Thread by @m3ngMengz

#HighlightsAnalysis #ChampionsLeague
Ajax 2-0 Besiktas

The theme of this game was ex-EPL strikers proving their haters wrong, justifying the wrong decision of their former clubs to sell them.

@HallerSeb and @mbatshuayi played up top for the respective teams in this game.

@HallerSeb @mbatshuayi Immediately in the first highlight, Batshuayi shows his knack for finding space, slipping into the space behind the CB that pushed up to receive the ball and finding the left goal post from the ensuing shot.

In a system built around the striker, Ajax's first highlight had Haller linking up play ala Harry Kane and then just being BIG in front of the 6 yard box.

If only he had connected to the cross, Ajax would've been 1-0 up here.

Even in the next highlight where Haller was minimally involved, look how he shields off his defender with his WIDE frame.

As wide as all those Amsterdam canals.

Reminds me of how a basketball player boxes out/posts up.

The next highlight shows how to best utilize Haller.

Have him stay in central areas, cross to find him, and he's gonna get that header on target.

Only a fine save from Destanoglu managed to deny the striker.

The next highlight is Hallers goal - where he shielded his defender, and connected with the cross.

Just fyi, Haller created 1.7 npxG in this game on his own.

For comparison's sake, he outscored Besiktas' whole team on chance quality alone.

Haller (1.7xG) - Besiktas (0.6xG)

And with the final 2 highlights, the same thing happens.

Crosses into the box, Haller dominating the poor, pitiful Besiktas CBs for headers.

He could've had a hattrick or more, if not for fine reflex saves from Destanoglu.

Still think WHU made the right decision to sell him?

Highlights courtesy of @beINSPORTS Asia:

stats courtesy of @fbref

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