Two of the league’s most damaging attackers go head to head on Friday night when Melbourne City face Sydney FC at Allianz Stadium. We look at the numbers between Ross McCormack and Bobo.
Both McCormack and Bobo have played fundamental roles in the success of their respective teams this season.
The two attackers may have varying styles when it comes to certain elements of their game, but there is one thing bar their position that they do have in common – that they both know how to find the back of the net.
McCormack currently leads the Golden Boot race with seven goals in nine appearances, equal to Roy O’Donovan and Andrija Kaluderovic.
Bobo is one goal behind, sitting on six goals in 10 appearances so far this season.
‘Ross the boss’ has earned his nickname through his lethal ability to punish teams from the dead ball. Of his seven goals, McCormack has netted three penalties and three free-kicks – registering his first goal from open play in City’s 1-0 win over the Mariners last Sunday.
Of Bobo’s six goals, two have been from the penalty spot.
McCormack is more of a power athlete compared to his Brazilian counterpart, his game relies heavily on his ability to transfer his brute strength into every strike he fires towards goal.
The Scotsman has that innate ability to read play and performs a vital role as the go-to-target up front for City.
So far this season, McCormack has registered 17 shots on target with a shooting accuracy of 68%. In comparison, Bobo has had 13 shots on target with a shooting accuracy of 52%.
Bobo conveys that unique Brazilian flare in his football. His football nous paired with his fine skill-set makes it difficult for defenders to read his play.
Bobo’s creativity combined with the understanding he has formed with his teammates, including players of Milos Ninkovic and Adrian Mierzejewski’s class, may be reflective of his ability to register three assists this season.
In saying that, both players have executed eight key-passes each this season including assists – outlining their ability to not only score goals but to create opportunities for their teammates.
Similarly, Bobo has completed eight successful dribbles this season which is only one ahead of McCormack’s seven.
Bobo’s ability to cover the ground may be reflective of his defensive numbers, the Brazilian leads McCormack for tackles won (5-1) and clearances made (14-5).
It may be an individual master-class or just a moment of brilliance, but there is no doubt that one of these attackers could prove to be the difference between the teams come Friday night.
City take on the Sky Blues at Allianz Stadium on Friday, kick-off 7:50pm before returning home to AAMI Park for the Melbourne Derby on Saturday 23 December, kick-off 7.50pm.
