Thread by @TopBinsTalk

Percy Tau: The Key to Brighton’s Survival?

A Scouting Report

Brighton’s struggles in front of goal this season are no secret. Potter’s side defends resolutely, possesses frequently, and creates opportunities, yet often fails to convert at the key moments.

Now firmly locked in a relegation battle, the Seagulls need a spark, and quick.

Going forward, Brighton are a much better side than their league position (17th) suggests; they have scored just 20 goals from an xG of 23.6, meaning they’re underperforming their expected tally by -3.6.

Only two PL sides (Burnley + Sheff Utd) are less clinical in front of net.

Cue Percy Tau. The South African was recalled from his loan spell last week, and his arrival comes with huge expectations, both locally and in his home nation.

Over the last 2 1/2 years, Tau has been involved in 43 goals (21G/22A), averaging a goal involvement every 130 minutes.

Potter will be hoping to entrust him to provide a spark in the final third.

Tau is a versatile forward, capable of playing behind the striker or on either wing. Left-footed, diminutive, skillful, and nifty in possession, he's got a wide array of finishing abilities:

https://twitter.com/ftblgifs/status/1349264948908728323

As well as averaging 2.3 shots per 90 this season, Tau has also created 2.2 chances per game.

A real inventive presence, Tau enjoys drifting throughout the final third, picking up possession, driving at the opposition and feeding teammates with intricate and incisive passes.

https://twitter.com/ftblgifs/status/1349265629094752256

We love watching Tau on the dribble. He’s tricky and elusive, comfortable cutting inside onto his left or going outside on his right, and has excellent close control.

He’s attempted 32 dribbles this season. For Brighton, only March, Bissouma, and Lamptey have more.

https://twitter.com/ftblgifs/status/1349273523114672131

Tau’s energy with the ball doesn’t disappear when out of possession.

He ranked top at Anderlecht for both tackles attempted (35) and won (25) this season, and is tenacious and relentless in his pressing from the front, often causing opposition slip-ups or misplaced passes.

https://twitter.com/ftblgifs/status/1349350317486440449

Tau isn’t the most prolific of scorers, but he clearly has the ability to hugely improve Brighton’s goalscoring threat and chance creation.

He’s averaged 0.47 goals per 90 this season, a marked improvement on every Brighton forward but Maupay, who is just ahead at 0.48.

Although Potter’s lineup (and system) is often impossible to predict, we’d expect Tau to be deployed on the right-wing of a 5-2-3 system.

Given attacking freedom and license to roam and interchange, Tau could form a dangerous partnership with young wing-back Tariq Lamptey.

Brighton fans will be wary of placing too much pressure on Tau’s shoulders, but his arrival is a massive boost.

An exciting, refreshing option who can fulfill multiple roles in the Seagulls' attack, Tau could be the difference as Brighton seek to survive in the Premier League.

A big thanks to @AlbionAnalytics for helping out with the piece. Would definitely recommend following!