In a revealing analysis of European football's most wasteful players this season, a curious pattern has emerged among those who frequently attempt shots but have yet to find the back of the net. The phenomenon spans across positions, from ambitious defenders to struggling forwards in Europe's top five leagues.
During Everton's recent 3-2 victory over Tottenham Hotspur, an interesting moment occurred when the crowd urged left-back Vitalii Mykolenko to shoot. The irony wasn't lost on keen observers, as Mykolenko has attempted 11 shots this season without managing to get any on target. However, he's far from being the most prolific shooter without a goal to his name.
Among the notable cases is Arthur Theate of Eintracht Frankfurt, who has accumulated 22 shots without success. The versatile defender, who alternates between left-back and centre-back positions, displays a distinctive shooting pattern that reflects his dual role. While he makes intelligent near-post runs for headers from set-pieces - once coming close by hitting the post - he's also known for his ambitious long-range efforts from inside-left positions, which often miss the mark spectacularly.
Perhaps more surprising is the case of Eddie Nketiah at Crystal Palace, who has taken 23 shots without scoring in the league. The former Arsenal striker, known for his penalty-box prowess, has found himself operating primarily from an inside-right position in Oliver Glasner's 3-4-2-1 formation. While his link-up play and pressing have drawn praise, the adjustment has seemingly affected his scoring touch. Notably, Nketiah hasn't managed a single shot from within the six-yard box this season, though he did find the net twice in Carabao Cup matches, including one against his former club Arsenal.
The data suggests that positional changes and tactical adjustments can significantly impact a player's shooting efficiency, even for those with proven goalscoring records. As teams continue to evolve their playing styles, these statistics offer a fascinating glimpse into the challenges players face when adapting to new roles and systems.
