Five qualities Super Eagles striker would bring to Nottingham Forest if transfer goes through

Thanks to the ever-evolving game that is football, many positions and formations are no longer what we were used to decades ago.

 

No longer are the traditional defenders whose primary and secondary aim was to prevent goals. Nowadays, defenders are the starting point for attacks and they are categorically called "ball-playing defenders".

 

The same is said for strikers. We now have several categories of strikers like advanced forward, target man, physical playmaker, deep lying forward, poacher etc.

 

These terms have been used to accurately describe different strikers based on the abilities and qualities they bring into the field of play.

 

The ones who possess all forward skills are known as the "complete strikers" ala Benzema, Kane, Lewandowski etc.

 

However, there are strikers who are not complete but fit into more than one category.  One such striker is Nigeria's very own Taiwo Awoniyi who has been linked with Premier League newcomers Nottingham Forest.

 

 

Allnigeriasoccer.com will be taking a look at five qualities Awoniyi would bring to the Reds if his signing is eventually completed.

 

 Physicality

Standing at just over 6 feet tall and officially listed as weighing 84kg, Awoniyi is a physical specimen and he sure plays like it too.

 

To his advantage, he wears out rival defenders by spending long periods of time engaging with them in physical battles with his back to goal.

 

Diagonal movements

Awoniyi also plays like an advanced attacker. He is willing to drift wide and put the fullbacks through a gruelling ordeal.

 

Depending on how his club attack, the Nigerian switches effortlessly between both styles of play.

 

 Outlet

In possession of the ball, then Awoniyi is more likely to actively engage the centre-backs by looking to receive the ball at his feet but on the counter, Awoniyi is usually found running at full speed and requesting for the ball to be passed into space.

 

This trait is very important as it can be used when there's huge pressure with Awoniyi helping to relieve it by receiving the ball in advanced areas.

 

Advanced target man

Awoniyi loves to linger on the last man's shoulder and keep him on his toes. Sometimes, he drifts slightly offside in order to fool his marker. It rarely works but when it does, it is very effective.

 

Clinical finishing

Awoniyi is quite clinical in front of goal. With 20 goals in 43 appearances for Union Berlin last season, he has made great use of the chances he got.

 

He will help Nottingham Forest score goals which will be crucial to avoiding relegation.

 

At the age of 24, Taiwo Awoniyi is really coming into his own as a player and could be an outstanding asset for the Reds if a deal can be struck to sign him.

 

Sofoluwe Mayowa

 

Copyright ANS

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com