Transfer Analysis: Roman Yaremchuk: Olympiakos FC's New Striker Set to Elevate the Attack in Stoiximan Super League

Scouted/Analysed by Constadinos Segredos

Roman Yaremchuk Scouting Report

Player Information

• Name: Roman Yaremchuk
• Position: Striker (Poacher)
• Date of Birth: November 27, 1995
• Height: 186 cm
• Weight: 78 kg
• Nationality: Ukrainian
• Current Club: Olympiakos FC (Transferred from Valencia)
• Preferred Foot: Right
• Market Value: €5.20M

Scouting Analysis

Roman Yaremchuk, the 28-year-old Ukrainian striker, brings a wealth of experience and tactical acumen to Olympiakos FC. Known for his physical presence and intelligent positioning within the penalty area, Yaremchuk excels in his primary role as a finisher. His aerial dominance and ability to operate as a target man make him a versatile asset in various tactical setups.

Goal Threat: Yaremchuk’s offensive output is characterized by his consistent shot-taking, averaging 1.75 shots per 90 minutes. His non-penalty expected goals (npxG) of 0.45 per 90 indicate his ability to find goal-scoring opportunities regularly, although his xG overperformance of -0.16 suggests that his finishing can sometimes be inconsistent. His goal efficiency ranks in the lower percentiles, highlighting an area for potential improvement.

Progressive Carrying and Ball Retention: Despite being primarily a target striker, Yaremchuk contributes modestly to his team's build-up play with 0.48 progressive carries per 90 and a success rate of 35.70% in dribbling attempts. His progressive distance carried averages 36.88 meters per 90, indicating a limited role in advancing the ball, which aligns with his typical positioning closer to the opposition’s goal.

Chance Creation: Yaremchuk’s role is heavily weighted towards finishing rather than creating opportunities for others, reflected in his low assist numbers (0.07 per 90) and xA underperformance of -0.04. His involvement in the build-up is minimal, with his primary contributions occurring within the final third.

Physical Attributes and Defensive Contributions: Standing at 186 cm, Yaremchuk's aerial threat is one of his standout features. He maintains a 16.67% conversion rate from headed attempts, making him a constant danger in set-piece situations. While not typically a pressing forward, his defensive contributions are notable, with active involvement in disrupting opposition build-up play, adding a layer of versatility to his game.

Key Stats Overview (2023/2024 Season)

La Liga (Valencia, 2023/2024)

• Non-Penalty xG per 90: 0.45
• Shots per 90: 1.75
• xG Overperformance per 90: -0.16
• Assists per 90: 0.07
• xA Underperformance per 90: -0.04
• Fouls Won per 90: 0.34
• Progressive Carries per 90: 0.48
• Progressive Distance Carried (meters) per 90: 36.88
• Dribbles per 90: 0.48
• Dribble Success Rate: 35.70%
• Shots on Target per 90: 0.87

Advanced Metric Analysis

• Non-Penalty xG: 0.45 per 90 - Consistently finds good scoring positions.
• xG Overperformance: -0.16 per 90 - Slight underperformance, highlighting room for improvement in finishing.
• xA: 0.03 per 90 - Indicates minimal involvement in direct chance creation.
• Dribbles per 90: 0.48 - Limited dribbling involvement, reflecting a more static role in attack.
• Dribble Success Rate: 35.70% - Suggests a need for improved ball control in tight spaces.
• Progressive Passes Received: 8.1 per 90 - Highlights a strong ability to receive the ball in advanced positions.
• Ball Recoveries in Opponent’s Half: 2.5 per 90 - Shows his occasional involvement in pressing and defensive actions high up the pitch.
• Passes into Penalty Area per 90: 0.45 - Low number, indicating his primary focus is on receiving and finishing rather than playmaking.
• Defensive Actions per 90: 5.2 - Reflects his ability to contribute defensively when needed, though not a primary part of his game.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths:

1. Aerial Ability: Yaremchuk's height and physical presence make him an aerial threat, particularly in set-piece situations. His conversion rate of 16.67% from headers underscores his ability to capitalize on crosses and corners.
2. Positioning and Goal Scoring Instincts: His positioning within the box allows him to consistently find himself in goal-scoring situations, as evidenced by his non-penalty xG of 0.45 per 90. Yaremchuk’s movement and understanding of space are key factors in his offensive contributions.
3. Versatility as a Target Man: Yaremchuk’s ability to hold up the play and link with midfielders makes him effective in roles that require a traditional target forward. His strength in aerial duels and hold-up play provides his team with a focal point in attack.

