One of the most in-demand positions in football is a centre-forward or a striker. This is one of the most important roles in any team. Teams are dependent on their forward to score goals. Consistency is the key while playing as a number nine. A player who scores regular goals and makes his presence felt is highly rated.
Top clubs always look for quality forwards. These forwards play a huge role in winning titles. Marseille are one of the biggest clubs in French football. They are trying their best to reach the top of the Ligue 1 table. However, PSG’s dominance over the years has been the biggest concern. Marseille and other clubs are trying hard but end up as the second-best in the league.
The team had a poor ending to the 2023-24 season, finishing eighth in the league table. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang left the club and left the door open for a new No. 9. Marseille decided to invest in a 21-year-old forward. Elye Wahi (Sepe Wahi) joined the club from Lens. The former Montpellier striker had made a big move last summer. This is his second transfer in as many years. Despite making a move worth €35 million, the French striker struggled for regular game time. As he joins a new team, we look at how this youngster could help Marseille reach new heights.
Less game time, more improvement
Elye Wahi was Montpellier’s main source of scoring goals. He scored 19 times in 33 appearances in the 2022-23 season. At Lens, he scored nine goals in 28 league games. He might have scored fewer goals but the stats show that there was a bit of improvement in a few areas. The above viz shows the percentile rank of the forward in comparison to other centre-forwards in Tier 1 league football. His goal contributions dropped but the number of shots and touches inside the box went up. Wahi also won some of his defensive duels.
The 21-year-old Frenchman is a massive threat inside the opposition penalty box. He can get into dangerous positions and often finds space on the edge of the penalty box. The xG rate per shot also saw a bit of improvement. Wahi was more clinical with his finishing at Montpellier. Marseille fans will hope that their new attacker converts more chances than last season.
This plot measures the striker’s shot-taking frequency and accuracy, key factors in a prolific goal scorer. Wahi averaged just above 2.5 shots per 90 minutes and had an accuracy rate of around 58%. This is a plus point for any forward.
This plot demonstrates the striker’s goal-scoring efficiency by comparing their expected goals to actual goals scored per 90 minutes. Elye Wahi was once again ranked among the best. He will aim to improve his goal conversion rate and push his ranking even further this season.
Replacing one of the best
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is one of the most successful African forwards in Europe. He leads the UEFA Europa League overall scoring chart. The Gabon striker had a good last season with the French club. He scored 16 goals, with four coming from the spot. Wahi converted fewer chances but had a better xG rate. Marseille fans will demand the same kind of commitment from their new attacker.
Wahi can also create plays with his teammates. He created two goals for his Lens teammates last season. There are a lot of hopes for the Frenchman. He will aim to prove his worth.
Visuals via TFA data viz engine