Antonio Colak has slotted seamlessly for Rangers since signing a three-year deal last summer. Having represented various teams across the top divisions of German, Polish, Croatian, Greek, and Swedish football, the 29-year-old forward is relishing his first season in the Scottish Premiership. He has taken up the role of leading the Rangers’ attack and is also the joint top scorer for the club in the current league campaign. The Gers are amidst a transitional period under manager Michael Beale, with speculation about several players departing at the end of the season, including star striker Alfredo Morelos, as Celtic looks set to secure a second consecutive title. However, Antonio Colak’s performances have helped Rangers retain the second spot and remain within touching distance of the fierce rivals. Below are some stats from the current season depicting his contributions to the team.
Antonio Colak has played 22 matches in the Scottish Premiership this season, starting 18 times. He has scored 13 goals thus far and has also provided one assist. The above viz shows the percentile rank of the player’s stats in comparison to other centre-forwards. Colak’s attacking prowess is highlighted by his high rank for indicators like expected goal contribution, shots, and penalty area touches. His ability to hold on to the ball and find accurate passes has also been impressive. The forward doesn’t have to do much in defence but can win a few aerial duels.
Impressive attacking displays
Antonio Colak has been a key player for Rangers with his 13 goals in the Scottish Premiership. The striker has scored all goals from inside the penalty area, with a few coming from in and around the six-yard box. Colak has shown his strong finishing in front of the goal. He has taken 63 shots in total, including a few from a distance. Currently, he averages 3.88 shots per match with 44.4% accuracy and has accumulated an xG tally of 11.22.
Antonio Colak is a number nine who serves the purpose of the target man for his team. He has taken 100 touches inside the penalty box, averaging 6.16 touches per 90 minutes. While in the final third, he occupies the half spaces between the opposition lines and tends to drift wide at times, more towards the right flank.
What else does the Croat offer?
In addition to scoring goals, the 29-year-old drops into midfield to link up the play. His ability to hold on to the ball and play accurate short passes helps the team progress forward. Colak also likes to do layoffs and has provided one assist thus far. Overall, the player averages 16.87 passes per match with an accuracy rate of 74.5%. The viz above indicates that Colak likes to distribute the ball to his wide players and midfielders. More of his passes have been attempted to the right side.
As seen from the above visuals, Antonio Colak likes to drift towards the right side of the field. He has done the same while penetrating the opposition’s penalty box. The striker has made 26 box penetration carries, with most of them coming from the right side.
Another way Antonio Colak contributes to the team is by recovering the ball in the opposition’s half. The striker has recovered the ball 27 times, and 18 have been in the attacking half. The viz above shows that four of these recoveries made in and around the penalty box have resulted in shots.
A worthy replacement for Morelos?
Alfredo Morelos has been Rangers’ star player over the past few seasons, but with his contract expiring in the summer, he has seen less game time this season. Yet, Morelos has scored nine times and added five assists despite being the second-choice for most of the campaign. The above viz shows the comparison between the two players according to their percentile rank. Both players have similar ranks, with Morelos edging past Colak in most of the attacking and passing stats. Colak has a better record in contesting aerial duels, and he is very close to Morelos in terms of shots, xG, penalty area touches, and received passes. Overall, these two players have a similar record, and that makes the 29-year-old a worthy replacement.
Antonio Colak has become an important player for Rangers since joining last summer. His experience has proven key in leading the team’s front line, and his goals have helped the team consolidate second place. With a spot in the qualifying rounds of next season’s Champions League almost guaranteed, manager Michael Beale will be keen to end the current campaign strongly with Antonio Colak in the team.
Visuals via TFA data viz engine
