Scotland Strikers Under Fire After Denmark Draw
Scotland Strikers Under Fire After Denmark Draw
Despite Steve Clarke's team securing a potentially crucial point against Group C leaders Denmark at Parken, strikers Che Adams and Lyndon Dykes faced significant criticism from fans. Many voiced concerns about their lack of goals, effort, and overall contribution following the first of six World Cup qualifiers.
This criticism, however, is largely unfounded. In their own right, both players worked diligently, disrupted the Danish defense, and helped advance Scotland's play.
Former Scotland striker and BBC Sport Scotland presenter Steven Thompson understands the scrutiny strikers face. He commented, "The job they needed to do for the team, they did. Their work-rate was phenomenal; they put in a tremendous effort and created chances. Steve Clarke will be really happy with that. They contribute a lot."
How Did Adams and Dykes Actually Fare?
Among the players selected by Clarke to start in Copenhagen, the strikers received the lowest ratings from BBC Sport readers. Regarding his decision to deploy the physical forward duo, Clarke stated, "If I am not brave, I might as well not be in the job." In this instance, Clarke's bravery paid off.
Adams has come off the bench in Torino's initial Serie A matches, while Dykes, who was linked to a deadline-day transfer to Hibernian, has played only 23 minutes in Birmingham's first four games. Their lack of recent match fitness was evident, but their enthusiasm was undeniable.
Dykes, in particular, was a nuisance for the Danish defense, reminiscent of his best performances in a Scotland jersey. He challenged for every long ball, lifted his team, and kept the Danish defenders on their toes. Unfortunately, much of this hard work goes unnoticed when strikers fail to score.
Dykes last scored for the national team over two years ago during a famous comeback against Norway, while Adams' recent hat-trick against Liechtenstein marked his first goals for Scotland in over a year after previously scoring against Gibraltar before the Euros.
Thompson noted, "Strikers are ultimately judged on their goals. It's not easy, but you know your role in the team. They require service, which was limited, but what I observed—and what Clarke will have seen—is their work-rate and contributions beyond just scoring goals. They performed well, particularly Dykes. They pressed effectively and made it difficult for the Denmark defenders."
Adams won two of his six aerial duels, while Dykes won seven out of eleven. Seven of Adams' ten passes connected with teammates, and Dykes completed eight of his sixteen. Although Adams did not have a shot on goal, he nearly connected with a cross from Ryan Christie, while Dykes had two attempts, one of which should have broken the deadlock.
Dykes reflected on a missed opportunity: "Che put it through the defender's legs, and my first thought was to take a good touch and shoot. There was a defender close to me, and I took a touch that was wider than I wanted. I shot, but he blocked it. On another day, it might have gone in."
What More is Needed from Scotland's Strikers?
This question is particularly relevant as Clarke considers his two-up-front strategy. A goal or two would be beneficial against Belarus on Monday. Many recognize that this upcoming match may require a different approach and potentially different players, especially after the exhausting effort in Copenhagen.
Clarke acknowledged that he expected to make changes across the two matches, particularly given the fatigue displayed in their qualifying opener. Despite some fans' frustrations with Clarke's initial lineup, many hoped to see in-form Hibernian forward Kieron Bowie included. The 22-year-old has made a strong start to the season, scoring two goals in three Scottish Premiership matches, including a standout goal against Partizan in Conference League qualifying.
Thompson, who regards Bowie as the "most all-round striker" of the trio, expressed a desire to see him start in Hungary on Monday, stating, "He has goals, physicality, link-up play, and an exceptional work rate. I’d like to see him given an opportunity."
With a chance to secure four points from six against the lowest-seeded team in the group, Clarke must seize this opportunity. Having defied the odds on Friday, getting it right on Monday could inspire the Tartan Army to dream of a trip to North America next summer.