WANDERERS’ head of goalkeeping could be their secret set piece weapon this season.
Former Wales international Owain Fon Williams is already a well-known football artist, with his paintings on exhibit at the National Library of Wales.
However, the 38-year-old has added another string to his bow by meticulously executing Bolton’s free kick and corner routines.
Last season, Wanderers conceded the eighth most goals from set pieces, with the highest goal ratio compared to XG – that is, no one shipped more goals when compared to the quality of chance available.
In an attacking sense, the numbers were more readable. The Whites finished fifth in terms of goals scored and eighth in terms of set-piece conversions.
Bur Schumacher believes there is opportunity for improvement.
“It’s a huge part of the game, as everyone knows,” he told me. “And I agree that last season, we were hit and miss from set pieces. There were a few good goals, but like every team, we enter the new season hoping to be the greatest.
“We want to be the best from a defensive standpoint. We do not want to give away inexpensive goals. We want to ensure that we capitalize on opportunities when they arise.”
Fon Williams also assisted the analysts at his last club, Fleetwood, which finished last season with the joint-third most goals scored from set pieces and ranked in the bottom half of the table for most defensive metrics.
The Wanderers also have experts working on the finer aspects, but Schumacher believes the advice of a goalkeeper has been invaluable thus far.
“Fon plays a huge part in it,” he remarked. “He had a great track record at Fleetwood in terms of set-piece responsibility.
“We can be satisfied that we scored two goals (against Orlando Pirates) and kept a clean sheet, but most importantly, it will boost our players’ confidence.
“The information that Fon will provide them, the intricacy, the minor details, it all helps.
“When you go through all of the meetings and go over all of the details, it’s all worth it when you see the finished product.
“And hopefully now that will grow, it isn’t the end of it.”
Wanderers threatened from set pieces on several occasions on Friday, capping up their week in Spain with a strong victory. Eoin Toal and Chris Forino both had scoring opportunities, while Jordi Osei-Tutu, Richard Taylor, and Sam Inwood made significant defensive efforts.
Schumacher wants to make every set piece an opportunity for his players to set up.
“It’s about delivery, timing, and doing your job,” he told The Bolton News. “It is about responsibility. Returning to the team’s overall mindset. Simply do your job.
“You have completed everything we have asked of you. Try to execute it to the best of your ability. The detail, the delivery, and the will to complete it.”
Leave a Reply