Estimated market value (beta)
Overview
Weighted average of attribute scores for this role, position-adjusted. Standout attributes count more than weaknesses.
Attributes (grouped)
Mobility
Not explosive off the mark, relies more on timing than pure burst. (conf 0.65)
Modest straight-line pace for a modern Premier League forward. (conf 0.6)
Nimble in tight areas with good body control turning past defenders. (conf 0.7)
Involved in build-up play but not a relentless box-to-box runner. (conf 0.55)
Control
Silky control lets him take the ball in traffic and set himself quickly. (conf 0.75)
Comfortable dropping deep and carrying the ball through midfield lines. (conf 0.7)
Strong frame and low centre of gravity to hold off Premier League centre-backs. (conf 0.72)
Can strike cleanly from distance though not a primary weapon. (conf 0.6)
Distribution
Excellent link play, regularly drops to combine with midfield runners. (conf 0.72)
Rarely tasked with switches, an ancillary part of his game. (conf 0.5)
Minimal output from wide areas as a central false-nine type. (conf 0.45)
Reads late runners well and picks clever through balls in the box. (conf 0.72)
Chance threat
Inconsistent conversion rate at United, better in flashes than in volume. (conf 0.68)
Sometimes overplays link-up moments instead of shooting early. (conf 0.6)
Clever drifting into pockets between lines to receive and turn. (conf 0.7)
Not a designated set-piece taker at club level. (conf 0.4)
Duels
Decent size but not a dominant aerial target compared to target-men. (conf 0.5)
Wins his fair share through strength and low centre of gravity. (conf 0.62)
Defense
Presses selectively rather than sustaining constant high-intensity chases. (conf 0.5)
Limited defensive output typical of a false-nine forward. (conf 0.42)
Not relied upon for structured defensive work off the ball. (conf 0.4)
Mental
Generally calm in build-up though has shown rustiness in front of goal. (conf 0.65)
Smart combination play, occasionally hesitant pulling the trigger. (conf 0.63)
Contributes to team shape but not an all-action runner. (conf 0.55)
Resilience
Has dealt with muscular knocks limiting consistent minutes at United. (conf 0.5)
Outlook
Mid-20s forward still developing end product at a big club. (conf 0.55)
Known from Bologna's Champions League push and a costly Man United move. (conf 0.6)
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Scouting Report & Player Insights
Joshua Zirkzee is a technically gifted false-nine whose game is built on clever movement, a silky first touch and link-up play rather than out-and-out pace or power. He made his name at Bologna, where his ability to drop into pockets and combine earned a big-money move to Manchester United, though his finishing output there has been inconsistent. At his best he drags defenders out of position and slips teammates through with clever vision, but he still needs to add sharper end product to justify his price tag.
Broke into the Bayern Munich first team as a teenager before moving to Italy.
Helped Bologna qualify for the Champions League via a top-five Serie A finish.
Signed by Manchester United for a fee that made him one of their marquee summer additions.