🧵When Cole Stockton (@cstockton94) signed for #BAFC I expected the reaction to be overwhelmingly positive
It was in fact mixed, which surprised me
So here is a thread showing why I believe Burton fans should be optimistic about their new signing 👇
Firstly, he is a player capable of the spectacular. He’s able to grab the game and win points single handedly with moments like this
7 of his 11 goals came in his final 4 games; he almost single handedly kept Morecambe up
Stockton is a big forward, over 6ft. But his improvisation is always so impressive, especially when it involves acrobatics
Here he reacts so quickly, capitalising on an opportunity with a spectacular finish
This isn’t a one off though. Here’s another example. Stockton clearly has excellent reactions, a key attribute for any top striker
It’s just so surprising to see a man of his size react with the agility he does
His improvisation really is something else. He’s a player with massive amounts of technical ability, which allows him to pull off unorthodox strikes
How can you not just love watching him play? This goal is so good to watch
As I mentioned, Stockton is a bigger forward, and this lends itself to being strong in the air
But it wouldn’t be Cole Stockton without flair. This header is sublime. He spots the keeper’s positioning, and completely exploits it with a header from range
His reading of the flight of the ball, as well as his anticipation of where the ball will end up here are excellent
And again, he combines his prowess in the air with his vision to lob the keeper with a clever header
Stockton isn’t a traditional target man by any means, but he possesses the attributes for a side to play long to him
He has a strong touch to bring balls out of the sky, and also has the strength to hold off defenders
And the strike here; it’s so pure and powerful
Power is a theme of his play. Because he can strike the ball so well, he’s able to generate such power that his strikes, if on target, are unstoppable
Stockton is a player capable of spectacular moments. But don’t let that fool you. He’s capable of carrying out the more traditional actions of a 9
He is a striker who has good anticipation, & gambles when others wouldn’t. He senses chances, & follows them in as good strikers do twitter.com/i/web/status/1…
As we’ve discussed, Stockton has wonderful technique but also serious strength too.
These attributes allow him to drop deep and link up play. His ability to spread the play is underrated, and he has strong vision to pick out runners too twitter.com/i/web/status/1…
I’ve also seen Stockton’s commitment to the cause questioned at times. I obvs don’t know the ins & outs, but his effort on the pitch stretches to both ends of the pitch
Here he makes a goal saving action, clearing off the line. His height makes him useful in defending set pieces
And if you want to see some more in depth stuff on Stockton, check out this thread from @davidwt1997 below 👇
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
Newly promoted Leyton Orient will need to strengthen ahead of their return to League 1
Here are 5 players they should sign based on YOUR suggestions
Remember to comment your team + 5 positions below 👇
GK: Joe Wollacott
Charlton are supposedly listening to offers for the Ghanaian international, a keeper who not only has good experience but is also comfortable on the ball
At 26 he’s the perfect age for a keeper, and location works perfectly here too
LB: Ziyad Larkeche
Available on a free following the expiry of his contract at Fulham, Larkeche was on loan at Barnsley last season, and despite having limited minutes he ranked highly statistically
Confident going forward, Larkeche is still just 20 years old so has potential