Montgomery faces first real selection dilemma for attacking berths
THE end of the international break may just present Nick Montgomery with a dilemma he has not wrestled with too often this season: selecting a front three from a wealth of options.
Whether it be through injuries or suspensions, consistency in selection has been frustratingly elusive for the Hibs manager. But the absence of a select few in the lead-up to the latest pause in domestic business has allowed others to play themselves back into form, and when his squad reassembles next week it could leave Montgomery with something approaching a full attacking complement.
In the 3-0 win over Livingston a week ago, he started with Myziane Maolida, Adam Le Fondre and Elie Youan in attack, and all three made significant contributions to an important result. Le Fondre and Maolida found the net themselves, while Youan contributed two assists.
It is a trio brought together by Martin Boyle and Dylan Vente being unavailable, but with both players working towards a return, it could soon be decision time for Montgomery. Myziane’s significant impact since joining on loan from Hertha Berlin in January currently makes him one of the first names on the Hibs team sheet, and he has made that left-sided berth his own. If we assume, for now, that the Comoros internationalist is a surefire starter when fit, it leaves four players competing for the other two positions.
Le Fondre or Vente?
After recovering from a knee injury sustained in October, Le Fondre was forced to be patient for his opportunity, but he has certainly taken it in the past two matches. Introduced as a half-time substitute in the 2-2 draw with Ross County, Hibs looked better for his mere presence, not to mention his clinical volleyed finish from Joe Newell’s pass.
Against Livingston, the 37-yearold was instrumental in the 22-minute blitz which hich made the points safe. His movement ovement and link-up play brought ht others into the game, creating ating space for Emiliano Marcondes condes to thrive, and setting ing up Jordan Obita’s opener before notching a poacher’s goal of his own.
Vente, meanwhile, ile, has had a frustrating ng first season at Easter ter Road, but has been n picked more often than not when available, and nd often to fill a role as a second cond striker which has arguably hindered his pursuit uit of goals. The Dutchman man has four
Premiership goals from an expected goals (xG) of 4.58. Le Fondre (right) has five Premiership goals from 3.09 xG, a slight over-performance.
There is not a great deal to separate the two, and who plays more in the weeks to come could depend on which player helps the team function better as a unit. Le Fondre has stated a strong case in the last two games, and it is unclear whether Vente will be fit for Ibrox in a week’s time. It would perhaps be harsh to drop Le Fondre given his recent effectiveness. As he approaches his 38th birthday this year, it is unlikely the Englishman will lead the line every week, but if both stay healthy between now and the campaign’s conclusion, there will be considerable intrigue over who the manager favours.
Boyle or Youan?
You simply cannot argue with Elie Youan’s numbers this season. Twenty goal involvements – 10 goals, 10 assists – is an excellent return at any level, and the Frenchman has proven time and again that his inclusion brings tangible outcomes in the final third. But that does not stop him from frustrating a sizeable section of the Hibs support. Much of that angst stems from supporters knowing exactly what Youan is capable of.
Boyle’s hard-earned reputation as Hibs’ talisman means Youan’s place in the side week on week is not guaranteed despite those numbers, and he was dropped by Montgomery after a poor showing in the 3-0 defeat to St Mirren in February. Hibs looked immediately improved by Boyle’s return from the Asian Cup, but with the 30-year-old still recovering from concussion, Youan has stepped up with vital contributions in the last two games.
If judging purely on stats, Youan has the edge in some areas this season. As well as having more goals and assists, Youan has more successful dribbles, more shots, and more touches in the opponents’ box.
Conversely, Boyle has a better crossing success rate, and has made more key passes (a pass which leads to a shot) – but only just, with 34 to Youan’s 32.
There is a perception that Youan does not do the dirty work, but his stats say he regains the ball when pressing more than Boyle.
Aga Again, the manager’s prefe preference if both stay fit will also consider how the team functions overall wit with either player. Yo Youan’s combinations wit with Chris Cadden dur during the win over Living Livingston showed promise promise.
Boyle, t though, has been Hibs’ man for the big moments, and all three of the fixtures pre-split are exactly that with top-six hopes hanging in the balance.