Kwabena Appiah was one of the fastest players in the A-League and is from time to time skilful with on average one successful dribble a game, but is that enough to earn a move overseas?
A player moving abroad should require more than skills and pace, other qualities which Appiah unfortunately lacks.
The first attacking ability he lacks is goal scoring. It’s unfortunate he had to wait five seasons to get his first A-League goal, especially when he had numerous opportunities to do so. Surprisingly, Paul Okon often put him up the front. Someone who doesn’t score simply cannot put up the front, unless he’s a false nine like Thomas Muller. But he may not be suited to that, because…
The second attacking ability he lacks is assisting. He hasn’t had a single recorded A-League assist on the A-League website (which doesn’t include seasons 2013-14 or 2012-13). That makes him quite unsuitable for playing as a false nine or some kind of attacking midfielder.
Admittedly Appiah’s favoured position is on the wing, but he lacks an important aspect in that area as well, his third and final attacking ability, crossing. Last season, he had a crossing average of 0%, and it’s only risen to 6.6% this season. It’s very problematic to have a wide player who can’t cross or cut back, no matter how fast or skilful he is.
Appiah can run and dribble all he likes, but what’s he going to do when getting rid of the ball? It’s either blaze it over the bar, cross it straight into the opposition or play a simple pass back to a central defensive midfielder or on of the wing-backs.
The only thing I can see him doing is maybe winning a penalty, but that only worked on one occasion, against Sydney FC’s Josh Brilliante.
Well, although my criticism seems harsh statistically, I wish all the best for Kwabena Appiah as he goes abroad, but if I was Lee Ki-Hyung, statistically I would consider buying another winger, and if I were Paul Okon now, I’d give the Australian U23 substitute Trent Buhagiar a shot.
R King
Guest
Like most everyone else I was somewhat surprised to see him picked up by an OS club. But regardless of what we see or don't see in him, isn't it up to the club he is going to, to make that call on his abilities? One mans trash is another man's treasure.
Kangajets
Guest
His lack of goals and ability to waste any attacking opportunities is remarkable. Maybe a different coach sees his assets as speed of play out of defence , maybe he is a future wingback bombing down the sideline and cutting back in to his mids .... Maybe he will end up at lambton jaffas or Edgeworth eagles preferably.
Griffo
Roar Guru
Statistically he might have been what they needed, but it is possible reality will find him out. I think it was Petratos who was found to not have distributed the ball as quickly as was desired in Korea. The Jets also had James Virgilli, who had pace, and had moments of beating players and setting up attacks in the box - some of his combinations with Heskey come to mind - but overall pace was a weapon that was also a weakness with control. Virgilli ended up back at Broadmeadow Magic in NPL. I also wish Appiah well but won't be surprised if he's back soon enough looking for a team. It is then up to an A-League recruiting staff to decide whether he his suitable for that level, or elsewhere.