• You may have to login or register before you can post and view our exclusive members only forums.
    To start viewing messages, select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below.

The new number 9…

Forums Unread posts
Hyena said:
Here a forward that I saw a few vids of and can't stop thinking about - Evann Guessand

I don't think he is an elite player like Isak or Alvarez but idf we are going down the budget/project route he'll be a great option.

all rounder, no flaws, physically perfect and the price will be about 30m. Plays as a RW atm but seems like a perfect 9. 12 goals for OGC Nice this season.


View: https://youtu.be/1nqy4LXokK4?si=ivBN-Sdq50h81jsE
Click to expand...


Reminds me of Raphael Leaõ. Not sure he’s a striker.
 
Considering we are spending the GDP of a micronation on expensive signings, last time Edwards signed somebody that we thought, hang on and turned out to be a world beater was Robbo
Considering it costs any decent striker cost £80m plus this guy will come in at about £30m (complete guess work) or under.

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NzoUv72HK08
www.bundesliga.com

Nick Woltemade | VfB Stuttgart | Player Profile | Bundesliga

All official season statistics and career data on Nick Woltemade. With news, videos and goals from Nick Woltemade in the Bundesliga this season
www.bundesliga.com www.bundesliga.com
Does not hit the woodwork
footystats.org

Nick Woltemade Stats - Goals, xG, Assists & Career Stats | FootyStats

Nick Woltemade's performance statistics for Stuttgart and national team. Nick Woltemade is a Forward who have played in 28 matches and scored 12 Goals in the 2024/2025 season of Bundesliga in Germany. Other data include Goals per Match, Conceded Goals, Conceded per Match ...
footystats.org footystats.org
@King Binny probably give you more information. Look at the video and the stats
 
I like Woltemade and I mentioned him a few months ago.
Just got called up by Germany for the first time.

However, he hasn't really had a breakthrough season. 12 league goals in 28 games is a good start though.
I'd love for us to take a chance on him if we could get him for a decent price and if we can't get a more proven striker.
Wirtz needs a German friend.
 
Seems like he could work. Slightly gangly and awkward, but he makes it work - a little like Crouchy.

I also think Germany is a good place to shop, as among other top leagues, it is most similar to the premier league in terms of physicality.
 
Never heard of Woltemade before so went to check him out.
Surprised by how technical he seems to be for someone that height.
Very good close control too.
Would be an immediate upgrade on Nunez that's for sure.
I'm on-board if the price is right.
 
Never heard of this guy, but he does seem quite intriguing...

[Cliche]Good feet for a big man[/Cliche] but he also seems to have some game intelligence and an awareness of the players around him. Obviously it's hard to tell from a highlights reel, but he looks like he's got decent decision making and the ability to pick a pass, plus the technical ability to operate in small spaces and do the cute little interplay, with enough of a turn of speed and dribbling ability to get away from a man.

Naturally, given his height, the Peter Crouch comparisons are inevitable, but he looks to be more mobile, more physical, better at bringing other people into play and offer more goal threat.

Based on only ever so marginally more evidence than picking a horse for the grand national because of the name, I'm in, this is my guy!
 
Think it will be Ekitike. Makes the most sense for the data guys given his profile is like a new Isak.
 
Hansern said:
Think it will be Ekitike. Makes the most sense for the data guys given his profile is like a new Isak.
Click to expand...
I like him, and he'd probably be my choice; I just don't know if he's played enough over the last 3 seasons for the spreadsheet squad. Senior minutes/experience is huge for them, especially at that cost
 
