Chicharito – World Cup’s fastest player in the group stages
Little Pea proves he can add pace to United’s attack
FIFA have reserved all their technology for analyzing performances and crunching statistical data. Official stats from the group stages were released on Saturday, highlighting Argentina’s, as well as Brazil’s passing and shooting ability.
One stat, which will be interesting for Manchester United fans, is the revelation that Mexican striker Javier Hernandez was the fastest player in the entire group stage, clocked at a speed of 32.15 km/h. This might come as a bit of a surprise as some of the feedback received from Chivas fans about Chicharito was that he isn’t the fastest player around, but this stat seems to disprove that notion.
What is unclear about this statistic is whether it was measured on or off the ball, but I think it safe to assume that the speed was achieved while running without the ball.
United supporters who have been following the World Cup in South Africa will have been impressed with the goals Chicharito has scored against France and Argentina. In both situations, he displayed quickness of thought and movement, as well as composed finishing with either foot.
It is Chicharito’s acceleration and quick movement in the box that is starting to get me excited. One of Berbatov’s weaknesses as a goalscorer is that he is slow off the mark and is usually half a second too late on the end of gilt-edged chances. Berba has also shown on several occasions that he over-analyzes situations and tends not to play instinctively around the goal mouth.
Hopefully, Chicharito’s pace and decisive instincts will see United regain the English Premier League title.
I expect to see little of Chicharito in the opening months, since the coaches will want to take him under their wings while he is prepared for premier league action, but hopefully he will get some meaningful minutes after a bedding-in period.
Some other stats from the group stages:
The fastest players: Hernandez (32.15 km/h), Avraam Papadopoulos (31.57), Konstantinos Katsouranis (31.50)
Shots on target: Messi (11), Asamoah Gyan, Higuain, Valter Birsa (all on eight)
Assists: Sung-Yueng, Boka, Kaka, Thomas Muller (all 2)
Completed passes: Gilberto Silva (211), Maicon (210), Xavi (205)
Solo Runs: Messi, Maicon (both 18), Ronaldo (17) Lukas Podolski (16)
Crosses completed: Wilkshire, Geremi (8), Xavi, Jesus Navas, Simone Pepe, Andre Ayew, Landon Donovan (all 7)
June 28th, 2010 at 10:12 pm
I have become a fan of Ayew and Gervinho, pacy and skilled!
June 28th, 2010 at 10:15 pm
Me too!
Andre Ayew has impressed me alot with his pace, as well as skill and he is one of the few African footballers at the tournament to display calm and footballing intelligence in the final third of the pitch.
Will keep an eye on him, but his club have slapped a Euros 25mil price tag on him. Oezil, Schweinsteiger, Honda and Sanchez amongst others who have impressed.
June 29th, 2010 at 4:08 pm
I hope United fans don’t expect too much from Chicharito but i’m hopeful this kid won’t disappoint like Manucho. he has something about him; real belief and determination. he’s taken his goals well at the highest level and you can’t ask for more than that. if we don’t sign another striker, i won’t be disappointed at all. i’m really looking forward to seeing this lad in action.
July 20th, 2010 at 2:57 am
Hi there,
From Mexico´s perspective, Hernandez will need time to get used to the weather, field conditions and game pace. This will take about 4 weeks or so.In that period of time, put him in the gym, solid workouts to develop muscle, always keeping in mind his speed. After this, as eagles do to their chicks to make them fly… kick his ass out of the cliff, put him in danger, and he will deliver.
July 20th, 2010 at 4:25 am
I think it could take more than a month to get used to a league or new environment. Even Fernando Tores was saying the English league might cut his career short. He adapted quickly to the English game, but was already playing Spain. Imagine chicharito having to come to terms with the physicality, the speed, the weather, the tactics, his team mates, the expectations etc etc.
Something about this kid tells me he’ll come good, but I’m willing to give him time. Yes he needs to be given first team minutes asap but am willing to be patient with him. won’t expect too much too soon.
July 23rd, 2010 at 1:50 am
Troy, I totally agree with you… time is a key factor here, Hernandez is very young, and has what we call in Mexico a “ballerina striker” body (look at David Villa for an example) strong but light weighted. Among his strengths: confusing generator among rival defenses, very fast, great instinct/technique balanced. On the down side and this is a south american striker issue, he´s prone to field drama, looking to impress referees.Greetings from Mexico!!!