The race for Europe is wide open in the Serie A as all teams in the top 10 remain in contention to play in any of the European competitions next season. Inter Milan are leading the pile ahead of Juventus, AC Milan and Atalanta. These four teams are in the UEFA Champions League spots. One team that has stayed in touching distance with them since the start is Bologna.
The Red and Blues are level on points with Atalanta and have impressed everyone with their performances this season. One of the reasons behind their success is the form of their No. 9. Joshua Zirkzee, a former Bayern Munich forward, joined the club last season. After settling in Serie A, the Dutchman has found his rhythm in the top flight of Italian football. As we head into the final phase of the season, here are some of the stats that show why the 22-year-old will be Bologna’s biggest hope of making it to Europe.
A confident runner with the ball
Joshua Zirkzee plays as a No. 9 in his squad. His desire to demand the ball and run with it makes him one of the top-rated youngsters in the world. Zirkzee has made 24 Serie A appearances this season. The above visual shows the progressive runs made by this young forward this season. He averages 1.6 runs per 90 minutes and most of these runs come down the left flank. These runs are often effective on counter-attacks.
Playing as a No. 9 for any team means that the player should be good at recovering the ball for his team. Joshua Zirkzee has been excellent when it comes to making high recoveries. He averages around three per 90 minutes, with two coming in the attacking half. These include 30 counter-pressing and 11 dangerous recoveries for his side. Some dangerous recoveries even came inside the opposition penalty box.
Finding the back of the net
For strikers who drop deep and involve themselves in build-up play, this plot juxtaposes their link-up passing ability (Link) with their involvement in moves leading to goals (smgpi). Those in the top right quadrant are pivotal in both building and finishing moves. Only a few strikers in the Serie A have managed to reach the top quadrant, with Zirkzee being one of them.
The 22-year-old has netted nine goals in the current campaign. He averages 2.7 shots per 90 minutes and 40% of these have been on target. The above shot map shows that all shows have been attempted from a different angle on the field. This means that the youngster has the confidence to beat the keeper from any angle.
This visual compares a player’s actual goals per shot to their expected goals per shot. Players consistently above the diagonal line convert chances at a better rate than expected, showcasing superior finishing. Zirkzee is rated below average for xG per shot. This is one area where the youngster will look to improve.
In addition to Zirkzee’s nine goals, he has three assists. This shows that the youngster is involved in a lot of attacking plays. Zirkzee likes to play the ball from outside the box and allows other players to run past him.
Overall, Joshua Zirkzee is at the top of his game. He is getting results for his side and is one of the best in the business in Serie A. Bologna will hope that the Dutchman continues this form and takes them to Europe.
Visuals via TFA data viz engine