Bent the best in the Premiership, Bannan the best in Europe?!
Another quiet ol’ day with regards to the Villa, while we wait for numerous transfer deals to get completed (Sky are just reporting that Collins is having a medical at West Ham) so while checking twitter, I came across these two stats that made for pretty interesting reading. The first is regarding star striker Darren Bent, and appeared on the Who Scored feed.
‘Darren Bent: Hit the target with a higher proportion of his shots last season (60.5%) than any other Premier League striker.’
I’m a big big fan of Bent, and despite a tough season with injuries last campaign, the stat above shows that when fit, Bent can be an extremely valuable asset for us. Defence is well on it’s way to getting sorted out, and I hope that when chances present themselves, we’re able to take them. We didn’t score enough goals last season, but I think we have the talent in the team to improve in that area.
I still think we need another striker, but I think Bent is more than capable of scoring twenty plus goals in a season. With the additions this preseason, I hope we’re more solid in the middle and players like Ireland, Holman and others can present our strikers, and namely Bent with more opportunities in front of goal.
The next stat is regarding Barry Bannan, and was a bit of a surprise, albeit a pleasant one:
‘Of all players to attempt 50+ crosses when starting in wide positions last season, Barry Bannan had the best accuracy across Europe (41.2%)’
At the start of this preseason, I wasn’t at all sure on Bannan. Talented yes, but something didn’t seem quite right with the player, and I was struggling to see just where he’d fit in. He’s been a bit of a revelation in the games played so far though, and looks like he could play a very big part this season.
Granted you have to look at the standard of the opposition, but his range of passing and work ethic were pleasing, and he got forward well on a number of occasions. The stat above is pleasing to read, and if we can get the more physical ‘big’ striker I think we need, then Bannan’s accurate crosses might have more of an end result. Look at Norwich and how well Holt and Morison did last year, alongside more mobile players and I’d be more than happy recreating that.
Going back to Bannan and I hope he continues this form and what looks like a new attitude. As mentioned he has the talent, so it be nice to see him be the best in Europe in some other stats!
UTV.
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How about this for a stat, Agbonlahor has hit the target 7% more than Darren Bent, Bent at 60% and Gabby at 67%.
Stats are on AVFC.
Wowzers that is a good one, cheers pal!
Stats mean jack, results mean more
Results are stats!
Too true, and hopefully results will be a lot better this year! Think it’s interesting to see how well they can do. Hoping for big seasons from the both of them this year.
Well Said Steff. Trust you’re well sir, and ready for an exciting 2012-13?
Must admit that Barry Bannan impressed me over in the states. I haven’t been his biggest fan to date, but he certainly looked the part in the three games I attended over here. Both he and Stevie Ireland caught the eye.
Didn’t see the Burton game (we were stateside) and I wont be back home in time for the Posh and/or Forest games, but from the three pre-season games I have attended, I must say that things are coming together very nicely.
We are not there yet, we’re still lacking up front, but after the depressing and humiliating 2011-12 campaign, things are very definitely looking up.
Maybe I might soon be singing a different tune about BB?
Good to hear Glensider, didn’t see much of the last game, but was impressed with him in the others. Wrote previously that the players who are capable with the ball (Ireland, Holman, El Ahmadi, Bannan and a few others) are the ones who have shone this preseason. Encouraging signs I think.
Like you I was of a similar mindset regarding Bannan. Always thought he had the ability, just other areas worried me.
Agree we’re lacking up front, and if we can get a top striker in, we could be in very good shape going into the new season.
Hope you enjoy the rest of your trip!