Tyler Dibling – Southampton’s Latest Emerging Talent
It has been a catastrophic season for Southampton, who have suffered an immediate return to the Championship and who have only just avoided tying Derby County’s record for the worst single-season points tally in a Premier League season. However, one player who has proven a constant bright spot at St. Mary’s is Tyler Dibling.
At 19 years of age, Southampton’s young maestro has carved out a niche for himself in the Premier League. The Southampton academy product’s performances this season have not just been a testament to his prodigious talent but also to his tactical acumen, especially for such a young talent, and all signs point to him departing St. Mary’s Stadium this summer for a sizable transfer fee.
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Creative Spark in Attack
Dibling’s flair for creativity is what sets him apart. He’s not just a winger or midfielder; he’s an artist on the pitch, painting plays with his deft touches, silky movement and incisive passes. His ability to both score and assist goals showcases his dual threat in the attacking third. He possesses an innate sense of when to unleash his creativity, often turning games with a moment of brilliance, whether it’s a through ball or a well-timed shot.
Possession and Playmaking
Central to Southampton’s possession play, Dibling is often seen orchestrating attacks from deeper areas or out-wide. He’s not one for safe, lateral passes; instead, he looks to advance the ball, breaking lines with his vision and execution. His playmaking is about progression, moving the team upfield, and creating opportunities where none seemed to exist.
Dynamic Movement and Dribbling
Beyond his passing, Dibling’s movement with the ball is equally telling. He has the agility and ball control to weave through defenses, making him unpredictable and hard to mark. His dribbling not only helps in advancing play but also in drawing defenders out of position, creating space for others.
This dynamic element to his game adds another layer to Southampton’s offensive strategy. Though playing predominantly from the right side of attack on paper, Dibling has the mechanisms of an interior, one who dictates attack from different phases.
Defensive Work Rate
Despite his attacking prowess, Dibling doesn’t shy away from the defensive responsibilities that come with being a modern midfielder. His commitment to tracking back, engaging in tackles, and contributing to the team’s defensive structure shows a maturity beyond his years. This work ethic ensures he’s not just an asset with the ball but also without it, maintaining balance in Southampton’s midfield.
Versatility and Tactical Fit
Dibling’s adaptability is one of his greatest strengths. Whether deployed as an attacking midfielder or out wide on the right, he brings a level of flexibility to Southampton’s formation. This versatility allows the team to switch tactics mid-game or adapt to different opponents, with Dibling capable of fulfilling various roles within the midfield or attack.
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His defensive capabilities even hint at potential to play deeper if required, adding to his tactical value. His skillset off the ball is going to widen with maturity, with him already exhibiting zone dominance from game states.
Areas for Development
While Dibling shows immense promise, there are aspects of his game that could be honed. Increasing his presence in the final third, perhaps by refining his positioning or increasing his involvement in set pieces, would amplify his direct impact on scoring.
Also, working on his movement to receive the ball in more threatening areas could see him become even more integral to Southampton’s transitions. Additionally, his off-ball movements can help him accelerate access into goal scoring positions which will add more final third actions such as shot creating actions, into his locker.
Overall, Tyler Dibling represents the future of the Premier League. His combination of creativity, tactical intelligence, and defensive diligence marks him out as a player with the potential to shape games. As he continues to develop, honing his ability to influence matches in the final third could elevate him from a promising talent to a mainstay in the league. Southampton has in Dibling not just a player but a growing tactical asset, one whose journey in football is eagerly anticipated, especially with Southampton’s track record.
What does the data say?
Attacking Output
Non-Penalty Goals: Dibling’s scoring rate stands at 0.15 goals per 90 minutes, placing him in the 35th percentile. This suggests he’s contributing to the scoresheet but not at an elite level for his position.
Non-Penalty xG: His expected goals (npxG) of 0.15 per 90 (26th percentile) indicates he’s not creating high-quality chances for himself as much as his peers, with his actual goals slightly above expectation.
Shots Total: With 1.54 shots per 90 (25th percentile), Dibling isn’t among the most shot-heavy players in his role, suggesting perhaps a focus on quality over quantity or a position that isn’t always the final touch in attacks.
Playmaking and Creativity
Assists: His assist rate is at zero per 90, ranking him in the 5th percentile, which is a clear area for improvement in terms of setting up goals directly for teammates.
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Expected Assisted Goals (xAG): With a low xAG of 0.09 per 90 (13th percentile), his playmaking influence is below the average for attacking midfielders and wingers.
npxG + xAG: This combined metric gives him a score of 0.24 per 90 (8th percentile), indicating his overall direct involvement in goal-scoring actions is relatively low compared to his peers.
Shot-Creating Actions: At 2.85 per 90 (25th percentile), he’s creating fewer opportunities for shots than most in his position.
Possession and Distribution
Passes Attempted: Dibling attempts 29.51 passes per 90 (30th percentile), less than many in his position, possibly reflecting a role that prioritizes ball progression over possession retention.
Pass Completion %: His pass completion stands at 77.8% (69th percentile), suggesting he’s effective when he does pass, but the volume is lower.
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Progressive Passes: His progressive passing (3.16 per 90, 40th percentile) shows room for growth in his ability to move the ball forward.
Ball Progression and Dribbling
Progressive Carries: With 3.85 progressive carries per 90 (58th percentile), Dibling is more involved in carrying the ball forward than in passing it.
Successful Take-Ons: His ability to beat defenders is strong, with 2.00 successful take-ons per 90 (77th percentile), highlighting his dribbling skill.
Involvement in the Final Third
Touches in the Attacking Penalty Area: His touches in the attacking third are low at 2.16 per 90 (8th percentile), indicating less involvement in the most dangerous areas of the pitch.
Progressive Passes Received: Receiving 5.09 progressive passes per 90 (23rd percentile) suggests he’s not often the end point of forward passes.
Defensive Contributions
Tackles: His tackling rate of 1.62 per 90 (68th percentile) shows a commendable effort in regaining possession.
Interceptions, Blocks, Clearances: His other defensive stats are moderate, with interceptions at 0.39 (39th percentile), blocks at 0.85 (46th percentile), and clearances at 0.54 (35th percentile).
Aerial Presence
Aerials Won: Dibling’s aerial duels won per 90 are low at 0.23 (23rd percentile), suggesting aerial play isn’t a strength at this stage of his career.
Conclusion
Tyler Dibling’s statistical profile in the Premier League this season paints a picture of a young player with significant potential but areas requiring development. His ability to carry the ball and beat opponents is a highlight, but his involvement in goal-scoring actions, both in creating for others and finishing for himself, needs working on. His defensive work rate is commendable for his position, but increasing his influence in the attacking third, both in creating and receiving the ball, will be crucial for his growth into a more impactful player.
By: @free__flowing
Featured Image: @GabFoligno / Andrew Matthews – PA Images