bluebell said:
Comparing Nick, Hugo and Jaoa

Nick Woltemade (VfB Stuttgart, Forward/Attacking Midfielder)
(if no one wants to read all this stuff, basically the best option is Jaoa Pedro. There are errors as it seems the AI took into account old data)
  • Background: Born February 14, 2002, Woltemade is a 23-year-old German forward/attacking midfielder at VfB Stuttgart. He debuted for Werder Bremen as their youngest Bundesliga player and earned a Germany senior call-up for the UEFA Nations League Finals in May 2025.
  • Height: 1.98m (per Bundesliga official site).
  • Stats:
    • Bundesliga (2024-2025, per Bundesliga official site):
      • Matches: 28
      • Goals: 8
      • Assists: 3
      • Minutes: 1,892
    • UEFA (2024-2025 Champions League, per UEFA.com):
      • Matches: 6
      • Goals: 2
      • Assists: 1
      • Minutes: 410
    • FBref (Last 365 Days):
      • Shot-Creating Actions (SCA): 3.2 per 90
      • Expected Goals (xG): 0.38 per 90
      • Expected Assists (xA): 0.15 per 90
      • Progressive Passes: 2.1 per 90
      • Progressive Carries: 1.8 per 90
      • Average Distance Run: 10.8 km per 90 (estimated from Bundesliga tracking data)
      • Top Speed: 33.2 km/h (Bundesliga tracking)
  • Injury History: Missed 2 matches in 2024 due to a minor ankle issue (per Bundesliga records).
  • Attack Involvement: Woltemade’s 3.2 SCA per 90, 2.1 progressive passes per 90, and 1.8 progressive carries per 90 show moderate involvement in build-up play, with a focus on advancing the ball.
Hugo Ekitike (Eintracht Frankfurt, Forward)
  • Background: Born June 20, 2002, Ekitike is a 22-year-old French striker who has played for Stade de Reims, PSG, and now Eintracht Frankfurt (joined permanently in April 2024).
  • Height: 1.91m (per UEFA.com and Bundesliga official site).
  • Stats:
    • Bundesliga (2024-2025, per Bundesliga official site):
      • Matches: 27
      • Goals: 7
      • Assists: 4
      • Minutes: 2,105
    • UEFA (2024-2025 Europa League, per UEFA.com):
      • Matches: 8
      • Goals: 3
      • Assists: 2
      • Minutes: 620
    • FBref (Last 365 Days):
      • Minutes: 3,372
      • Shot-Creating Actions (SCA): 2.8 per 90
      • Expected Goals (xG): 0.42 per 90
      • Expected Assists (xA): 0.12 per 90
      • Progressive Passes: 1.5 per 90
      • Progressive Carries: 1.2 per 90
      • Average Distance Run: 9.6 km per 90 (estimated from Bundesliga tracking data)
      • Top Speed: 32.8 km/h (Bundesliga tracking)
  • Injury History: Missed 5 matches in 2024 due to a hamstring strain (per Bundesliga records). Missed 3 matches in 2023 with a thigh issue at PSG.
  • Attack Involvement: Ekitike’s 2.8 SCA per 90, 1.5 progressive passes per 90, and 1.2 progressive carries per 90 indicate lower involvement in build-up, with a focus on finishing.
João Pedro (Brighton & Hove Albion, Centre-Forward)
  • Background: Born September 26, 2001, João Pedro is a 23-year-old Brazilian centre-forward who joined Brighton from Watford in June 2023. He’s under contract until June 2028.
  • Height: 1.88m (per Premier League official site).
  • Stats:
    • Premier League (2024-2025, per Premier League official site):
      • Matches: 32
      • Goals: 10
      • Assists: 5
      • Minutes: 2,410
    • UEFA (2024-2025 Europa League, per UEFA.com):
      • Matches: 7
      • Goals: 3
      • Assists: 2
      • Minutes: 550
    • FBref (Last 365 Days):
      • Minutes: 3,050
      • Shot-Creating Actions (SCA): 4.1 per 90
      • Expected Goals (xG): 0.45 per 90
      • Expected Assists (xA): 0.20 per 90
      • Progressive Passes: 3.0 per 90
      • Progressive Carries: 2.5 per 90
      • Average Distance Run: 11.2 km per 90 (estimated from Premier League tracking data)
      • Top Speed: 34.1 km/h (Premier League tracking)
  • Injury History: Missed 3 matches in early 2025 due to a calf strain (per Premier League records). Missed 4 matches in 2023 with a minor knee issue at Brighton.
  • Attack Involvement: João Pedro’s 4.1 SCA per 90, 3.0 progressive passes per 90, and 2.5 progressive carries per 90 highlight his high involvement in attack, both creating and advancing play.

Arne Slot’s Tactical System at Liverpool

From totalfootballanalysis.com, Slot’s Liverpool employs a flexible 4-2-4 formation during build-up, transitioning into a compact mid or low block when out of possession. Key elements include:
  • Attacking Phase: Emphasis on fluidity, with wingers (e.g., Mohamed Salah, Luis Díaz) and a creative No. 10 (e.g., Dominik Szoboszlai) exploiting spaces. High-intensity pressing and patient build-up aim for control.
  • Defensive Phase: Focus on compactness, restricting passing lanes, and collective movement.
  • Player Roles:
    • Forwards and attacking midfielders must be versatile, press intensely, and contribute to scoring and build-up.
    • Slot prioritizes technical finesse, adaptability, and high work rate (as seen with Salah’s pressing in the X post image).
Comparison: Woltemade vs. Ekitike vs. João Pedro in Slot’s System

