Thread by @tomhwilliams23

🧵When Cole Stockton (@cstockton94) signed for #BAFC I expected the reaction to be overwhelmingly positive

It was in fact mixed, which surprised me

So here is a thread showing why I believe Burton fans should be optimistic about their new signing 👇

Firstly, he is a player capable of the spectacular. He’s able to grab the game and win points single handedly with moments like this

7 of his 11 goals came in his final 4 games; he almost single handedly kept Morecambe up

Stockton is a big forward, over 6ft. But his improvisation is always so impressive, especially when it involves acrobatics

Here he reacts so quickly, capitalising on an opportunity with a spectacular finish

This isn’t a one off though. Here’s another example. Stockton clearly has excellent reactions, a key attribute for any top striker

It’s just so surprising to see a man of his size react with the agility he does

His improvisation really is something else. He’s a player with massive amounts of technical ability, which allows him to pull off unorthodox strikes

How can you not just love watching him play? This goal is so good to watch

As I mentioned, Stockton is a bigger forward, and this lends itself to being strong in the air

But it wouldn’t be Cole Stockton without flair. This header is sublime. He spots the keeper’s positioning, and completely exploits it with a header from range

His reading of the flight of the ball, as well as his anticipation of where the ball will end up here are excellent

And again, he combines his prowess in the air with his vision to lob the keeper with a clever header

Stockton isn’t a traditional target man by any means, but he possesses the attributes for a side to play long to him

He has a strong touch to bring balls out of the sky, and also has the strength to hold off defenders

And the strike here; it’s so pure and powerful

Power is a theme of his play. Because he can strike the ball so well, he’s able to generate such power that his strikes, if on target, are unstoppable

Stockton is a player capable of spectacular moments. But don’t let that fool you. He’s capable of carrying out the more traditional actions of a 9

He is a striker who has good anticipation, & gambles when others wouldn’t. He senses chances, & follows them in as good strikers do twitter.com/i/web/status/1…

As we’ve discussed, Stockton has wonderful technique but also serious strength too.

These attributes allow him to drop deep and link up play. His ability to spread the play is underrated, and he has strong vision to pick out runners too twitter.com/i/web/status/1…

I’ve also seen Stockton’s commitment to the cause questioned at times. I obvs don’t know the ins & outs, but his effort on the pitch stretches to both ends of the pitch

Here he makes a goal saving action, clearing off the line. His height makes him useful in defending set pieces

And if you want to see some more in depth stuff on Stockton, check out this thread from @davidwt1997 below 👇