Thread by @adamvoge

OK, lots of interest in the Odegaard thread from earlier, so...let's make it head-to-head! (1/x)...

I noted that Arsenal recorded 1.89 points per match in Odegaard's 9 starts.

In the Prem, Maddison has 88 starts the past three seasons. Leicester have recorded 140 points in those matches. = 1.59 per.

Without JM? 26 matches, 40 points. =1.54 points per.

Next, key passes! Going pace-based here, but keep in mind Maddison has a LOT more appearances in the Prem. MØ's pace last year would have put him between 60-70 KPs. Maddison's last three years:
52
84
95

I also noted MØ was second only to Willian in completing passes into the penalty area, at 1.88 per 90 minutes. Maddison's last three seasons: 1.5, 1.54 and 1.59 per 90 minutes.

Next: Creation! Maddison has an overall edge here, although a higher proportion of MØ's creation comes from live play. Again, please keep in mind that Maddison's time on the pitch is significantly higher.

Here's an area where MØ is well above Maddison: Pressures in the attacking third. Is that down to system/play style, player traits, all of the above?

Last but not least, the shooting. Maddison takes significantly more shots, and hits the target more often than MØ did last season. I've included the Sociedad year here for additional depth. MØ certainly capable of doing more as a shooter than he did last year.

I also want to add one new number here: non-penalty goals minus expected goals (npG-xG), a measure of how many the player scored vs. how many an avg finisher would with the same chances. Even when he's not finishing like a machine (like last year), JM with the general edge.

So, there you have it! Who's worth the price? I have to admit I twist myself into knots about this one. Are those decreasing JM passing numbers a role-based change, or something more? Even so, he was ahead of MØ's (club-leading pace)...

Interested in everyone's thoughts!