Antony Matheus dos Santos, better known simply as Antony, is a Brazilian winger electrifying the world of football with his dazzling skills and audacious flair. His journey, however, is far from the typical path to superstardom. This article delves into the intriguing story of Antony’s rise, analyzing his stats, playing style, and potential for the future.
From São Paulo’s Streets to European Spotlight
Born in Osasco, Brazil, in 2000, Antony’s footballing story began on the streets, honing his skills on makeshift pitches. His raw talent was undeniable, and at the age of nine, he caught the eye of São Paulo FC scouts. He rose through the ranks of the prestigious academy, showcasing his natural ability and unwavering dedication.
Antony’s professional debut for São Paulo came in 2018, and he quickly established himself as a fan favorite. His pace, agility, and mesmerizing dribbling skills were a constant threat to opposing defenses. He wasn’t just about tricks though; his vision and ability to pick out a killer pass made him a valuable creative force.
Stats from his São Paulo days paint a picture of a budding star. In 50 appearances across all competitions, he netted 6 goals and provided 6 assists. While these numbers might not seem staggering, they don’t fully capture the impact he had on the game. His ability to create space and disrupt defenses was invaluable for his team.
Blossoming in Ajax: Stats Reveal a Goal-Scoring Threat
In 2020, Antony made a significant move to Dutch giants Ajax. Here, under the tutelage of Erik ten Hag, his attacking prowess truly flourished. Ten Hag, known for his emphasis on attacking football, provided the perfect environment for Antony to thrive.
Stats from his time at Ajax showcase a remarkable transformation. In his first season, he racked up 9 goals and 8 assists in 33 appearances. The following season, under Ten Hag’s continued guidance, his numbers soared further. He notched an impressive 12 goals and 10 assists in 32 appearances across all competitions.
These stats reveal a crucial development in Antony’s game – his goal scoring threat. While his dribbling and playmaking remained top-notch, he started converting more chances himself, becoming a more well-rounded attacker.
Beyond the Numbers: Analyzing Antony’s Playing Style
Statistics offer valuable insights, but to truly understand Antony’s impact, we need to delve into his playing style. Here’s a breakdown of his key strengths:
- Dribbling Wizard: Antony’s dribbling is a sight to behold. His quick feet, close control, and ability to change direction in a flash leave defenders bewildered. He utilizes a variety of skills, including stepovers, feints, and sharp changes of pace to find pockets of space.
- Creative Spark: Antony isn’t just about individual brilliance; he’s a creative force with a keen eye for a pass. He can thread through defenses with pinpoint accuracy, creating goal scoring opportunities for his teammates.
- Right-Footed Threat: Primarily playing on the right wing, Antony utilizes his powerful right foot to unleash dangerous shots from distance. He also possesses a wicked crossing ability, whipping in inviting balls for attackers in the box.
- Direct and Energetic: Antony plays with a high level of energy and directness. He’s not afraid to take on defenders and constantly seeks to break through the opposition lines. This relentless attacking style can be a nightmare for defenders to handle.
Areas for Development:
While Antony’s talent is undeniable, there’s always room for improvement. Here are some areas where he can further refine his skills:
- Decision-Making in Final Third: Antony’s final decision-making can sometimes be erratic. He might choose a risky dribble or an ambitious pass when a simpler option might be more effective. Refining his decision-making in the final third can significantly enhance his overall impact.
- Defensive Contribution: While not known for his defensive prowess, contributing more defensively could solidify his place in top teams. Improving his positional awareness and work rate off the ball would make him a more complete player.
A New Chapter at Manchester United: Stats Can’t Tell the Whole Story
In the summer of 2022, Antony made a record-breaking transfer to Manchester United, reuniting with his former manager Erik ten Hag. While he’s still settling into the Premier League, his talent is undeniable.
Looking solely at stats in his first season (5 goals and 3 assists in 35 appearances) might not paint the whole picture.
FAQ’s
Q: What are Antony’s overall career stats?
A: As of October 27, 2024 (Disclaimer: Stats may change depending on the date you access this information):
- Club Career:
- Matches Played (MP): 192
- Goals Scored (G): 42
- Assists (A): 38
- International Career:
- Matches Played (MP): 15
- Goals Scored (G): 3
- Assists (A): 2
Q: Where can I find more detailed Antony stats?
A: Numerous websites offer in-depth statistics on Antony. Here are a few popular options:
- Transfermarkt: provides a comprehensive breakdown of Antony’s career stats, including appearances, goals, assists, and disciplinary records across various competitions.
- FBref: offers advanced metrics beyond goals and assists, delving into areas like expected goals (xG), shot creation, and dribbling success rate.
- WhoScored: provides a visual representation of Antony’s stats alongside player ratings and match reports.
Q: Looking at YouTube videos, commentators mention “dribbling” a lot. How good is Antony at it?
A: Antony is renowned for his dribbling skills. Stats back this up. On FBref, his “Dribbles per 90” metric consistently ranks high, indicating his ability to take on defenders and create scoring opportunities. YouTube compilations showcase his agility, close control, and ability to weave past opponents.
Q: Is Antony a goalscorer or a playmaker?
A: Antony possesses qualities of both. While his goalscoring numbers might not be staggering, his finishing ability is improving. He also excels at creating chances for teammates through his dribbling and crossing.
Q: Some YouTube comments discuss his “weak foot.” What does that mean?
A: A player’s “weak foot” refers to their less dominant foot. While Antony is naturally right-footed, his ability to use his left foot effectively makes him a more unpredictable and dangerous attacker.
Q: How do Antony’s stats compare to other wingers?
A: Websites like WhoScored allow you to compare Antony’s stats with other wingers in the Premier League or across Europe. This can provide context on his performance relative to his peers.
Q: I saw a YouTube video comparing Antony to past Manchester United wingers. How does he stack up?
A: Comparisons to legendary wingers like Ryan Giggs or Cristiano Ronaldo can be flattering but also premature. While Antony shows potential, he still has a long way to go to match the achievements of those icons. However, his stats and playing style suggest he can become a valuable asset for Manchester United.
Q: What are some of Antony’s strengths reflected in his stats?
A: Looking beyond goals and assists, here are some key areas where Antony excels:
- Shot creation: Stats like “key passes per 90” indicate his ability to create high-quality chances for teammates.
- Crossing: Antony delivers accurate crosses into the box, posing a threat to opposing defenses.
- Drawing fouls: His dribbling prowess often leads to fouls won in dangerous positions, creating set-piece opportunities.
Q: Are there any weaknesses Antony needs to improve on based on his stats?
A: While his dribbling is a strength, sometimes it can lead to unnecessary risk-taking and ball loss. Additionally, his finishing efficiency can be improved, as evidenced by the discrepancy between shots taken and goals scored.
Q: YouTube analysts mentioned his “work rate” and “defensive contribution.” How does that translate into stats?
A: Modern wingers are expected to contribute defensively as well. Metrics like “tackles won” or “interceptions” might not be outstanding for Antony, but his work rate off the ball is improving.
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