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Percentage of headers won

Jason Shackell 71.60%
Michael Bostwick 71.50%
Cian Bolger 61.10%
Harry Toffolo 54.10%
Neal Eardley 52.40%

Actual headers won per game

Michael Bostwick 11.42
John Akinde 5.83
Jason Shackell 4.62
Cian Bolger 4.61
Tyler Walker 3.69

If anything highlights the thankless task of a centre forward, this is it. Whilst Tyler and John contest as many headers as the forwards, if not more, they’re often marshalled by one or two defenders and their percentage goes down. I find it really interesting that Big John wins 5.83 headers per game; it’s clear he’s being used as the target man still which I’m not sure is always playing to his strength,

This stat really highlights how much we’ve missed Bozzy. I have a little fear with Bozzy if I’m honest; he hasn’t got a deal beyond the end of the season and he seems to be injured for a little longer than normal. Is he looking to protect his fitness that bit more with the uncertainty heading his way over the summer? I really hope not, he’s absolutely crucial to our survival this season and the wonder we add him to our ranks for next season, the better.

I actually had to check these numbers twice as I was convinced Jason Shackell would contest more headers, but Bozzy is so far ahead in aerial duels contested and won, it’s unreal. All this serves to highlight is how detrimental not having him in the team is, although Cian Bolger’s aerial stats aren’t too shabby at all.

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