Could Ricardo Pepi or Daryl Dike become the USMNT centre-forward of the future?
Looking at player profiles and season-long heatmaps for Ricardo Pepi and Daryl Dike, two forwards of similiar build and age vying for the #9 role with the USMNT. They seem to offer two completely different skillsets, with and without the ball.
From looking at Pepi’s heatmap, he offers more in transitional space and defense, whilst being rather clinical with his few finishes. Pepi’s assist output is a byproduct of this thriving game in the middle to final third of the pitch.
Dike spends most of his time directly in the box, tracking back only on the wings and into a few central spaces. A product of spending more time directly in the box gives Dike a staggering advantage in shots, non-penalty xG, and goals.