Thiago Santana Scout Report
In this scout report, Thiago Santana emerges as a striking figure in J1 League, exhibiting an impressive playing style that is well-adapted to the distinctive rhythm of Japanese football. The veteran Brazilian striker flaunts standout capabilities in ball recovery and retention, excelling in his role compared to fellow league professionals. He occupies an extremely high percentile of over 90% in ball recovery and above 80% in ball retention, a testament to his agility and all-rounded skills.
An indomitable goal threat, Santana boasts an exceptionally high percentile in metrics like xG per 90, Shots per 90, and Shots on target per 90, solidifying his reputation as a formidable striker. However, his Achilles heel appears to be in the creator's role, as his chance creation is abysmally low. It's a glaring weakness, spotlighted by his low assists and xA per 90 metrics.
Drilling deeper into Santana's player stats, his progressive carrying and passing leaves much to be desired, marking another area of improvement. His passing accuracy is notably weak, barely making the 25th percentile, a limitation that hinders the fluidity of his team's offensive maneuvering. Nonetheless, despite his age, Santana continues to be a reliable threat upfront, offering sizeable goal efficiency and successful dribbles per 90.
In a nutshell, Santana's 'never say die' mantra in the field is palpably evident through his heightened ball recovery, goal threat, and shot rates. His style of play bids him as a quintessential striker who can provide the offensive boost any team requires. Despite a few marked weaknesses, his strengths certainly warrant merit, making him a valuable asset within the challenging gamut of J1 League.