A Dutch Fox in an Overseas Box

@DutchProFootballScout
47 minutes ago
3 min read

Hans Mpongo - Cork City

In the League of Ireland Hans Mpongo is on fire for Cork City. He already scored seven goals in fourteen matches and last weekend scored a hattrick. The 23-year-old left winger (right footed) is a remarkably interesting player as he is a Dutch and English citizen.

Of course it is especially important to have a look at what level we are talking about. With a 60,3 score in the Opta Power Rankings they are close to teams like Jong Almere (Midtable Dutch 3rd tier), Stenhousemuir (Top Scottish 3rd tier), Hartlepool United (Midtable English 5th tier) and Foggia (Relegation zone Italian 3rd tier).

He had a quite unusual pathway and did play at Brentford B, Jong NAC Breda, FC Rijnvogels and Finn Harps. So let us have a closer look into his profile apart from his seven goals and four assists so far.

Mpongo has demonstrated excellent finishing skills, showing his eye for goal through superior metrics in both goals and touches in the box. His strong performances in key passes and assists stands out as well. Further He shows impressive ball runs and carries.

He is not the player with a lot of involvement, underlined by low (successful) numbers in offensive and defensive actions. His pressing is below average; however he scores incredibly good on high recoveries.

His passing quality is below average, but he does certainly generate xT (expected threat) with his crosses. Mpongo demonstrates a strong ability to create chances from the attacking left wing ( the left half space excluded).

A dynamic winger who excels in making impactful runs and creating threat through both ball progression and deep runs into spaces. His xT by carries are excellent from the left wing and central midfield areas. This highlights his ability to drive the play forward and create chances.

He poses a strong dribbling ability, particularly when it comes to creating scoring opportunities for teammates. Apart from being an excellent dribbler on the left wing, he also dribbles well in the box.

By delivering assists and key passes from the wing he stands out as a playmaker. This is highlighted by his threat in pivotal offensive zones ( attacking left wing and box). Mpongo displays his ability to make impactful touches in the box, by his number of goals and box entries.

It is notable that Mpongo faces challenges in finding high-quality scoring opportunities within the golden zone. But he stands out as a finisher among wingers, demonstrating a remarkable ability to score more goals than expected.

Everywhere he goes, he does score. I have watched video material as well and his physical attributes impressed me but also his eye for the goal. He uses the moment when he is on the blind side of the defender optimal. It is noticeable that he is not an attacker who does not defend and do defensive work but his metrics in this area are not good but he certainly shows his attitude. It must be seen when the spaces are tighter, but it could be possible he will be able to show his potential than as well.

All data has been supplied by Twelve Football apart from the information about the Opta Power Rankings and the visual from Transfermarkt.

About The Author

Willem started his coaching career ten years ago in Belgium in combination with his coaching badges. After three seasons coaching U9 and U11s, and with an UEFA B licence, he started to coach teams in the Netherlands where he continues to coach.

In 2021 he started getting involved in the data side of the game and later started as a correspondent at StatsPerform regarding Dutch 3rd tier matches.

Written by Willem van Riel | @DutchProFootballScout

Editor: Richard Ogando | @notts_stats

Editor: Colin Sisson | @colin_sisson

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