7 goals out of 14 – Numbers show that Fulham’s key to safety could be their in-form superstar

Stats Analysis: Aleksandar Mitrovic – The man to lead Fulham to safety?

Fulham have made an ideal start to life under new manager Claudio Ranieri. A thrilling 3-2 win over fellow strugglers Southampton was just the way the Cottagers would have been hoping to commence life under the Italian.

Now the next step would be to score more goals, but more importantly, to keep clean sheets and concede fewer goals at the back.

As seen in the current standings, the Craven Cottage-based club have eight points from 13 games, scoring only 14 goals and shipping in 33. While the latter stat needs to take a stop or a slow train, the former needs to speed up as well. They have been too dependent on their striker to score goals and win the points.

Out of the 14 goals, seven have been put in Aleksandar Mitrovic, who is having a terrific season so far. The Serbian has led the line fantastically well and scores important goals to win games/points for the team.

Below we analyse his performance and use some stats to back the claims made about the striker:

Stats Analysis – Aleksandar Mitrovic

Mitrovic is a proper, old-fashioned number nine who is a target man when the ball is played up top and is a real threat from crosses into the box. He can hold the ball on the counter to allow other runners to join him and build an attack. His physicality is imperious, good enough to battle any centre-back in the league.

Perusing some of his stats from the season, the Serbian has scored seven goals and supplied one assist in 13 games so far. His aerial prowess is right up there with the best, winning aerial duels at a rate of 4.8 per game, meaning you cannot leave him unmarked in the box when a cross is played.

The 24-year-old doesn’t shy away from having a pop at goal whenever an opportunity arises. He attempts a shot at an average of 3.4 per match, which also indicates the fact that he cannot be given time and space in and around the box.

Read More: Who is this 20-year-old Fulham ace being chased by Championship clubs? The next big thing in England?

Verdict

If Fulham are to stay in the league, they would require goals from their front line. Mitrovic’s form in front of the goal will be a key factor.

It is because the Serbian can score goals and also link up the attacks and bring others into play by holding the ball.

Stats Courtesy – Whoscored.com