Last night myself and the team over at Notts Stats (@notts_stats) released our first big report of the season, covering all of the sides first quarter, and how they fared. We also included a team of the season so far, and if you haven’t I strongly encourage you to go and check it out. During the selection process several quality players missed out, and so I thought it would be interesting to make a side up of players that have also had great starts to the season, but didn’t quite make it for one reason or another. I also decided to make matters even harder for myself by limiting the choices to one player per club; this meant I couldn’t simply fill the side up with Notts and Wrexham players who didn’t make the cut. So without further adieu, here is my ‘Alternative Team of the Season So Far’.
Goalkeeper – Sam Howes – Wealdstone
24 year old keeper Sam Howes has acquitted himself excellently so far this season, and was one of 4 main candidates for best keeper so far. His save percentage of 79.63% is the 3rd best in the league, and he has also prevented 4.67 goals, more than any other keeper. His performances in net have certainly helped Wealdstone achieve the brilliant start that they have, and his effect is noticeable in keeping games tight; in fact every single Wealdstone game has been decided by just the one goal or been a draw, testament to his ability as a keeper in keeping them in so many games. Howes is a young keeper too so is always improving, and he certainly deserves a place in this team.
Right Centre Back – Toby Mullarkey – Altrincham
A defender I have been very complimentary of in the past, Altrincham’s Toby Mullarkey gets into most sides in this league, and Chesterfield’s decision not to spend the big money on him in the summer may prove to be their biggest mistake of the season. Mullarkey wins 67.69% of his defensive duels, and is also involved in 7.77 successful defensive actions per 90, both of which are impressive numbers for a side who up until recently have been languishing in the relegation zone. Mullarkey is also key to his sides build up, and his quality on the ball is clear for all to see. He plays 8.38 progressive passes per 90, and the young defender certainly has a bright future ahead of him. A crucial part of Altrincham’s defence, Mullarkey would also be at the heart of this side.
Central Centre Back – Kacper Lopata – Southend
This man would have been in the main side had he played more minutes, such are the immense quality of his performances. Lopata signed from Championship Sheffield United this season, and the Polish U21 International is more than impressing in his second stint at Roots Hall. Lopata is involved in 9.31 successful defensive actions per 90, and lso wins a decent 65.52% of his defensive duels, but most impressive is the impact he has had upon Southend and their results. Since his arrival Southend are unbeaten, have kept 3 clean sheets in 5 and only conceded 2 goals in those 5 games. It’s a staggering impact, and just highlights the quality Lopata has. He also plays in the centre of a back 3, so fits into this system perfectly.
Left Centre Back – Maxim Kouogun – York City
Another player I’ve shown admiration of in the past, Irish defender Kouogun is an integral part of a York defence which has only conceded 12 goals in 14 games. The 25 year old defender has won 74.74% of his defensive duels, a huge amount, and he’s also involved in a massive 10.72 successful defensive actions per 90, showing how impressive he has been in the defensive third. An all action defender, Kouougun has a brilliant reading of the game, and whilst he isn’t the tallest defender he is still a threat going forward, something evidenced by his goal against Maidenhead, which was a winner. A top performer and one who also has experience playing in a back 3, Kouogun is one of the best defenders in the league.
Right Wing Back – Anthony Forde – Wrexham
Certainly a wing back in the conversation for being the best in his position, Forde may have been hard done by by not being included in the original side, but believe me when I say it really was the closest call in the whole team. The National League is blessed to see so many fantastic right backs, a role that has really developed over the last 5 years or so, and Forde is one of the finest at what he does. Forde plays 4.06 crosses per 90, 16th in the league and 7th for all wing backs. Forde is also involved in 6.22 successful defensive actions per 90 and whilst his defensive duel success rate is just 53.62%, this is mainly down to the system in which he plays. The fact remains that Forde is one of the finest wing backs in the league, especially going forward, and he will compliment this side with his relentless running, and his creative skills from right back are fantastic; he plays 0.86 key passes per 90, the 4th highest in the whole league, an unbelievable amount.
Left Wing Back – Adam Chicksen – Notts County
This man was so close to making the original XI that I had written a whole section on him before changing my mind and going for Mendy. Chicksen is involved in 5.09 successful defensive actions per 90, and he has looked as reliable and hard working as ever this season. However it is the Zimbabwean’s improvement in terms of attacking output that has been so impressive this season. He’s more than doubled the amount of crosses he makes per 90, 1.79 to 3.94, and he’s also already scored 3 goals this season; before 22/23 Chicksen had scored 4 league goals in the entirety of his career, so this improved output is just astounding. A wing back that gets up and down with equal effect, Adam Chicksen is certainly one of the best left backs in the league and is also a contender for most improved player too.
Central Midfield – Rohan Ince – Woking
A 6ft3 behemoth in central midifeld, Rohan Ince is much more than your typical midfield enforcer. He carries energy, good pressing and a sublime range of passing, meaning he is one of the most well rounded midfielders in the league. Ince’s performance levels have potentially even raised so far this season, and he’s been a key part of Woking’s playoff ambitions thus far. Ince records a very impressive 10.17 successful defensive actions per 90, wins 65.56% of his defensive duels and also wins 62.5% of his aerial duels.These are all really impressive numbers, especially when you consider he is a midfielder who plays in a side who like to push high, and therefore is involved in a lot of midfield battles. Ince is crucial in breaking up the play, but also he is quality in possession too. He plays a massive 38% of his passes forwards, showing his attacking intent, and he is likely to continue to show his quality as Woking push for a playoff spot this season.
