Kyogo involved in tight games.