I’m off to Port Vale on Monday, and it’s always nice to know what you may face. So here’s some quick high level event data to highlight one or two things.
Vale often set up 3-4-1-2, Benning & Worrall providing the width, Garrity sitting behind the front two pairing of Proctor and Wilson. Charsley & Walker act as the double pivot, with the latter possibly being replaced by Jake Taylor or Tom Pett. Connor Hall occupies the left center back position, Nathan Smith right center back, while Aaron Martin sits between them.
Hall & Smith often receive passes in areas more commonly occupied by fullbacks, this allows both wing backs the opportunity to occupy the middle and final thirds where Port Vale enjoy most of their football. Jamie Proctor is the target man, rarely coming deeper than the half-way line to receive the ball. His job is to hold up the ball or bring the wide men into play when received in the high density half-space highlighted, but he does offer much more.
The vast majority of Aiden Stone’s successful goal kicks target Proctor in the left half-space. His open play passes however are focused toward Worrall & Smith on the right, highlighting how they prefer to build up in different situations.
Proctor’s shot assists have generally come via lateral passes into a central area, while Wilson has received a few vertical progressive passes in wider zones.
Lots of shots being taken from inside the box, no surprise to see a steep rise in their xG of late. Proctor very prominent in that left hand zone. It’s not a surprise to see that crosses, especially corners are directed to the back post area that Proctor regularly occupies.
Newport’s play-off hopes are now over but I’m still looking forward to watching a good game of football 🙏
Exiles Analysis 