Sam Clucas Scout Report
In our latest scout report, we focus on the seasoned midfielder maestro Sam Clucas of Rotherham United. At the age of 33, Clucas has showcased a peculiar playing style in the Championship, with some stats faring considerably better than others.
His experience shines in one key aspect - his impressive aerial duel and overall duel win percentages, positioning him in the top echelons of players in his role. This is indicative of Clucas' physical dominance and his ability to hold his own in duels, an important trait in a combative role.
This knack for combat is also reflected in his above-average interception capacities, illustrated by a 77.31 percentile, making him indispensable in regaining possession. However, even holding such defensive attributes, Clucas does not shy away from making his mark offensively. His goal efficiency lies comfortably within the higher tiers of players, indicating a player adept at making the most of scoring opportunities.
However, his overall playstyle seems notably reserved. His ball recovery, retention, and chance creation lie within the average range, and his progressive carrying and passing fall into the lowest tiers, signifying a more traditional, less flashy style of play. Despite this, his xA per 90 percentile is reasonably high suggesting he is still able to be creative when needed.
Clucas' stats in the attacking third suggest he is not someone who thrives in an advanced midfield role but rather operates in a more structured central role. While this allows him to shine in some aspects, it hampers his overall direct role in attack, contributing to a lower-than-average touch percentile and lower goal threats.
In conclusion, Clucas is a player who boasts prowess in physical duels and has a knack for seizing scoring opportunities, but one whose traditional style of play may limit him in certain modern playing systems. His blend of offensive efficiency and defensive steel, however, makes him an interesting prospect for clubs in search of a seasoned, versatile midfielder.