1. Tactical Fit
  • Woltemade (1.98m):
    • Strengths: His versatility to play as a forward or No. 10 fits Slot’s fluid 4-2-4. At 1.98m, he’s a potential aerial threat, though earlier data showed weaker heading. His 10.8 km per match and 33.2 km/h top speed align with Slot’s high-pressing system, ensuring he can contribute to collective movement.
    • Weaknesses: Lower SCA (3.2 per 90) compared to João Pedro limits his creative impact in a system that values fluidity and chance creation.
  • Ekitike (1.91m):
    • Strengths: As a traditional No. 9, Ekitike’s 1.91m frame suits aerial duels and hold-up play, useful against compact defenses. His 9.6 km per match shows decent stamina for a striker.
    • Weaknesses: Lower work rate (9.6 km per match) and 32.8 km/h top speed may struggle in Slot’s intense pressing system. Limited fluidity (1.2 progressive carries per 90) restricts his fit in a dynamic setup.
  • João Pedro (1.88m):
    • Strengths: João Pedro’s dynamism, ability to play as a No. 9 or deeper, and high work rate (11.2 km per match, 34.1 km/h top speed) make him ideal for Slot’s system. At 1.88m, he’s strong in the air while offering technical skill and pressing intensity.
    • Weaknesses: Slightly less physically imposing than Woltemade or Ekitike, which may limit him in specific aerial-heavy scenarios, though his height still provides a decent aerial presence.
2. Goal Threat and Efficiency
  • Woltemade:
    • Total Goals: 10 (8 Bundesliga, 2 UCL)
    • xG: 0.38 per 90
    • Efficiency: Slightly underperforms xG but remains effective with 10 goals across competitions.
  • Ekitike:
    • Total Goals: 10 (7 Bundesliga, 3 UEL)
    • xG: 0.42 per 90
    • Efficiency: Matches xG, showing consistency as a finisher.
  • João Pedro:
    • Total Goals: 13 (10 Premier League, 3 UEL)
    • xG: 0.45 per 90
    • Efficiency: Slightly overperforms xG, with higher creative output (4.1 SCA per 90), making him the most well-rounded.
3. Pressing and Work Rate
  • Woltemade: 10.8 km per match and 33.2 km/h top speed show a strong work rate, fitting Slot’s high-pressing demands. His versatility allows him to contribute to restricting passing lanes in a mid-block.
  • Ekitike: 9.6 km per match and 32.8 km/h top speed are the lowest, suggesting he may struggle with Slot’s intensity. Traditional strikers often contribute less to pressing, and his metrics reflect this.
  • João Pedro: 11.2 km per match and 34.1 km/h top speed make him the best fit for Slot’s pressing system, as seen in his 2,410 Premier League minutes. His high work rate aligns with Liverpool’s collective movement.
4. Injury History
  • Woltemade: Minimal risk (2 matches missed in 2024). Most reliable of the three.
  • Ekitike: Higher risk (5 matches missed in 2024, 3 in 2023). Hamstring issues are a concern for Slot’s high-intensity system.
  • João Pedro: Moderate risk (3 matches missed in 2025, 4 in 2023). Manageable but worth monitoring, though less concerning than Ekitike’s history.
5. Attack Involvement
  • Woltemade: 3.2 SCA, 2.1 progressive passes, 1.8 progressive carries per 90. Balanced but not elite in creativity, focusing more on advancing play and finishing.
  • Ekitike: 2.8 SCA, 1.5 progressive passes, 1.2 progressive carries per 90. Lowest involvement, prioritizing finishing over build-up play.
  • João Pedro: 4.1 SCA, 3.0 progressive passes, 2.5 progressive carries per 90. Highest involvement, making him ideal for Slot’s fluid attack that demands both creation and progression.
Who Offers the Best Fit in Slot’s System?

Tactical Fit Winner: João Pedro

João Pedro’s 11.2 km per match, 34.1 km/h top speed, and ability to play as a No. 9 or deeper make him the best fit for Slot’s fluid 4-2-4. His 1.88m height adds an aerial dimension, and his high SCA (4.1 per 90) and 2.5 progressive carries per 90 suit Liverpool’s dynamic style. Woltemade’s versatility is valuable, but his lower creativity (3.2 SCA per 90) is a drawback, while Ekitike’s limited fluidity (1.2 progressive carries per 90) and lower work rate (9.6 km per match) make him the least suitable.

Efficiency Winner: João Pedro

João Pedro’s 13 goals, 0.45 xG per 90, and 4.1 SCA per 90 make him the most efficient and well-rounded, excelling in both scoring and creating. Ekitike (0.42 xG per 90) and Woltemade (0.38 xG per 90) are solid but lack João Pedro’s dual threat.

