There couldn't be a bigger difference in the style of play between West Ham United and Liverpool, but the two sides are said to be gearing up for a tug of war for Bayer Leverkusen hot-shot Stefan Kiesling.
Given the fact that he towers at 6ft 4 and five of his 18 Bundesliga goals this season have come from his head, one of the sides will be more eager to get their hands on him than the other, but we have a more in-depth look at the Germany striker.
The lanky frontman is second in the Bundesliga goals plus assists chart with a total of 25, an accolade which he currently loses to Borussia Dortmund striker Robert Lewandowski. But where does he compare with the forwards at the Hammers and at Anfield?
Well, when it comes to accuracy, any potential manager will have no qualms when they take him under their wing. The 29-year-old has an impressive 59% shooting accuracy in his 28 Bundesliga outings this season, better than 22-goal-Luis Suarez (51%), Daniel Sturridge (58%), Carlton Cole (52%), and Andy Carroll (38%).
Kiesling also gets the silver medal in chances created from our selected five. Only Suarez, with an astonishing 84 has more than the German’s 58. Carroll currently has 24, Sturridge has 14, and Cole has 11, although the amount of games isn't all matched.
It is no surprise, taking into consideration his height and prowess in the air, that he has won 55% of his headed duels this season. What is more surprising, I suppose, is that he has also been successful in 28/33 of his attempted tackles – 85% is some record for a striker.
The bullish Andy Carroll has won a massive 63% of his overall duels this season, whereas Daniel Sturridge has won 51%, Cole 45%, and Luis Suarez just won 42%.
In my opinion, either of these sides would be lucky to have Kiesling in their squad, despite their stark contrast in playing styles.
No comments:
Post a Comment