The LaLiga 2023-24 season will go down in the history of Girona FC. They had their best finish in the Spanish top division and will play in the UEFA Champions League next season. The credit goes to all players for such unbelievable performances and consistency throughout the season.
One player who played a huge role in Girona’s success was their Ukrainian forward, Artem Dovbyk. The 26-year-old forward ended the season as the highest goal scorer in the LaLiga. He was presented with the Pichichi Trophy ahead of the likes of Robert Lewandowski, Vinicius Junior and other star players in the Spanish league.
Dovbyk’s performances have caught the eye of many clubs in just his first season in Spain. He came from Ukraine and delivered straightaway. As teams look to strengthen their frontline, here is a look at what Dovbyk offers to the attack.
First season in Spain
Artem Dovbyk joined Girona from SC Dnipro-1 at the start of the 2023-24 season. He was a regular starter for his new side. The player featured in 36 league games. The above viz shows the percentile rank of the player in comparison to other forwards in Tier 1 of league football. It can be observed that Dovbyk was ranked highly for goal contributions as well as taking touches inside the opposition penalty box. He was also ranked highly for winning the aerial duels. This makes him an even more dangerous target man inside the opposition penalty box.
Girona’s front-man scored 24 goals, with seven coming from the penalty spot. He was reliable from the spot-kick and had a conversion rate of 83%. The shot map shows that Dovbyk managed to find the bottom corner on most occasions. Dovbyk ended the season with a high xG rate per shot. His positioning inside the box resulted in most goals. The player found space in and around the six-yard box.
This plot demonstrates the striker’s goal-scoring efficiency by comparing their expected goals to actual goals scored per 90 minutes. Artem was the best performer in the LaLiga in terms of xG and goals.
The above plot measures the striker’s shot-taking frequency and accuracy, key factors in a prolific goal scorer. Once again Dovbyk showed his class and was ranked among the best for attempting shots along with scoring goals.
This plot assesses the striker’s ability to challenge and win aerial duels, which is essential for hold-up play and scoring from headers. Dovbyk’s aerial duels winning ability was on the higher side. He contested a few duels but won most of these and that too in dangerous areas.
The 26-year-old forward ended the season with eight assists. His ability to hold up play and set up a teammate makes him a top-quality player. Most of these shot assists were short passes attempted from in and around the penalty box.
Artem Dovbyk is being chased by the likes of Atletico Madrid, Napoli, Roma and a couple of other clubs. He is nearing a move to these giant clubs.
Visuals via TFA data viz engine