Transfer Analysis: Facundo Pellistri's Move to Panathinaikos FC in the Stoiximan Super League
Constadinos Segredos
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Scouted/Analysed by Constadinos Segredos
Facundo Pellistri Scouting Report
Personal Information
Facundo Pellistri: In-Depth Analysis
Facundo Pellistri is a dynamic 22-year-old right winger, known for his agility, pace, and ability to drive forward with the ball. Having honed his skills in Uruguay before making the jump to European football, Pellistri is a player whose raw talent is evident but still in the process of refinement. During his loan spell at Granada in the 2023/2024 season, Pellistri demonstrated both strengths and weaknesses that underline his current standing as a promising, yet unfinished, talent.
One of Pellistri’s key strengths lies in his ability to carry the ball into dangerous areas. His progressive carries per 90 minutes indicate a willingness and capability to push his team forward, especially in transition. His speed makes him a constant threat on the wings, capable of stretching defenses and creating space for his teammates. However, his dribbling success rate suggests that while he is eager to take on defenders, he is not always successful in doing so, which may limit his effectiveness in certain situations.
In terms of goal threat, Pellistri’s performance has been mixed. While he has shown a good work ethic and a desire to get into goal-scoring positions, his finishing has been less consistent. His expected goals (xG) underperformance is a clear indicator that he is not converting his chances at the rate he should, which could be attributed to either a lack of composure in front of goal or the need for better shot selection.
Pellistri’s contributions to chance creation and playmaking are areas where he still has room to grow. His assist numbers are modest, reflecting a player who is not yet a primary creative force in his team. His decision-making in the final third will need to improve if he is to become a more complete winger, capable of both scoring and setting up goals with regularity.
Defensively, Pellistri’s work rate is commendable. He is not afraid to track back and help his team out of possession, which is a valuable trait for a winger in modern football. However, his main value remains in his attacking contributions, where he has the potential to be more impactful as he matures and gains more experience at a high level.
Key Stats Overview (2023/2024 Season)
La Liga (Granada, Loan)
Advanced Metrics Analysis
Goal Threat Pellistri has shown flashes of goal-scoring ability, taking an average of 1.24 shots per 90 minutes, with 0.44 on target. However, his finishing leaves room for improvement, as indicated by his negative underperformance metric (-0.38 G-xG). His non-penalty expected goals (npxG) stand at 0.08 per 90, suggesting that while he is capable of getting into scoring positions, the volume and quality of these chances are limited.
Progressive Carrying and Ball Retention Pellistri’s ability to carry the ball forward is evident with 2.4 progressive carries per 90, covering an average of 74.15 meters. However, his dribble success rate is relatively low at 46.30%, highlighting a potential area for development in his ability to beat opponents one-on-one. His ball retention is also an aspect to monitor, as his dispossessions can lead to turnovers, putting his team under pressure.
Chance Creation His assist numbers are modest, with only 0.07 assists per 90. While this shows he may not be the primary creator, his ability to contribute to the team’s attacking play could improve with better decision-making and refinement in his passing game.
Physical Attributes Pellistri's physical profile, including his speed and agility, make him a dangerous winger, especially in counter-attacking situations. His ability to win fouls (1.33 per 90) is a testament to his pace and the difficulty defenders face in containing him.
Strengths
Weaknesses
Facundo Pellistri Shot Summary
In the 2023-2024 season, Facundo Pellistri took 17 shots, scoring 2 goals. This output came from an Expected Goals (xG) of 1.97, averaging 0.12 xG per shot.
Player Similarity: Facundo Pellistri vs. Duncan Watmore
Overview: Facundo Pellistri and Duncan Watmore are both wingers, but with some differing playing styles and attributes due to their age, experience, and tactical roles within their respective teams. Below is a comparison of their key metrics from the 2023/2024 season to highlight their similarities and differences.
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Shooting and Goal Threat:
Shots per 90:
Analysis: Watmore tends to take more shots per game than Pellistri, indicating a more aggressive approach in front of goal. However, Pellistri may be more selective with his shot attempts, focusing on higher quality opportunities.
Non-Penalty Expected Goals (npxG) per 90:
Analysis: Watmore generates a higher xG, suggesting he gets into more goal-scoring positions. Pellistri's lower npxG could be due to his role, which might involve more creative tasks rather than purely finishing.
Shots on Target per 90:
Analysis: Watmore has a higher number of shots on target, which aligns with his greater overall shot volume. This indicates that he may be more efficient in getting his attempts on frame.
Chance Creation:
Assists per 90:
Analysis: Both players have relatively low assist numbers, suggesting that neither is a primary playmaker for their team. Pellistri has a slight edge, possibly due to his role in creating chances from wide positions.
Expected Assists (xA) per 90:
Analysis: Watmore’s xA is higher, indicating that the chances he creates are of a higher quality, even though he underperforms in actual assists. This suggests that both players could improve their final ball to increase assist numbers.
Ball Progression and Dribbling:
Progressive Carries per 90:
Analysis: Both players are similar in their progressive carries, with Watmore slightly more inclined to advance the ball upfield. This shows that both wingers are proactive in pushing their teams forward, though Pellistri’s slightly lower number could suggest a more varied role in the attack.
Progressive Distance Carried (meters) per 90:
Analysis: Pellistri covers more ground with his carries, which might indicate a more significant role in transitioning play from deeper areas.
Dribbles per 90:
Analysis: Watmore attempts more dribbles, but both players have a relatively low number of dribbles per game, suggesting they might prefer to play quickly rather than engage in one-on-one duels frequently.
Dribble Success Rate:
Analysis: Pellistri has a higher dribble success rate, indicating he is slightly more effective when taking on opponents. This could be a key differentiator in how each player contributes to breaking down defenses.
Discipline and Fouls:
Fouls Won per 90:
Facundo Pellistri and Duncan Watmore share some similarities in their playing style, particularly in their willingness to carry the ball forward and contribute defensively. However, Watmore is more of a direct goal threat, taking more shots and generating a higher xG, while Pellistri shows greater potential in dribbling and winning fouls. Both players have areas for improvement, particularly in their final product, which could unlock greater contributions in terms of goals and assists.
Bio: Facundo Pellistri Scout Report
Facundo Pellistri is an energetic and technically gifted right winger who emerged from Uruguay with a reputation for flair and creativity. At just 22 years old, Pellistri has already showcased his talents in Europe, first with Manchester United and most recently during his loan spell at Granada. His style of play is marked by speed, agility, and a willingness to take on defenders, traits that make him a constant threat on the flanks.
Pellistri’s technical ability is evident in his close control and dribbling, though his success rate suggests there is room for improvement. He excels in scenarios where he can exploit space, particularly on counter-attacks where his pace becomes a significant asset. However, his final product—whether it be a shot on goal or a crucial pass—can be inconsistent, a factor that has sometimes limited his overall impact on matches.
Despite his attacking inclination, Pellistri is also known for his work rate. He is diligent in tracking back and supporting the defensive phase, showcasing a maturity beyond his years. This combination of defensive work rate and attacking potential makes him a versatile player who can fit into various tactical setups.
Conclusion
Pellistri’s journey in European football is still in its early stages, and his time at Panathinaikos FC represents a crucial period for his development. The Greek Super League offers a platform where he can refine his skills, improve his consistency, and make significant strides toward fulfilling his considerable potential. With the right guidance and continued hard work, Pellistri could evolve into a key player for both club and country.
Stats via scoutingstats.ai & fbref.com