Weaknesses:

1. Finishing Consistency: Despite his goal-scoring instincts, Yaremchuk’s xG overperformance of -0.16 highlights occasional inconsistencies in his finishing. This is an area where improved composure and decision-making in front of goal could lead to higher conversion rates.
2. Limited Contribution to Build-Up Play: With only 0.48 progressive carries per 90 and a low involvement in chance creation (0.07 assists per 90), Yaremchuk’s impact outside the penalty area is minimal. Enhancing his link-up play and ability to participate in build-up phases could make him a more rounded forward.
3. Dribbling and Ball Retention: His dribble success rate of 35.70% suggests that Yaremchuk is not particularly effective when taking on defenders. Improving his dribbling ability would add another dimension to his attacking arsenal, allowing him to create more chances for himself and his teammates.

Roman Yaremchuk's Shot Summary

In the 2023-2024 season, Roman Yaremchuk took 18 shots, scoring 3 goals. His Expected Goals (xG) was 4.64, averaging 0.26 xG per shot.

• Right Foot: 1 goal from 8 shots. A 12.5% conversion rate. 0.31 xG per shot.
• Left Foot: 1 goal from 4 shots. A 25.0% conversion rate. 0.35 xG per shot.
• Headers: 1 goal from 6 headed attempts. A 16.67% conversion rate. 0.12 xG per shot.

Yaremchuk's shot map reveals a tendency to utilize both feet effectively, with a particularly strong presence in central areas of the box, highlighting his poacher instincts.

Player Similarity

Comparison with Anthony Lozano:

Roman Yaremchuk shares several key characteristics with Anthony Lozano, a 31-year-old striker for Almeria in La Liga. Both strikers exhibit a robust goal-scoring presence and a similar volume of shots per 90 minutes. Their non-penalty expected goals (npxG) are closely aligned, with Yaremchuk at 0.45 and Lozano at 0.40, emphasizing their positioning skills and ability to generate scoring opportunities.

Comparative Metrics:

• Shots per 90: Yaremchuk at 1.75 vs. Lozano at 1.85
• Non-Penalty xG per 90: Yaremchuk at 0.45 vs. Lozano at 0.40
• Assists per 90: Yaremchuk at 0.07 vs. Lozano at 0.10
• Aerial Duels: Both players excel in aerial duels, with Yaremchuk having a slight edge in headed goals, reflecting his physical dominance.
• Dribbling and Ball Progression: Lozano engages more frequently in dribbles and carries, with a dribble success rate of 31.10%, showcasing a slightly more dynamic approach compared to Yaremchuk’s more stationary target-man role.

Roman Yaremchuk's profile is reminiscent of Anthony Lozano’s in terms of shot metrics and goal threat, with both players thriving in systems that capitalize on their aerial strengths and poacher-like tendencies in the box. However, Yaremchuk’s lower involvement in chance creation and ball progression differentiates him as a more traditional striker, primarily focused on finishing rather than facilitating play.

Conclusion

Roman Yaremchuk's move to Olympiakos FC represents a strategic addition to their attacking options. His experience, coupled with his aerial ability and knack for finding goal-scoring positions, will be valuable assets. However, refining his finishing and expanding his playmaking contributions could elevate his impact in the Stoiximan Super League. As he adapts to the Greek football environment, Yaremchuk has the potential to be a leading figure in Olympiakos’ attacking lineup.

Stats via scoutingstats.ai & fbref.com