The first thing I noticed is Cook has the freedom to step out of defence. Scunny are reluctant to press, and don’t seem to have the team shape to prevent these runs from deep. Cameron should have no difficulty stepping out of defence and progressing the ball
One area we have to be careful with is the high line. Their goal against Wealdstone comes from a clever run in behind. However, we do tend to hold a higher line than this; either Slocombe would sweep up or one of our CBs would have the required recovery pace to get back
Something we mentioned in our @notts_stats report is their vulnerability to cut backs from the byline. Here Wealdstone are able to get in behind their defence with ease. TAR or Nemane will be able to get to the byline and cut it back into dangerous areas
Here we see Wealdstone build from the back like we will; Scunny won’t press our CBs. We also see them stay compact like Yeovil did, forcing us to go wide. However, unlike Yeovil they aren’t very strong in 1v1 situations down the flank. This allows frequent crosses
Look at the sheer amount of bodies. I’d expect them to go with a similar tactic to Yeovil, packing their box with bodies. Whilst they aren’t as organised as Yeovil, the sheer number makes it difficult for shots to get through. Plenty of blocks expected
Here’s another example of the ball to back post causing havoc. If we are able to get in behind their full backs, which I feel we will, we have the opportunity to hit the back post.Chicksen in particular will be the main target here, as the forwards drag defenders to the near post
Perhaps unsurprisingly Butterfield is their danger man. He presses high here, despite it being late one, and helps to force the mistake. He then grabs the game by the scruff of the neck, going alone and almost scoring. If Notts stifle him Scunny will struggle
This sequence of play seems reminiscent of how Notts like to play. I’d expect to see Palmer or Ruben drop slightly deeper to receive the ball, but due to their low block have more space to drive into. Clever runs and passes like this could unlock their defence round the sides
If Notts play the same way they did against Yeovil they will beat Scunthorpe. Not only do I feel the quality Yeovil have is higher, but the sheer amount of quality chances dictates Notts will score. A season high xG of 3.93 suggests goals will come
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Luke Williams’ latest recruit is attacking midfielder Crowley
He’s especially interesting as he’s spent much of his career in the Netherlands
Here is a thread on the new man, and what we can expect from him 👇
The Key Stats
Age: 25
Height: 5ft9
Last Club: Morecambe
Position: AM (as shown in graphic)
22/23 (League One):
Games: 21
Goals: 2
Assists: 5
1.25 Chances Created per 90
671 passes completed (87% accuracy)
8 tackles won (73% accuracy)
The first thing that catches the eye about Crowley is the speed and quickness of his movement. In particular, how quickly he’s able to manipulate the ball by shifting his feet
Here he completely takes the defender out of the game, opening the space for a perfectly weighted pass
🧵🏴 England play against North Macedonia tonight. England aren’t adverse to former Non-League players, with Mings in the current squad potentially playing tonight
So here is an XI of players in Non-League who I feel could one day pull on the famous 3 Lions Shirt 👇
Owen Foster
Scunthorpe’s 18 year old keeper Foster had a brilliant stint when called upon last season, so much so that he is now going on trial at several Championship clubs
A brilliant shot stopper, Foster has massive potential. Needs the right development
Kellen Fisher
Okay, so Fisher isn’t technically a NL player anymore BUT he only just moved to Norwich, so I’m counting him here
That move says it all for him really - he has genuine potential to be a top right back. He’s already mature beyond his years at 18
Promoted side Sheffield Wednesday were requested yday afternoon. So here are 5 players they could look at based on YOUR suggestions
Remember to comment your team + 5 positions below 👇
GK: Josh Vickers
Wednesday rotated their keepers last season, so you’d expect them to need to add another safe pair of hands
Vickers is exactly that. He’s based fairly locally, so geography works, and he’s shown over a number of years he’s a very capable keeper
CB: Lloyd Jones
A defender I’d like to see make the step up with Wednesday is Jones. He’s been brilliant for Cambridge for a number of years, and is now available on a free
A strong defender, one in his prime at 27, Jones is capable on the ball & would be a cost effective move