Player Information:
Player: Declan Donigher
Team: USL Academy U20/U19
Jersey: #7 Black
Position: Center Forward (9)
Formation Context: 4-3-3
Quantitative Analysis:
(Game Statistics from Clip)
How Many Shots on Target: 2
0:36 - Right-footed shot from outside the box, saved by the keeper.
0:48 - Left-footed shot inside the box, saved by the keeper.
How Many shots missed: 3
0:20 - Header from a cross, goes wide of the post.
0:40 - Right-footed shot from the edge of the box, goes wide.
1:01 - Right-footed shot from distance, goes wide.
How Many Completed Passes inside the final third: 6
He consistently executes simple, one-touch layoffs to supporting midfielders.
How Many Incomplete Passes inside the final third: 2
Both instances occurred when he tried to turn a defender with his back to the goal.
How Many Goals: 1
Were goals scored with right foot or left foot: Right Foot (0:07)
How often does he receive the ball in front going towards the goal: 3 times
This typically happened when making a run in behind the defensive line.
How often does he receive the ball with his back to the goal: 7 times
This was his predominant role in build-up play, acting as a target to link with the midfield.
How many touches does he have inside the Penalty area: 5
Two touches for the goal, one for the header, and two for the left-footed shot.
How many one touch passes or shots compared to multiple touches before a pass or shot
One-Touch Actions: 5 (4 passes, 1 shot/header). Primarily used for simple layoffs.
Multi-Touch Actions: 8. Primarily used when setting up a shot for himself or attempting to turn a defender.
Technical Execution Analysis:
How quick does he get his shots off? Does he use both feet?
He gets his shots off very quickly, typically using one touch to set the ball and the second to shoot. He doesn't hesitate, which is a key trait for a striker.
Yes, he demonstrates confidence in using both feet. He scored with his right foot and forced a good save with a well-struck left-footed shot (0:48). This is a significant asset.
How often does he receive the ball with inside of the foot?
Frequently. This is his primary surface for controlling ground passes and executing layoffs.
How often does he receive the ball with outside of the foot?
Occasionally. He effectively used the outside of his right foot for his first touch on the goal (0:07) to push the ball away from the defender and into his shooting stride.
How often does he receive the ball with his upper body?
Twice in this clip. He showed good technique controlling aerial balls with his chest (0:31) and thigh (0:58) before laying them off.
On passes what part of the foot is being used most often?
The inside of the foot is used almost exclusively for his passes, prioritizing accuracy for his layoffs.
On shots what part of the foot is being used most often?
The instep (laces) or the firm inside of the foot is used for his shots, allowing for a combination of power and placement.
Is the ball being kept on the ground when the ball is released?
Yes, his passing is exclusively on the ground. His shots are low and driven, making them difficult for goalkeepers to handle.
What is his head position as the ball is played, is he looking at the ball or where he wants to pass/shoot?
He exhibits excellent habits. His head is up before receiving the pass to scan for defenders and teammates (awareness). As he strikes the ball for a shot or pass, his head is down and over the ball, which is correct technique for a clean strike.
Biomechanical Analysis:
(Shooting & Passing)
Where is his non-kicking foot when he strikes the ball in comparison to the ball?
His plant foot is consistently placed level with or slightly behind the ball. This is textbook technique, providing excellent balance and allowing him to get his body over the ball to keep the shot down.
Is his non-kicking foot in front of the ball: No.
Is his non-kicking foot behind the ball: Slightly, but mostly beside it.
How far away is his non-kicking foot from the ball: A stable, comfortable distance (approximately 6-12 inches), which allows for an unimpeded and powerful leg swing.
What part of the foot was used for shots?
Instep/Laces: For power shots.
Inside of the Foot: For his goal, demonstrating control and placement.
Overall Assessment:
Pros, Cons, and Recommendations
Declan is a promising Center Forward with a clear understanding of the position's demands. He shows a good balance of being a goal-scoring threat and a facilitator in build-up play.
Pros
Intelligent Movement: His run in behind the defense for the goal was perfectly timed. He identifies space and exploits it.
Finishing Instinct: He is not hesitant to shoot and gets his attempts off quickly. He consistently gets into goal-scoring positions.
Competent with Both Feet: His ability to shoot with power and accuracy with his left foot (0:48)
makes him a more unpredictable and dangerous threat in the box.Effective Link-Up Play: He is very effective when playing with his back to goal on first-time layoffs. He understands how to be a wall for his midfielders to play off of.
