Cluster 1- Limited Creation Workhorses

Nov 02, 2021

Introduction

Limited Creation Workhorses: What makes them different?

Like most attacking mids, wingers, and forwards, the players in cluster 1 are adept at beating players 1v1, carrying the ball into the box, receiving the ball in dangerous areas, and scoring goals. However, what sets them apart from attackers in other clusters is their greater defensive activity and their slightly subpar creation. On average, these “limited creation workhorses” have a considerably greater number of pressures attempted per 90 than other players that play in a similarly advanced/attacking position. Likewise, cluster 1 players also have a much lower number of shot-creating actions and slightly less xA (expected assists) than other attackers. It is important to note, however, that while cluster 1 players had a much greater number of press attempts, they had a very similar number of successful pressures to other attackers. This could mean a number of things: cluster 1 players might just be on teams that have the ball less and thus press more, they could be on teams that just have an uncoordinated press, etc. Remember, high defensive activity doesn’t always signify good defense.

Disclaimer

All the statistics used can be found on fbref. Keep in mind that specific players’ key stats and age may have changed slightly since the writing (not publishing) of this article.