Scout Reports

Scout Report – Chris Wood

Burnley broke their club transfer record for the fourth time in 12 months earlier this week by signing forward Chris Wood from Leeds United.

The New Zealand international arrives at Turf Moor for a reported fee of £15m, potentially rising to £17m.

Speaking to the local press, manager Sean Dyche conceded that the new boy is unlikely to walk into the first XI, despite the recent departure of Andre Gray to Watford:

“His first challenge is that he’s got to get into the team. I’ve been quite happy with the team, the way it’s operated in pre-season and at the beginning of the season, so that’s his first job. But we’re really happy to have Chris here. He’s someone I’ve liked for a while and someone I still think has more to come. I think at 25 he’s still got more development in him. I think he’s hungry to do that, and he wants to do it here. That’s a big positive for us.”

After stints on the fringes at West Brom and Leicester City, Wood is determined to finally prove himself at the top level:

“My ambition has been to play in the Premier League for years. I’ve had tastes of being in there, but I’ve never had the chance to give it a proper bash. Coming here I feel I’ve got a proper opportunity to do that. I’ve never started a Premier League game and this what I want to do. The manager has given me a lot of confidence and backed me to bring me here, which is what you want. I’ve got goals and dreams that I want to achieve, and it starts here.”

The History

After rising through the ranks at a couple of local clubs in New Zealand, Wood was snapped up by West Brom back in 2009.

Despite a starring role for the Baggies’ youth side, he failed to convince at The Hawthorns and played just 21 times in four seasons, scoring only once.

That lack of pitch-time was mainly down to a series of loan stints in the lower leagues at the likes of Barnsley, Brighton, Birmingham, Bristol City, Millwall and Leicester.

Acquired by the Foxes on a permanent deal in 2013, he served up 13 goals and nine assists in 48 Championship appearances over the next two seasons, helping them to promotion ahead of the 2014/15 campaign.

Yet again, though, Wood was unable to nail down a regular role. Afforded seven outings from the bench, he scored once and was farmed out on loan to Ipswich Town, where he failed to find the net in eight matches.

But a switch to Leeds in the summer of 2015 provided the platform to establish himself as a consistent supplier of goals.

The frontman netted 40 times and chipped in with eight assists in 80 Championship outings across the last two seasons, finishing last term as the division’s top scorer, courtesy of 27 strikes.

By comparison, fellow promoted strikers Dwight Gayle and Glenn Murray netted 23 goals for Newcastle and Brighton respectively, as did Tammy Abraham for Bristol City.

Wood also bagged a goal and assist over three matches this season before making the switch to Lancashire.

On the international stage, he made his debut for New Zealand back in 2009 and has since gone on to score 20 goals in 52 appearances.

The Prospects

Standing six foot three, Wood boasts the attributes that seem tailor-made for the Clarets’ lone forward role.

Physically imposing, his ability to hold the ball up, battle with defenders and win aerial duels led to comparisons with Chelsea’s Diego Costa last term.

And they also look like key ingredients for a side that were third worst for possession (39.3%) and bottom for possession in the final third (32.4%) last season.

Despite Gray’s departure, then, it seems that the new boy is far more similar in style to Sam Vokes and will challenge the Welshman for pitch time.

In terms of minutes per shot, Gray just edged Vokes by 34.2 to 36.1 in 2016/17, albeit in a lesser league.

He also held the advantage for minutes per key pass (100.8 to 128.4), though when it came to successful headers, a ratio of 37.6% was some way behind Vokes’ 50.1%.

Indeed, the latter’s total of 206 successful headers – second only to Crystal Palace’s Christian Benteke (318) – highlights Dyche’s preference for a target man up top.

Wood has a clear advantage for goal conversion, though, netting 25.5% of his efforts to Vokes’ 17.5%

Yet when you consider that Gray – with just 26 appearances in the first XI – started more league matches than any Burnley forward last season, Dyche’s penchant for rotation is a clear concern.

Certainly, Dyche’s comments on Wood suggest that he is looking to continue to alternate his options, seeking a “blend” in attack.

“It’s his [Wood’s] ability to score different types of goals. I think that’s always an effective weapon. He can score long strikes, headers, he can nick one, bundle one, that’s a good thing for a striker. He’s played up there a lot on his own and has done that well as well. I think he adds to the blend of strikers. I like our group of strikers here, and I’ve liked all of them since I’ve been here, they’ve all been effective in different ways.”

As it stands, Vokes certainly appears to be in the box seat. He’s started seven of the Clarets’ last eight league matches, scoring seven times, which includes a Gameweek 1 brace away to Chelsea.

That form suggests Wood will be eased into contention, with minutes from the bench more likely in the initial stages. He is named among the substitutes in tonight’s Carabao Cup tie with Blackburn Rovers.