Central Midfield – Greg Olley – Gateshead
This one is certainly not a surprise, as Olley played a key role in Gateshead’s title winning side, and he was always likely to show his ability this season. Despite the fact Gateshead now go into the majority of games as the underdog, Olley still plays with freedom and flair, and his creative skills have been on display just as prominently as ever. Olley plays 1.38 deep completions per 90, 19th in the league, and one smart pass per 90, 5th most in the league. Clearly he is supremely creative, despite not having Langstaff and Scott to aim at this season. The defensive side of Olley’s game is often overlooked, but he’s won 66.67% of his defensive duels this season, a very high number for a man tasked with being his sides chief creator.
Attacking Midfield – Zak Brunt – Boreham Wood
Some may have questioned if Brunt would fit the Wood’s system, but to say he has settled and done well would be an understatement. Brunt has been a key player for Garrard’s side this season, tasked with creating and given a slightly more free role than he was at Notts. Brunt plays 1.06 smart passes per 90, 4th highest in the league, and Brunt is also the 3rd most accurate with these passes. He also provides 2.06 shot assists per 90, 5th most in the league, showing how crucial he is to the way in which Boreham Wood attack. Another player who’s defensive side of the game is somewhat underrated, Brunt is involved in 7.56 successful defensive actions per game, a very impressive figure for a player whose primary aim is to attack.
Striker – Alex Reid – Solihull Moors
Perhaps the player of Solihull’s amazing front 4 that gets the least attention, but Alex Reid actually has the second best goal ratio in the league behind Macaulay Langstaff. The 6ft4 striker has 1.08 goals per 90, a simply brilliant record, and one which has fired Solihull into the playoffs. His late winner against Scunthorpe completed a 4-3 comeback, and the man who is on loan from Stockport looks absolutely unplayable on his day. He also bagged an impressive hattrick against Altrincham, so you certainly cannot complain about the big man’s output.
Striker – Nicke Kabamba – Barnet
The strike force is incredibly tall, but it’s also incredibly effective, and the league’s 4th top scorer is a testament to that. Kabamba is having an unbelievable season, especially considering he only scored 3 in the entirety of last season. What’s even more remarkable is that Kabamba has managed to hit this rally with just 37.5% of his shots on target. At 6ft3 he’s a constant threat in the air, as shown by his 3 headed goals, 2nd most in the league, and he’s also shown class too, a deft chip a highlight real goal from the Bees forward. A striker who should certainly be looking at 20+ goals this season, Kabamba has been a nice surprise in the National League.
Substitute – Zico Asare – Maidenhead United
21 year old defender Zico Asare was the perfect player to fit into Alan Devonshire’s side. A quick, powerful defender, Asare has looked solid at the back and has been a crucial part of Maidenhead’s good start to the season. Asare is involved in 9.02 successful defensive actions per 90, and is versatile enough to fill in at right centre back, despite being just 5ft9, and he’s certainly been an important part of a Maidenhead defence which has looked really impressive at times.
Substitute – Nikola Tavares – Dagenham
A player chosen here partially for his versatility, Tavares has been playing in defensive midfield for the Daggers, but also showed his class at both centre back and right wing back during his time at Wealdstone. Tavares has the 2nd highest pass completion rate in the league, 91.41%, and he is a silky operator in midfield, cycling possession with accuracy at the base of the midfield 3. Tavares is also great at breaking up play, winning 65.63% of his defensive duels and is also involved in 9.59 successful defensive actions per 90. Clearly Tavares is more than capable defensively, and he has been one of the more consistent performers in a frankly crazy Dagenham side.
Substitute – Rob Apter – Scunthorpe United
I feel like a small paragraph cannot do justice the impact 19 year old loanee Rob Apter has had on Scunthorpe. Whilst all eyes were on the managerial change, Apter’s arrival was just as instrumental in turning Scunthorpe’s season around. He is such a threatening player, and he actually adds an element of danger to the Irons attack, something they previously lacked. Apter has 6 goal contributions in 8 games, a massive amount for a side who are sitting second from bottom. A player who plays with such freedom and intensity, Apter also plays 0.72 key passes per 90, 13th highest in the league, and I truly believe the sky is the limit for this young man.
Substitute – Roarie Deacon – Maidstone
A player who doesn’t really fit the system we’ve chosen but one who certainly would be a great option of the bench, Maidstone’s Deacon is one of the best wingers in the league, an exhilarating player to watch when he’s at his best. He’s been brilliant for a side who have really struggled so far this season, and his attacking output has still been high despite their results slipping of late. He provides 1.95 shot assists per 90, 7th highest in the league, and he also has 5 assists to his name, 3rd most in the league. A supreme talent, he definitely merits a place in this alternative side.
Substitute – Adam Marriott – Bromley
A striker who was prolific for a struggling Barnet side last season, Bromley’s Marriott has exploded into form of late, and has 6 goals to his name despite playing just 591 minutes and has only taken 17 shots. More impressive is the fact that he has the highest shot accuracy of any player who’s had over 10 shots. The figure is actually mind blowing; 76.47% of Adam Marriott’s shots are on target. Baring in mind Erling Haaland only has a shot accuracy of 56.76% you really see how impressive Marriott’s shooting is. He’s about as close to a pure finisher as you’ll get at this level.
I’d love to hear your guys teams in the comments. A special mention must go to Aldershot’s Frank Vincent and Chesterfield’s Ollie Banks who were seriously considered, but miss out due to limited central midfield spaces.
xN: Expected Nonsense 