(With apologizes for delay - I've had the flu this week).
So, the Philadelphia Union have lost their mind. That's the initial response to a bizarre straight swap today with Montreal that sees Jack McInerney go north for Andrew Wenger.
The subjective view is that the Impact have just landed a player that could be in the mix for the US national team in the 2018 cycle for a athlete that doesn't really have a position.
It's also an admission by the Impact that making Wegner their first ever SuperDraft pick was an error. That's a small admission, really, as the SuperDraft, even at the top, is often an exercise in throwing darts.
As said, that's the subjective opinion. What about the objective one. Is there something in the numbers that we're missing? Let's look.
[PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]
Both players have been playing up top so far in 2014 and both players have three appearances so far this year. On the most basic stat they are also tied. Each have a goal.
But, what about the deeper numbers? Is Wenger producing more offence, but just not finishing? That's been the feeling by many.
If he was it would show up in his shots + key pass number.
Wenger 1.8 shots, 1.3 KP, 3.1 S+KP
McInerney 3 shots, 0.5 KP, 3.5 S+KP
So, the slight edge here goes to Montreal in the trade. McInerney produces many more shots, Wenger appears to be a better passer. Maybe the Union see Wenger as a midfielder. Many do.
Regardless, we move on in evaluating their forward play now. Which player creates more on the ball. To get an answer we'll look at how often they beat a player on the dribble and how many fouls they create.
Wenger 0.8 dribbles, 1.3 fouls earned (2.1 combined)
McInerney 0.3 dribbles, 1.3 fouls earned (1.6 combined)
So, Wenger is a bit more creative on the ball. Advantage Philly (and maybe more evidence this kid's a midfielder).
Next, we look at how careless the two are with the ball. Let's look at turnovers.
Wenger 0.5 offsides, 1.5 dispossessed, 3 misplaced passes (5 turn-overs per game)
McInerney 0 offsides, 1 dispossessed, 2.3 misplaced passes (3.3 turn-overs per game)
Thus is the biggest gap yet. Advantage Montreal, with the caveat that more turn-overs can sometimes be an indication of a player being more involved in the play.
Although defensive responsibility is far less if a concern with attackers (and highly dependent on team tactics and score effects) it's still worth a quick look at defensive involvement.
Wenger 1 tackle, (no other stats)
McInerney (0.3 interceptions, 0.5 clearances)
Call this one a wash.
Overall, the objective numbers still seem to give Montreal the advantage, but the gap looks slightly less profound than the subjective reaction might suggest. The key will be whether McInerney's early season success in 2013 was a blip or a prediction of future ability combined with whether Philly can find a home on the pitch for Wenger.