Cons
Turning with the Ball Under Pressure: While his one-touch layoffs are excellent, he was unsuccessful when attempting to turn a defender while shielding the ball (0:27, 0:53). This suggests an area for improvement in holding the ball up for longer.
Shooting Accuracy: While he gets shots off, 3 of his 5 attempts were off target. Improving his conversion rate by focusing on hitting the frame consistently will elevate his game.
Physical Hold-Up Strength: On a few occasions, he was dispossessed when trying to shield and turn. Building more core and lower-body strength will allow him to secure the ball more effectively against strong defenders.
Recommendations for Improvement
1. Develop the Turn: Incorporate drills focused on receiving the ball under pressure with the back to goal. Specific Drill: Have a coach/teammate play firm passes into his feet while applying pressure from behind. The focus should be on:
Scanning: Checking his shoulder before the ball arrives to see the defender's position.
Body Positioning: Using his arms and body to create separation.
First Touch: Taking a first touch that facilitates a quick turn away from pressure.
2. Composed Finishing Drills: Practice finishing under fatigue and pressure. Instead of just striking static balls, drills should replicate game scenarios: receiving on the move, finishing after a quick turn, or shooting with a defender closing in. The emphasis should be "Target over Power"— ensure the shot is on frame first.
3. Strength and Conditioning: A dedicated S&C program focusing on functional strength is recommended. Exercises like squats, deadlifts, and core stability work (planks, anti-rotation exercises) will directly improve his ability to shield the ball and maintain balance through contact.
Overall Coaching Analysis: Declan Donigher (#7)
Player Profile
Declan Ronigher operates as a modern Center Forward who effectively balances the roles of a goal-scorer and a facilitator. His game is built on intelligent movement, quick decision-making in and around the box, and a clean technical base. Within the 4-3-3 structure, he serves as the central focal point, capable of either stretching the defense with runs in behind or linking play by dropping deep to connect with the midfield.
Detailed Assessment
Declan's primary value lies in his decisiveness in the final third. He doesn't hesitate. Whether it's a one-touch layoff to a supporting midfielder or getting a shot off under pressure, his processing speed is high.He has an innate striker's instinct to get the ball off his feet quickly, preventing defenders from setting themselves. This is complemented by a significant asset: competence with both feet. His ability toproduce a powerful, on-target shot with his left foot (0:48) after scoring with his right makes him unpredictable and doubles his threat inside the penalty area.His off-the-ball movement is purposeful. The timing of his run for the goal (0:07) was excellent-arcing away from the defender to open up the passing lane and create an ideal angle to shoot. This demonstrates a high football IQ and an understanding of how to exploit space.As a link-up player, he is clean and efficient. When playing with his back to goal, his one-touch passes are consistently accurate and weighted properly, serving as a reliable wall for midfielders to play off of.
This allows his team to maintain tempo and draw attacking midfielders into the play.
Primary Area for Development
Hold-Up Play under Pressure
The clear next step in Declan's development is evolving his back-to-goal game from purely a "layoff" option into a "possession and creation" option. Currently, when he attempts to hold the ball for more than a single touch to turn a defender, he tends to get dispossessed. To transition to higher levels (USL Championship, MLS Next Pro), a #9 must be able to secure the ball, shield it from physically imposing center-backs, and create his own shot or win a foul. This isn't a technical flaw in his first touch, but rather a combination of situational awareness (knowing when to turn vs. when to lay it off) and functional strength to absorb contact and create separation.
Future Projection & Recommendation
Declan possesses the foundational tools of a very effective striker: intelligence, two-footed finishing ability, and clean link-up play. He is already an asset at the USL Academy level.
To unlock his full potential and become a dominant forward at the next level, his training focus should be twofold:
Strength & Conditioning: A targeted program to enhance core and lower-body strength will directly translate into an improved ability to shield the ball and win physical duels.
Scenario-Based Training: Drills that force him to receive under intense pressure from behind, requiring him to scan, use his body, and make a decision: protect and turn, or play it simple.
In summary, Declan is a technically sound and intelligent striker. By mastering the physical side of the game and adding the ability to turn defenders to his already proficient layoff game, he has the potential to become a complete and highly sought-after Center Forward.