Attacking Player Analysis

Overview

Attacking players are judged on goals and assists, but their real contribution extends far beyond the final statistics. Your analysis should capture how they create space, link play, and contribute to the team’s attacking patterns.

Movement Timing Relative to Ball Progression

Run Timing Analysis

Early Runs

• Running before ball carrier is ready - Timing of movement initiation
• Effect on defensive organisation - How runs disrupt defensive structure
• Success rate when ball is played - Conversion rate of early runs
• Alternative options created for ball carrier - Creating space through movement

Perfect Timing

• Arriving as ball is played - Synchronization with ball progression
• Effect on defensive ability to track - Making marking difficult
• Success rate of receiving pass - Effectiveness of well-timed runs
• Quality of subsequent action - What happens after receiving the ball

Late Runs

• Running after ball has been played - Delayed movement patterns
• Effect on attacking momentum - Impact on team rhythm
• Alternative contributions to attack - How to contribute despite poor timing
• Learning from timing mistakes - Improvement in run timing

Decision-Making in Final Third Scenarios

Decision Categories

Shooting Decisions

• Appropriate shooting opportunities taken - Shot selection quality
• Quality of shot selection - Choosing the right type of finish
• Success rate from different angles - Finishing effectiveness by position
• Alternative options considered - Awareness of better choices

Passing Decisions

• Creating better opportunities for teammates - Unselfish play when appropriate
• Maintaining possession under pressure - Security when shooting isn’t available
• Building attacking momentum - Keeping attacks alive through passing
• Risk vs reward assessment - Making smart decisions under pressure

Dribbling Decisions

• 1v1 situations and success rate - Effectiveness in individual duels
• Space creation through dribbling - Opening up attacking opportunities
• Risk assessment in different areas - When dribbling is appropriate
• Effect on team attacking rhythm - How individual actions affect team play

Link-Up Play Effectiveness

Link-Up Contribution

• First touch quality in tight spaces - Technical ability under pressure
• Speed of combination play - Quick passing and movement
• Creation of space for teammates - Selfless movement and positioning
• Maintenance of attacking tempo - Keeping attacks flowing

Support Positioning

• Availability for difficult passes - Being accessible when needed
• Movement to create passing angles - Intelligent positional play
• Dragging defenders out of position - Creating space through movement
• Providing attacking alternatives - Giving teammates multiple options

Analysis Application

Analyze attacking players beyond goals and assists. Focus on their movement intelligence, decision-making quality, and contribution to overall team attacking effectiveness. Track how they create opportunities for others as much as they convert their own.