Morelos in numbers – how Rangers’ striker responded to transfer window

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Morelos in numbers – how Rangers’ striker responded to transfer window
St Johnstone v Rangers - cinch Premiership - McDiarmid Park Rangers Alfredo Morelos pushes St Johnstones Liam Craig over during the cinch Premiership match at McDiarmid Park, Perth. Picture date: Saturday September 11, 2021. EDITORIAL USE ONLY No use with unauthorised audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or live services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xIanxRutherfordx 62341063

Alfredo Morelos didn’t get his move this summer. He admits there was interest, and he hoped a deal could be struck, but it wasn’t to be.

However, how has this affected Morelos’ performances?

Well, there’s only been a solitary match since the transfer window for the Colombian, given he didn’t get the call up on the break, so let’s break down his numbers v Ross County a few weeks ago and v St Johnstone at the weekend.

It’s crucial to start with the heat map.

As you can see v Saints, Morelos didn’t have a lot of movement, and at no spot in his map did the dark blue lighten much at all, which showed a lack of frequency in the same areas. This isn’t always a bad thing but it demonstrated a potential lack of focus.

Saints heatmap for Morelos

But versus County it’s a different story. Lots of wide-ranging movement and a lot more light blue, as well as a couple of spots in which it gets even lighter. He was intense and rangey in what he did.

County heatmap for Morelos

But the numbers are where it gets more telling.

Morelos got just 36 touches of the ball, compared with a hefty 58 v County. He managed 5 shots, two on target and a goal in Dingwall, but just two shots with one on target v Callum Davidson’s side.

Passing? He managed 42 v County and only 28 v Saints.

What are we saying here?

Morelos looked very flat at the weekend – he was quiet, and didn’t look his usual dangerous self. He was subdued. If we’re to be cynical, he looked unmotivated, knowing he has to stay in Scotland at least another 6 months. But v County, he was playing for the move, playing knowing suitors were watching and there’s still a chance to get his dream league.

And we don’t blame him for wanting a better league than the SPL – it is indeed very poor with just two decent sides in it.

But unfortunately for poor Alf he’s going to have to suck it up and get on with his job.

That all said European football is back this week, so we’ll see if he can gee himself up for that.

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