Recently added to Fantasy Premier League, he’s marginally more expensive that Vokes in that offering (6.5 to 6.0) and the Sky Sports game (9.4 to 9.0).

Trips to Spurs, Everton, Liverpool and Man City between now and Gameweek 10 will dampen any enthusiasm, but that Gameweek 1 win at Chelsea, allied with a very promising home schedule, could yet force a reassessment.

Dyche’s men – who won 10 of their 19 matches at Turf Moor in 2016/17 – have seven strong matches (CRY HUD WHU NEW SWA WAT STK) in front of their own fans between now and Gameweek 17.

Yet having scored just 39 times last term – a total better than only the three relegated sides – Burnley will need to up their output before we can seriously consider the likes of Wood, or even midfielder Robbie Brady, as a possible value pick.

Further Reference

Chris Wood Wikipedia

Chris Wood TransferMarkt Page

Chris Wood 2016/17

Paul Is certain he won't make the same mistakes next season. Follow them on Twitter

1,770 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Malkmus
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Jones or maguire ? Ta

    1. F4L
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      id actually got Maguire

    2. MFPL
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Jones

    3. Sonny “The Hitman&rdq…
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Maguire has no champions league rotation worries and is not as injury prone... so Mags

      1. Sonny “The Hitman&rdq…
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        And I have Jones and not Mags

        1. Sonny “The Hitman&rdq…
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 7 months ago

          Unless you are wildcarding soon... then Jones

          1. Malkmus
            • 12 Years
            6 years, 7 months ago

            Cheers all

    4. insertcomedyname
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Maguire's fixtures simply aren't kind enough at present.

  2. MFPL
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Should I take a -4 hit to get D.Silva and Pogba for KDB and Ince?
    Rest of my team is:
    De Gea (Elliot)
    Danilo Dawson Stephens (Lowe Long)
    Salah Atsu (Carroll)
    Kane Lukaku Gabbiadini

    1. Balls of Steel
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      I wouldn't take the hit

  3. Dynamic Duos
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Is anybody playing there Alonsocard? Sorry I mean wildcard.

    1. F4L
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      I thought it was Pogmkhicard

    2. FDMS All Starz
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Got a FT and 2.5itb, no need for a alonsocard when I can use a FT

    3. Sonny “The Hitman&rdq…
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      ErikpogbaMkhyKaneKaku card

  4. TheTinman
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Crisis at St James Park

    1. thepeen555
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      why?

    2. Business Cat
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Pie shortage?

  5. Captain Blanks
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    How did the Pool front 3 look tonight? Anyone stand out?

    1. FDMS All Starz
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Mane & Salah will score a few goals this season

      1. Ode
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Salah? I didn't watch the second half but he wasn't really impressive in the first one

    2. F4L
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      electric as always

    3. Sonny “The Hitman&rdq…
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      awesome and fast pace action... best attacking line to watch in PL... and I am not a Pool fan as you can see by my Grav

  6. SomeoneKnows
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Given Hegazi's current form, do you think he is nailed for the next few games? Or will McAuley take his place when he returns next week?

    1. CloudSky
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Probably his place to lose.

      1. SomeoneKnows
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        So all the people transferring him in are doing it for no reason?

    2. Balls of Steel
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Think Pulis will stick with Hegazi even with a fit McAuley

  7. CloudSky
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    https://twitter.com/realmadriden/status/900468946461175808

    Another beauty by Ronnie.

    1. F4L
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      do you think Asensio has the potential to hit the heights of Ronaldo/Messi?

      1. CloudSky
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Depends. Do we get Bale out as soon as possible and get kid the minutes? Then deffo. Same with Isco. Both have the talent to eventually climb up to them. Marco might even surpass them but will probably never be as recognized because he wont be the same type of a machine goalscorer as both of them are.

        1. F4L
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 7 months ago

          cheers for the reply. Whatever happens, seems that the future of Real seems bright

          1. CloudSky
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 7 months ago

            That it is 🙂

  8. SAKA AND EMILE SMITH ROWE
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Currently on WC so not taking a hit but which option is better:

    A) Pogba Atsu Trippier
    B) Antonio Tadic Davies

    1. F4L
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      neither

      1. SAKA AND EMILE SMITH ROWE
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Thanks anyone else?

        1. F4L
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 7 months ago

          just feel like both options seem weak and have their problems ; B edges it for me

          1. SAKA AND EMILE SMITH ROWE
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 7 months ago

            Okay cheers, how would you fill in these positions? With 19.6m

            Foster Elliott
            ____ Jones Cedric Mee Mbemba
            Eriksen Mane ____ ____ RLC
            Lukaku Aguero Chicharito

            1. F4L
              • 9 Years
              6 years, 7 months ago

              Alonso Richarlison Jese?

