Ali Al Hamadi: What should Town Fans expect?
A deep dive into the strikers data
Ipswich Town have completed the signing of Ali Al Hamadi from Wimbledon. What should Ipswich fans expect from their new signing?
Contents:
Finishing & Movement
Link up play
Conclusion
Finishing & Movement
Ali's finishing score from the 22/23 season surpasses his performance in the current 23/24 season. In the 22/23 campaign, Ali’s shooting was clinical scoring 10 goals, outperforming his xG of 7.51 with an goal conversion rate of 26.3%. However, this season tells a different story as he falls short of his xG of 18.31, scoring 13 goals, accompanied by a goal conversion rate of 16%.
There's a lot to unravel in these statistics. Notably, this season has seen a 2.4x increase in Ali's xG, indicating a big improvement in his positioning and movement for shooting opportunities, which is illustrated by the scatter plot below:
Link Up Play
In contrast to Hirst but akin to Jackson, Ali Al Hamadi showcases remarkable strength and speed when making runs in behind the opposition, effectively stretching their defensive line. Even when Al-Hamadi's runs do not result directly in shots for himself, his dynamic running contributes to involving his teammates in the overall play.
An additional strength is his ability to progressively carry the ball. (A carry/dribble is considered progressive if it covers a minimum distance closer to the opponent's goal based on specific criteria: 30 meters within the player's own half, 15 meters when starting and finishing in different halves, and 10 meters in the opponent's half.)
Ali is a robust dribbler, adept at accelerating towards the opposition at high speeds, yet equally capable of controlling the pace and showcasing strong neat footwork.
Ali is NOT a target man, however, Ali has showcased good aerial ability, especially during the 22/23 season. However, in the subsequent 23/24 season, AFC Wimbledon has curtailed the frequency of long balls played, consequently leading to a reduction in the number of aerial duels won by Ali.
Conclusion
Ali is an exceptionally exciting addition. Unlike Freddie Ladapo or George Hirst, he possesses a more transitional profile. Ali is a quick and athletic striker with strong technical abilities. His standout skill lies in his capacity to advance with the ball, effectively driving the team forward, in my opinion.