🧵Here’s my thread on #WxmAFC newest recruit Eoghan O’Connell
I look at his strengths and weaknesses, and why I feel the League One defender is a good signing
(Video credit to Charlton on this one)
Firstly, I wanted to address where I think he will play in the back 3. For Charlton he played in a back 4, and played on both sides, Altho I felt his best work was done on the left
With JT injured for a long period, EOC has the chance to cement his place at LCB
The first thing to note is EOC’s composure on the ball. From LCB he will be able to step up, carry the ball forwards and add an extra passing outlet
EOC plays 52.85 passes per 90; more than any other Wrexham player
EOC is a progressive passer; he plays 10.16 per 90, again more than any other Wrexham player
He will be able to bypass teams by playing into Palmer and Mullin, with clipped balls such as these. He should give them an edge in possession
He’s also an excellent judge of distance, making him a more effective defender when retreating
Here he adjusts well after his teammate gives away possession. His body shape and positioning forces the attacker wide, nullifying the chance
In terms of out and out defending, EOC excels. He’s a good box defender, willing to put his body on the line for his side
He makes 0.59 blocks per 90 - only JT for Wrexham has more (0.65). He has good anticipation allowing him to make blocks
Here’s another example of it. Here he adjusts his feet well, responding to the danger and shifting across to make the block
His positioning for the most part is excellent. This is what allows him to make the blocks
Here’s another fine block from O’Connell. What strikes me here is his positioning and also his awareness
He doesn’t get sucked in and go to the ball. He scans, recognises the danger and holds his position. Moments later he makes a vital block
His anticipation really impresses me. Here he recognises that he cannot close down the attacker in time before he gets a shot away
Instead note he begins to cover on the line. Had the shot been far corner he would have had a chance at a clearance
I’m not suggesting EOC is the quickest defender, but a combination of his positioning and awareness allow him to make recovery runs like this
He will be useful in a side that dominate. He can spot danger before it materialises
EOC hasn’t got the biggest jump or the natural athletic gifts that Hayden possesses. However, just like in his defending, his anticipation aids in attack
He reads the flight well here, attacks the space well and ultimately has an easy free header
Aerial prowess is probably my biggest critique of EOC. This isn’t the only time I’ve seen a cross into the box where he misjudges the flight of the ball
He often either mistimes his leap, or hasn’t got enough to reach it. He can be vulnerable in these situations
As I’ve mentioned EOC isn’t the most athletically gifted. Therefore, on the rare occasion that he does get his positioning wrong, he can get caught out
He looks far too weak here, beaten easily. He may take time to adapt to the physicality of the NL
This clip is a bit of a comedy of errors. I just thought it highlights that he is susceptible to a mistake
However, on the whole I think he’s an excellent signing. He defends well, and this is against attackers from 2 divisions above. I think he’s more than capable
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🧵Here’s my thread on new #Alty forward Regan Linney
Linney bagged 20 goals in 26 games for FC United of Manchester so far this season, and the following thread highlights why I feel he can make the step up 2 divisions
(Video credit to FCUM and Nantwich for this one) 👇
Linney is a ridiculously composed finisher. His finishing is one of his main strengths, and what he adds is to this Alty side is a natural finishing presence
Here he rounds the keeper, doesn’t lose his cool, and slots home
His strongest finishing is when shooting across goal. He has lovely technique, allowing him to shoot hard and low, a nightmare for keepers
In this regard he reminds me of Langstaff - a real sharpshooter
🆕🧵A few days ago #oafc added midfielder Mark Shelton to their ranks
At 26 he’s just entering his prime, but the Nottingham born lad has plenty of experience at this level already, having won promotion from this division on 2 occasions
Here’s a thread on Oldham’s new signing
Shelton is a box to box midfielder, one who contributes to both phases of play. He’s energetic, and often starts moves from the base of midfield, before building through the phases of play. Here he continues his run, providing a foil by making a run to the front post
Here’s another perfect example of Shelton building from the back, being involved in the continuation of play at all stages. He makes strong runs into space, constantly making himself available for passes. His strong physicality allows him to make driving runs