Broadhead Basics

Having seen Nathan Broadhead’s name in the squad list for the huge upcoming World Cup playoff final, I wanted to know more about the striker from Bangor. I got in touch with the good people at the Roker Report, the famous fanzine covering Sunderland, to see what they think of the Everton loanee. 

My first question was, what type of attacker is he? Out and out striker or a more varied “modern” forward? They complemented his variety firstly. 

“Broadhead can clearly play across the front line, he’s comfortable cutting in from the left or playing in a No.10 – he’s not a classic target man but he’s got the potential to be a modern No.9 playing either on the shoulder of the last defender or between the lines. 

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In terms of whether he’s an “out and out goalscorer” I think his goalscoring record gives a clear answer. The lad is hungry for goals and has had no issue finding the back of the net, often at crucial moments. He didn’t come to the club as a six yard box poacher, he’s an intelligent and cultured forward whose Premier League pedigree is abundantly clear.” Very positive words!

Based on that response I wondered how far up the leagues he can play. They seemed very positive of his prospects, if even surprised this call up hasn’t come sooner!

“If he can stay fit, he can play as high up the leagues as he likes. Honestly, he’s be a cut above in the Championship let alone League 1. The only thing holding him back is those hamstrings. 

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I can’t quite believe that Wales have not called him up sooner, to be honest. He’s hardly been given an opportunity on the past, and he’ll improve the squad no doubt at all. He’s no kid – 24 years old and I know he’s come to Sunderland in order to prove a point that if he gets game time he will score and create.”

Interestingly, Rob Page commented on Broadhead’s pace and ability to get in behind in his press conference today, but I wondered what else Nathan was bringing which made him stand out. 

“His best attribute is his footballing intelligence combined with his talents on the ball. He’s got great awareness of what’s going on around him, how to trick defenders with a drop of the shoulder or a half step off the back of a defender.” He does sound like the type of player Wales have needed for a while now. Someone who can maximise the other attacking threats we have, and play further forward than the many 8’s or 10’s we have at the moment. 

My final question was just how important has Broadhead been for Sunderland, especially with their playoff final around the corner. They couldn’t have been more complimentary…

“His impact was immediate. No other player in many years has come into the side and immediately had everyone going “wow”… this lad is something else. Despite his injuries, he’s picked up the goalscoring baton from Stewart at crucial moments. If he’s fully fit, he’s an automatic starter. If he’s half fit, he’s a shoe in for the last ten mins if we need a goal. We truly have a gem and we just hope we get promoted so we can keep him.”

Ten goals in twenty games is a decent return for someone still learning in the game and he seems more than capable of playing in the Championship next season.

Whilst I don’t think he will start, or even get some game time in the playoff, I fully expect Broadhead to play and get some experience in the senior team. Hopefully, the start of a fruitful period in his career, especially in Welsh red. 

Dai

Big thanks for the lads at Big thanks for the lads at Roker Report for this. You can find them on on twitter (@RokerReport) and on their website here: https://rokerreport.sbnation.com/