Elite Edouard
As the window hopefully closes without any major outgoings, we should pause and reflect on the progress of Edouard. Scouts shouldn’t read this article. You’ll hate it.
Lonesome Eddy
For one and a half seasons he has carried the burden of being the Celtic point of attack almost single handed. Last season in January Rodgers embarked on a flexi-forward strategy involving the loan deals for Burke and Weah. This season has seen the gradual reintroduction of Griffiths. But for the most part, the young French striker has been on his lonesome. Just turned 22, he is 6 months younger than Dembele was when he went to Olympique Lyonnaise. He has already scored 37 goals for the French club, passed the 100 mark for his career, and been rumoured to be a £80m+ target for major English sides. There is no doubt Dembele is the type of striker way beyond Celtic’s means to buy, and that they should continue to search for players younger of equal potential. Easier said than done. Edouard, let’s not forget, is Celtic’s record signing at £9m but the try before you buy policy meant the risk was mitigated. 54 goals with 20 already this season suggest this was a wise investment. Just how good can he get?
The Dembele Benchmark
The chart below bench mark’s Dembele in the 17/18 season as I don’t have xG data for 16/17 when he scored 32 goals. In 18/19 he only played 364 minutes.
Numbers per 90m
Important to note: Dembele 17/18 is roughly the same age as Edouard 19/20 – around their 22nd birthday. Edouard is steadily and perceptibly improving when measured by Expected Goals and Expected Assists. Remember: xG and xA are way more predictive of future performance than real goals and assists. Last season, aged 21, Edouard had already matched Dembele’s 17/18 numbers. This season, he is on another level passing the bench mark 0.4 xA (very few players achieve this). His expected scoring contribution is now 1.074 per 90m. Note also, this data does NOT INCLUDE the recent brace versus Ross County!
Conclusion
Edouard looks to be surpassing Dembele’s level when the ex-Fulham man left for a hefty (and now seemingly undervalued) fee. He looks to be heading into elite striker territory. Enjoy him while it lasts.