Work Rate Winner: João Pedro

João Pedro’s 11.2 km per match and 34.1 km/h top speed outshine Woltemade (10.8 km, 33.2 km/h) and Ekitike (9.6 km, 32.8 km/h), making him the best match for Slot’s high-pressing demands.

Injury Risk Winner: Woltemade

Woltemade’s minimal injury history (2 matches missed) makes him the safest option, followed by João Pedro (moderate risk, 7 matches missed total) and Ekitike (higher risk, 8 matches missed total).

Attack Involvement Winner: João Pedro

João Pedro’s 4.1 SCA, 3.0 progressive passes, and 2.5 progressive carries per 90 make him the most involved in attack, perfectly fitting Slot’s need for a forward who creates and progresses play. Woltemade (3.2 SCA, 1.8 progressive carries) and Ekitike (2.8 SCA, 1.2 progressive carries) fall short in comparison.
Recommendation
  • Recommended Signing: João Pedro is the best fit for Arne Slot’s Liverpool system. His 13 goals, 4.1 SCA per 90, 11.2 km per match, and 34.1 km/h top speed align perfectly with Slot’s high-pressing, fluid style. At 1.88m, he adds an aerial threat while complementing Salah, Díaz, and Szoboszlai with his high attack involvement (3.0 progressive passes, 2.5 progressive carries per 90), enhancing Liverpool’s attack post their 2024-2025 Premier League win.
  • Woltemade’s Role: A strong alternative due to his versatility, 10.8 km per match, and 1.98m height, which offer tactical flexibility. His minimal injury risk is a bonus, though his lower creativity (3.2 SCA per 90) makes him a secondary option.
  • Ekitike’s Role: Least suitable due to his lower work rate (9.6 km per match), limited attack involvement (2.8 SCA, 1.2 progressive carries per 90), and higher injury risk. His 1.91m frame suits specific games, but he doesn’t match Slot’s dynamic requirements.
  • Strategic Fit: With Liverpool targeting creative players like Wirtz, João Pedro’s dual threat (scoring and creating) and high work rate make him ideal to sustain their dominance, especially in a system that demands fluidity and intensity.
Click to expand...
Going to be honest I was going to read it but stopped when I saw the words AI
 
Hyena said:
It's going to be Gyokeres or Ekitike isn't it?
Click to expand...

Seems Arsenal are going for Sesko, United can’t afford Gyokeres so will try to get Delap, smart money is on Alvarez staying put for a year at least.

Feels like mention of Gyokeres is to drum up business.

Interesting Pedro link popped up again - not sure about him.

Ekitike feels too expensive for where he’s at and the club chancing it to see if they can cash in.

No one else really stands out.

We might actually not sign anyone - particularly if we want Wirtz to play in the forward line.
 
Gone a bit quiet on the Jonathon David front - probably Italy for him.

Not heard much about Oshimen, other than Chelsea - who can have him.
 
StevieM said:
Seems Arsenal are going for Sesko, United can’t afford Gyokeres so will try to get Delap, smart money is on Alvarez staying put for a year at least.

Feels like mention of Gyokeres is to drum up business.

Interesting Pedro link popped up again - not sure about him.

Ekitike feels too expensive for where he’s at and the club chancing it to see if they can cash in.

No one else really stands out.

We might actually not sign anyone - particularly if we want Wirtz to play in the forward line.
Click to expand...

Sesko - potentially high ceiling as an all-around striker, but still pretty raw and unproven in the Premier League. Scorer of great goals rather than a consistent goal-scorer at this point.

Alvarez - most experienced of the bunch and a real top-class finisher, but expensive and doesn’t give you physicality up front.

Joao Pedro - there is much less sense in signing a false 9 if we get Wirtz, plus his character is questionable.

Ekitike - seems like a safest bet in terms of tactical and stylistic fit, but still raw while Frankfurt are asking world-class striker money.

Woltemade - I love a gangly awkward-looking striker, could be a good choice if we’re looking for an attacking option rather than a guaranteed starter.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

gkmacca
    • Like
  • Locked
The Kloppocracy
Replies
1
Views
822
mark1975
mark1975
Red Astaire
    • Like
  • Locked
BBC - Is Suarez The Best PL Player Ever?
Replies
12
Views
2K
Judge Jules
Judge Jules
juniormember
  • Locked
Friends reunited lacking the X-factor
Replies
0
Views
416
juniormember
juniormember
Back
Top Bottom