TrossardThat said, while the salary side of things is less than ideal, especially as it's substantially more than the £90k-per-week Trossard makes, the fact that the Gunners have a chance to sign such a dynamic player for a reasonable fee means they must at least consider bringing Williams to North London.
How Williams compares to Trossard
So, if Arteta does end up replacing his experienced winger in Trossard with an exciting up-and-comer in Williams, would he be making a smart decision? Or would it be one change too many?
nico-williams-athletic-bilbao-aston-villa-transfer-leon-bailey
Well, in terms of their output this season, as impressive as the Belgian has been for the North Londoners, it's the Spaniard who comes out on top, with a staggering seven goals and 17 assists in 36 games, to his potential competition's 17 goals and two assists in 46 games.
In other words, the "mind-blowing" Bilbao ace, as described by U23 scout Antonio Mango, averaged a goal involvement every 1.5 games, whereas the Waterschei-born forward averaged a goal involvement every 2.4 games.
Williams vs Trossard
Player
Williams
Trossard
Appearances
36
46
Goals
7
17
Assists
17
2
Goal Involvements per Match
0.66
0.41
All Stats via Transfermarkt
Unfortunately for the former Brighton & Hove star, it's not just goals and assists that make him a clear second-best. When it comes to the pair's underlying numbers, he can't compete.
For example, while the Copa del Rey winner produces a lower non-penalty expected goal and assists figure, he produces a higher actual non-penalty goal and assists figure, as well as more shot and goal-creating actions, more progressive carries, far more successful take-ons, recovers more balls, and wins more aerial duels, all per 90.
Williams vs Trossard
Stats per 90
Williams
Trossard
Non-Penalty Expected Goals + Assists
0.45
0.58
Non-Penalty Goals + Assists
0.79
0.68
Progressive Carries
5.66
3.61
Progressive Passes
2.60
4.15
Progressive Passes Received
12.1
8.47
Shot-Creating Actions
4.92
3.55
Goal-Creating Actions
0.99
0.33
Successful Take-Ons
3.47
1.37
Ball Recoveries
5.12
4.81
Aerial Duels Won
0.33
0.27
All Stats via FBref for the 23/24 Domestic Season
The comparison between the two wingers is really quite one-sided, whichever way you look at it.
Therefore, if Arsenal have a real chance of signing Williams this summer, they should take it, even if his wages are higher than the club would like, as his output and numbers are spectacular.
0 Comments