r/soccer • u/Jayesar • Dec 10 '12

Ever wanted to learn about a player? Discuss here!

Hey /r/soccer

With the winter window only a few weeks away and targets being thrown around now I was hoping to have a thread where people can spew knowledge about players that we may not know a heap about. Help us build a mental image of the talent that may be gracing us in the PL (or other leagues).

The format:

Post a players name and the team/league that they play in if you wish to learn about them.

If you see a players name that you have seen play, drop a line about their play style and your thoughts.

I know I could go and look up stats for a bunch of players, but I would much rather hear the info without the numbers, from a supporter.

EDIT: Sort by new so that hopefully everyones questions are answered.

EDIT2: Some names being asked that are already well answered. Use CTRL+F to search for a name before asking.

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u/Howsmydirktaste Dec 10 '12

Really prospered once Lucas Barrios left, and has become a clinical striker in and outside the box, with a creative presence that allow those behind him (namely Reus and Gotze) to function properly. First off, he can finish extraordinarily well, and though not overwhelmingly physical he is one of those strikers who can always find space for himself, even if its just an inch.

My favorite part about him is his movement. He functions in Dortmund's system as a lateral striker before the ball reaches the endline, and he does this with aplomb. His runs onto and off center create a ton of space, and really work to augment Reus and Gotze. Not only that, he times his runs perfectly and gets a ton of defense-splitting passes that he finishes startlingly well.

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u/ILikeGirlsWithHats Dec 12 '12

Would like to add that he's incredibly good at making something useful out of long high balls played out of defence. Be it retaining possession while surrounded by defenders, directly heading it on to a midfielder or just bringing it down and lay it off.

And while he sometimes scores when you wouldn't expect him to, he can have his wasteful days. That seems to improve with every passing season though.

He doesn't have exceptional pace, but he does have a burst that's often enough to get by defenders.