This tournament has drawn some intriguing groups and group B is no different. With England being automatic favourites, the USA, Wales and Iran will in all likelihood be fighting out for that second spot. Props and outfits from the opening ceremony will scarcely be packed away by the time these four kick off their World Cup campaigns, England taking on Iran, while Wales face the USA.
USA were absent in Russia four years ago and a lot has changed since then. The squad named by head coach Gregg Berhalter is lacking in World Cup experience and must be one of the youngest squads at the tournament. The States squad now contains many Premier League players such as Pulisic, Adams, Aaronson, Ream and Robinson. Since they’re all well known to us in the UK and Europe, the focus of this post will be on FC Dallas forward Jesús Ferreira.
Jesús Ferreira, 21 (USA/FC Dallas)
The MLS season runs throughout the calendar year, starting and ending in winter. Ferreira has been deployed as a sole striker in a 4-3-3 system for the majority of the 2022 season. On occasion, he has also played in an attacking-midfield role. FC Dallas made it to the post-season with Ferreira notching 2,878 minutes from 31 starts. The base stats are immediately impressive, 18 goals and 6 assists – a direct goal involvement every 120 minutes. He could probably be best described as an opportunistic and canny striker. Ferreira is not limited to one type of finish and has excellent ball-striking ability. Play in the box is often measured and finding an extra yard of space appears to be a real trait of his.
Into the details then and we consult FBRef and compare him with other forwards from similar standard leagues including, Dutch Eredivisie, Brazilian Série A and the Copa Libertadores. Ferreira finds himself in the top percentiles of a lot of metrics.
In terms of shot-creating actions, Ferreira is in the 92nd percentile when comparing with similar forwards. This proves his effectiveness within the final third, creating 3.39 SCA per 90 minutes. During the 2022 season, Ferreira clearly showcases his understanding of space in the box and being able to find space either for himself or find a teammate with a neat pass.
Whilst many of his goals this season have been poachers efforts, Ferreira has far exceeded his xG. His goal tally for the season was 18 from an xG of 11.6. Clips of his goals do suggest a real ability to read a keeper and how to beat them, sometimes sliding the ball under an onrushing keeper or smashing it into the roof of the net. If he finds himself one-on-one with a keeper in Qatar, don’t be surprised if he gets the better of his rival.
*All statistics taken from FBRef website
Statswise FC 