Current Team – Ayr United (expected to move on a free transfer)
Nationality – Scottish
Age - 23
Height – 183cm
Position - Striker
League Career stats
2011/2012 Queens Park League 2 – 1 app 0 goals 2012/2013 Queens Park League 2 – 33 apps 11 goals
2013/2014 Dunfermline Athletic (loan) League 1 – 13 apps 7 goals
2014/2015 Aberdeen Premiership – 17 apps 0 goals
2015/2016 St Mirren (loan) Championship – 31 apps 10 goals
2016/2017 St Mirren (loan) Championship – 17 apps 0 goals
2016/2017 Greenock Morton (loan) Championship – 16 apps 4 goals
2017/2018 Ayr United League 1 – 30 apps 26 goals
2018/2019 Ayr United Championship – 31 apps 24 goals
Overview
It seems so long ago that Shankland broke through and started playing at Aberdeen its remarkable he’s only 23. After two remarkable seasons at Ayr, Shankland has announced he’s leaving under freedom of contract. Aberdeen thought highly of him but after a few loan spells and failing to gain the trust of Derek McInnes he moved to Ayr United and has 50 goals over the past two seasons. Linked with a lot of clubs this summer lets have a look at what he has to offer and where he could end up.
Strengths
Finishing- Admittedly this does seem an obvious one for someone who scores a lot of goals however when you watch Shankland’s goals he is so good at taking a great touch out of his feet when he needs to and hits it hard, low and into the corner of the goal. Another trait is the ability to cut in from the left onto his favoured right foot and dispatch the ball into either corner which makes it nigh on impossible for the keeper to anticipate the shot early. This has always been a particularly strong aspect of Shankland’s game as admitted by Derek McInnes who often criticised the other aspects of his game but praised his pure finishing ability. It sounds simple but the ability to stay composed and hit the ball accurately where the keeper struggles to reach shouldn’t be taken for granted and is the main reason interest is so high.
Anticipation/poachers instinct – The tired old cliches of “you can’t teach that goal scoring instinct” or he possesses “the ability to be in the right place at the right time” are genuinely true for Shankland when you watch his goals over the past couple of seasons. There are so many examples of him reacting first to a rebound or latching on to ricochets or defensive mistakes that it demonstrates brilliant anticipation over sheer luck. It is noticeable that Shankland is always on the move and will presume his teammates efforts will be saved or blocked and it gives him the edge over defenders still processing and trying to react. He has particularly benefited from playing in an Ayr side that does attack and has plenty of shots and would possibly be best suited to a team that expects to attack and dominate in most games.
Assists- Its so often presumed that when a player is so prolific that they are single minded however it should be noted that Shankland has been credited with 24 assists in 73 games. It may not be the most reliable stat as one person’s assist is another’s shanked (no pun intended) shot that ends up giving a teammate a tap in. This demonstrates the ability to play for the team and set up chances for his teammates and he has really improved and shone playing in a 2 up front system at Ayr.
Overcoming “character issues” – Its often said in sport it’s the easiest thing to be labelled as something, but nearly impossible to lose the label once its stuck. Shankland has had some criticism in the past for not trying hard enough, or thinly veiled digs in the media from previous managers suggesting the reason he struggled at St Mirren and Morton may be because he is the problem. Its brilliant to see these former managers come out and say how pleased they are for Shankland and how he’s changed as player and a person. To be a great player and a great person is highly valued in dressing rooms and another reason so many clubs are interested.
Weaknesses
Tactical inflexibility/unable to play up front on his own –
It must be noted that shankland’s best two seasons have come where he has played with a strike partner and in a team that creates a lot of chances. Particularly in League 1 where Ayr were a full-time team against mostly part timers. Previous managers have stated the reason he had to drop down to League 1 to sign with Ayr was because he didn’t have the physicality or movement to play at the top level or play up front on his own. We are seeing a return to more teams playing with 2 up front but that does still feel like a minority, so moving to a system where he would be expected to play up front on his own could be a gamble.
Confidence Player – Shankland has admitted in the past he has really struggled with the pressure that comes in football and it affected his performances adversely. Of course playing in a potentially over achieving team and scoring lots of goals will bring confidence but it remains to be seen if Shankland is the type of player who likes to be the main man at a smaller club, or if he can step up and shoulder the responsibility of playing on a bigger stage. Again, a lot depends on the next move, its not uncommon to see players move to a bigger club and struggle for starts, if he is unable to make an immediate impression off the bench then the pressure to make an impact could build and potentially cause a negative effect.
Future potential – The next move does seem to be crucial for Shankland’s development and career. There are numerous examples of things going both ways – finding a club that’s a good fit that could allow him to further develop and progress, or a wrong move where he regresses and may have to drop a level again. It seems virtually every Scottish Premiership team along with countless English clubs have been credited with an interest. Personally I think if he wants to stay in Scotland a move to Hibs could be ideal; an opportunity to play for a bigger club, realistic chance to win trophies, vacant position up front with Marc McNulty’s status unclear and a really good manager in Paul Heckingbottom who could get the best out of him. If he wanted to move to England, then Sunderland have been touted. In an odd way, if he were to become a Mackem, it may suit him better if they don’t get promoted this season. It would give him the chance to lead the line in one of the best teams in the division, where scoring chances would come often for him. There has also been the odd rumbling of potential offers from Belgian sides which could be a fascinating move if it went well for him. In terms of international ambitions, he would need to step up a level and perform well there before being considered for a Scotland call up as things currently stand
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