Thread by @tomhwilliams23

🧵Here’s my thread on new #Alty forward Regan Linney

Linney bagged 20 goals in 26 games for FC United of Manchester so far this season, and the following thread highlights why I feel he can make the step up 2 divisions

(Video credit to FCUM and Nantwich for this one) 👇

Linney is a ridiculously composed finisher. His finishing is one of his main strengths, and what he adds is to this Alty side is a natural finishing presence

Here he rounds the keeper, doesn’t lose his cool, and slots home

His strongest finishing is when shooting across goal. He has lovely technique, allowing him to shoot hard and low, a nightmare for keepers

In this regard he reminds me of Langstaff - a real sharpshooter

What I also like about Linney is his strength shooting on both feet. He doesn’t need to adjust to force it onto his stronger foot

This makes him so dangerous. Defenders can’t force him wide, as his shooting technique doesn’t differ on either foot

He possesses every kind of finish you would ask for in the box. He doesn’t have to take many touches, if any, to set himself, allowing him to take snapshots. So dangerous

Also note his movement here. He recognises the potential space, so peels off his marker to make himself free

Another thing he does really well is run the channels. His movement across the front line makes him a nightmare to mark

He has explosive pace, allowing to not only run the channels but also shift the ball at pace like he does here (yes I know the keeper should do better)

Here’s a rare miss from Linney. However, watch his positioning. He placed himself between the defenders, managing the space excellently

This clip also shows that for a man of his stature he can really shift. He’s quick and direct, a real threat

Linney also has excellent awareness. It’s almost like he can sense defensive mistakes. He always seems to move before it’s happened, putting himself into position to pounce

It pays off here, earning him a deserved goal

Here’s another example of it. He’s always alert, for a full 90, and it’s really something that can’t be coached; goalscoring instincts

He pace allows him to close distances extremely quickly, putting opposition under pressure. It should have led to a goal here. He forces errors

He combines this alertness with extremely high work rate. For a full 90 Linney is running, harassing defenders and leading the press

He will fit in so well with this Alty side. Here he forces the turnover, and unselfishly passes for an assist

He really is a relentless presser. Sides that look to play out from the back will be put under by Linney, and he will force errors

What he also has is the physical stature to compete and put these physical defenders under pressure. He also picks his head up nicely here

We’ve already mentioned his stature, but I wanted to highlight it again as it’s one of the reasons I feel he can make the step up fairly easily

He will be able to compete with the more physical defenders of this division. He has the strength and also the desire to battle

Linney is a striker who likes to face goal, and it’s probably when he’s at his best. He is still capable of playing with his back to goal

His strength once again comes to the fore. Here he also shows his directness and dribbling ability, spinning his man before winning a penalty

Here he is playing with his back to goal again, and he shows he has surprisingly good link up play

He’s also adept at peeling into wider areas, acting as a wide forward, supplying balls into the middle. He’s best through the middle, but is versatile too

He also has surprisingly good feet for the style of forward he is. Here he shows flair, spinning into space and also showing close control

It’s not his game, but it’s good he has it in the locker. His technical game will come on under Parkinson

He’s not a player that lacks confidence. Again he attacks the space, making him a real threat as the spearhead of the attack

His decision to shoot from this range may seem poor, but I actually back it. He’s isolated up there and has no support, so it’s the best he could do

If I had to highlight one weakness of Linney’s forward game I would say it’s in the air; especially for his size. He isn’t poor, but he should score more goals

He drifts into space really well tho, and times his jump, but he has to score here.

Overall I think he will be an excellent addition for Alty. They are a side who create chances - Dinanga has an xG of 11.21 but has only scored 5

Give these chances to Linney and he will score. And for £10k he looks like a real bargain. Low risk and potentially very high reward