              1. SAKA AND EMILE SMITH ROWE
                • 7 Years
                6 years, 7 months ago

                I considered both Richarlison and Jese, I just don't think their Fixtures are as nice as Southamptons and West Ham, nor Alonso's compared to Davies, cheers though for the advice

                1. OLB
                  • 8 Years
                  6 years, 7 months ago

                  Trippier, Pogba, Richarlison

                  1. SAKA AND EMILE SMITH ROWE
                    • 7 Years
                    6 years, 7 months ago

                    You not think Trippier is a rotation risk with Aurier coming in?

  9. Vinyl78LP
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Did early transfers this week KDB&Francis > Eriksen/Holebas

    Just found out Holebas got his marching orders last night - #doh

    1. F4L
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      burn. Early transfers always have their caveats

    2. G-Whizz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Every cloud... At least you made £0.1m on Eriksen 🙂

  10. Smudger’s Dirty Dozen
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Thoughts?

    Foster Elliot
    Hunemier, Mee, Bert, walker, Daniels
    Willian, KDB, Phillips, Carroll, milivojevic
    Firming, Kane, Kaku

    2ft...
    A Alonso and Hegazi IN Daniels and Walker OUT
    B Hegazi and Richarlison IN Daniels and Milivojevic OUT

    1. Klopptomist Scott Jelly
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Probs A if you can afford it

  11. Tiamani Warrior
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Alli vrs mane?

    1. F4L
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Dele

    2. SAKA AND EMILE SMITH ROWE
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Mane, if you have any other Spurs players, I've got Eriksen so went for Mane

    3. Sailboats
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Alli

  12. FirminoIsBetterThanYou
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Is there a vital City attacking option, is so, who?

    1. Sailboats
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      kun

  13. Whazza
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Chicha+Salah or Firmino+Antonio?

    1. Sailboats
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Very close, but Firm + Antonio for me

    2. F4L
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      first one for me

    3. FirminoIsBetterThanYou
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Chich+Salah for me, not convinced on Antonio, when he's fit however Firmino+Lanzini may be good.

  14. Jimbo-Jones
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    In draft, would you take out Vokes for any of the below?

    Gray
    Sturridge
    Welbeck
    Rondon
    Gayle

    Could probably even just do it for Gray this week (Brighton at home) and try to change back afterwards...

  15. F4L
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Martial Martial please start starting. Electric player to watch

    1. Klopptomist Scott Jelly
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      That would be great, good value too

  16. Punter
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Sorry but another WC to run past you:

    Foster
    Blind - Cedric - Tripp
    Pogba - Mane - Eriksen - RLC/Carroll
    Lukaku - Kane(c) - Chica

    Elliot - Lowe - RLC/Carroll - Mbemba

    0.1 left to go Tripp > a 5.5 if rotation is truly an issue

    1. insertcomedyname
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      I'd worry about the number of starters you might have in defence on a given gameweek.

  17. Viper
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    WC team. And yes, I'm pretty sorry right now that I've played it but what can ya do..

    Foster Elliot

    Jones Hegazi Alonso Mee Mbemba

    Eriksen Mhki Ramsey Richarlison Carroll

    Lukaku Kane Chicarito

  18. FirminoIsBetterThanYou
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Would you rather double up on Spurs attack Kane+Eriksen or Kane+De Bruyne?

    1. Viper
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Kane & Eriksen for the next few. Eriksen has looked really good so far

      1. G-Whizz
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Done exactly this... KDB hasn't warranted the £10m fee imo and that's too much for me to tie up on one deep playing midfield player with potential to score big...

  19. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    There seems to be a few unanswered questions on page 4, page 9 and page 12. Perhaps we as a community could go back there and answer some of them, which may slow down the speed of the upcoming pages.

  20. New Post
  21. GinjaWhinja
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Think there's enough time for Mkhi mouse to rise again this week?

    1. GinjaWhinja
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      good good good...

  22. Wonderful Wizard Hazard
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    I want to get Eriksen and Mkhitaryan, but I can only get in one for free. In order to bring in both this week, I have to take 2 hits.

    Foster Elliot
    Kola Stones Bert Ake Suttner
    KDB Mane Ramsey JWP TC
    Kane Lukaku Quaner

    A) KDB/Ramsey/Kola -> Eriksen/Mkhitaryan/Hegazi for -8
    B) KDB -> Eriksen for free

  23. @FPL_Chess
      6 years, 7 months ago

      FPL Chess - mini-League code 7741-3334 : 700 players. Everyone Welcome.

      https://fantasy.premierleague.com/?autojoin-code=7741-3334