Josh Sargent on the wing: An Analysis.
Josh Sargent started yet another game on the wing Saturday afternoon, despite reports that he was actually on a plane heading towards Norwich…
Norwich, of course, would be a great fit for Sargent, a hard working young team that will need to punch a little above its weight class in the toughest league in the world. These transfer rumors are heating up knowing Werder Bremen are in for a tough season, having to “most likely sell 9–10 players” to deal with the financial implications of relegation.
But for now, Josh Sargent is back in the 2.Bundesliga and gaining confidence with each passing game.
We have railed against Bremen in previous seasons due to their insistence of playing a natural striker on the wings and potentially stalling his greater development as a pure number 9. It’s unfortunate, because if Saturday’s game is any indication — Markus Anfang’s tactics appear to be much more flexible than what we have seen from Florian Kohfeldt in the Bundesliga.
Sargent started the game playing on the right wing, but seems to have free rein to venture inside and attack centrally. This tactical adjustment allowed Sargent to have an incredibly complete game against Fortuna Düsseldorf:
2 Goals from 3 shots on target (+1 goal disallowed due to Bremen being offside in the buildup.)
7 Duels won (5 for 5 on Aerial Duels)
74% pass accuracy
The tactical flexibility from Sargent against the Fortuna back line is what jumps out at you most. He was heavily relied on to man mark the defender, or midfielder depending on where the play was located on the field, so that play couldn’t be switched for a quick outlet. In fact, Fortuna never really tried to control play down the left side of the field.
It’s clear that Anfang is asking Sargent to mark up and down the field, there were numerous times where Sargent would recover the ball deep and kick start the counter attack for Bremen.
The versatility in which Sargent scored both (and the 3rd disallowed goal) goals also points to potential success at the 9.
1st Goal
Sargent finds himself in a fantastic spot after continuing his run from the counter, he calmly collects the ball with his chest, squares up, and slots it in to the right of the keeper. Just a composed ball without much pressure as his movement allowed him to slot in unnoticed.
Close Call
Sargent used this pull back move a few times and each time it created a massive amount of space for him to operate in. He maybe could’ve found a better option here? but after pulling the ball back, Sargent creates a ton of space for himself, tries with the outside of his foot but just doesn’t have the angle. Would maybe like to see him send the ball to the far post, but you never complain about your striker taking this chance with a goal already in his pocket.
2nd Goal
This goal was pretty simple, the ball is sent to the far corner and Sargent rises up to easily head it home. This goal just cements how great Sargent is at winning aerial duels, you can’t deny his athletic talent… is he finally starting to put all of it together?
TLDR
Josh Sargent had a fantastic game: Athletically, Defensively, and Offensively.
Hard to watch this game knowing that a 21 year old prospect is playing out of position in a league he is simply too good for, but Sargent made some lemonade and there is really nothing to be overtly critical over.
