Valuation Of Strikers

30 August 2026

By M J Kocx

Valuing strikers.


How do football clubs analyse strikers?


It is one of the most crucial roles in the team, yet football clubs may often fall foul of overlooking statistics in pursuit of headliner signings and overhyped profiles. 


Let us consider how football clubs may analyse strikers in the context of two English Football League (EFL) Championship players during the 2025/26 season: 


Haji Wright (Coventry City) and Will Lankshear (on loan, Oxford United).


Name: Haji Wright
Position: Centre Forward
Age: 28
Shots on Target: 37
Goals: 17
Conversion rate (shots on target resulting in goals): 45.9%


Name: Will Lankshear
Position: Centre Forward
Age: 21
Shots on Target: 22 
Goals: 11
Conversion rate (shots on target resulting in goals): 50%


Now, let us consider the background of both players to get a clearer picture of their overall value to a football club. 

Haji Wright 
Club Position: 1st (Coventry City promoted to the English Premier League)
EFL Championship Season Goal Tally: 17
Total Team Goals: 97
Overall individual % contribution to Total Team Goals: 17.5%
Season Appearances: 40

Will Lankshear 
Club Position: 22nd (Oxford United relegated to English Football League One)
EFL Championship Season Goal Tally: 11
Total Team Goals: 45
Overall individual % contribution to Total Team Goals: 24.4%
Season Appearances: 33


Based on the above statistics, it is my view that Will Lankshear could be considered an undervalued player and a useful addition to a football club.


Some general points to consider:


o	Will Lankshear is a young player in his 20s who managed to perform strongly whilst out on loan to a football club that ultimately was relegated from the EFL Championship. What insights does this show about the skill, work ethic and commitment of the young man?  


o	Haji Wright performed strongly, but had the added benefit of being in a high performing team that earnt promotion to the English Premier League. 


o	Both Haji Wright and Will Lankshear have a lot of football left in them. Notably, Will Lankshear at the early stages of his career has shown he can make a valuable contribution to his football club. 



Valuation of strikers. 


It is an art.


But use of statistical analysis can help football clubs find value where it has been overlooked by other football clubs and/or the transfer market. 


From

Yours truly,