Today, we look at five players who have showed their ability to come on late in the game and have the ability of changing the outcome of a game in the dying moments. (All the stats are compiled from squawka)
Townsend has burst onto the scene this season, and was given the opportunity to impress early in the season by manager Andre Villas-Boas, but following his departure, the Englishman has found playing time harder to come by under caretaker manager Tim Sherwood. However, his ability to run with the ball and take defenders on and beat them for pace is what has caught the eye, and if he can improve his crossing, he could be an asset for the London side in the future. Although he has scored just the solitary goal in 14 appearances, he has created 21 chances for his teammates.
Hatem Ben Arfa started the season as first choice for Newcastle United, but has subsequently lost his place in the starting eleven, with manager Alan Pardew preferring to start with Moussa Sissoko. However, Ben Arfa has the ability to change the outcome of football matches and the wingers has been brought on late in games to either add potency to the Newcastle attack in the search for late goals, or to use his ability to and pace to exploit defenses late in games when they are in front. With 3 goals in 18 appearances, the Frenchman has been a threat, and has created 13 chances including 2 assists.
The 20-year old Berahino has become an import part of the West Brom setup this season, and although he has found playing time harder to come by as the season has progressed, he is still one of the best young talents in the Magpies setup. The Burundi-born striker has developed an excellent ability to time his runs behind defenses, and with a bit of proper guidance and more playing time, he could be an important player for West Brom. He has scored 4 goals in 16 appearances as well as created 8 chances for his team mates.
Over the years, Mexican striker Javier Hernandez has built up a reputation as a super-sub- he comes on late in games and invariably manages to find the back of the net. He has fallen down the pecking order at United, and has been linked with a move away from Old Trafford, but he remains a very potent weapon for United. His greatest gift is his ability to be in the right place in the right time, and there is hardly a better poacher in the Premier League than him. He has scored 2 goals and created 7 chances, including an assist this season, and boasts an impressive 90% shot accuracy.
It is hard to image a player of Dzeko’s quality having to spend time on the bench, but such is the talent pool present at the Etihad that the Bosnian finds himself struggling to establish himself as a first team regular. Although he has started a few games recently owing to the absence of Sergio Aguero through injury, he has made most of his appearances as a substitute. He has scored 6 goals in 16 appearances so far this season, and has created 11 chances including 1 assist. As one of the most complete strikers in the Premier League, he is an excellent option to have on the bench.
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