We’ve all seen it, particularly this season, but the analysis backs it up: Joao Pedro loves to run with the ball and take opponents on.

This chart, supplied by @louorns, shows the number of dribbles attempted per game by attacking players in the Championship, alongside how many shots or free-kicks are achieved as a result of those dribbles.

Watford Observer: Attacker dribbles in ChampionshipAttacker dribbles in Championship (Image: @louorns)

Players in the top right quadrant are those who attempt a lot of dribbles and also enjoy end product from them.

At an average of 7.25 dribbles per game, Pedro tries more than other attacking player in the division, and yet his running with the ball still achieves 0.15 shots or fouls each time.

It’s a clear indication that sitting in the slightly withdrawn ‘number 10’ role means the Brazilian is able to pick up the ball deeper and therefore has space in front of him to attack.

Head coach Slaven Bilic said after Saturday’s win at Wigan that within the way he wants the team to play, he encourages Pedro to roam while also staying close to where the ball is.

Looking at the bottom right area of the chart, this is where you’ll find players who have the greatest end product from their dribbling, but don’t attempt so many of them – and again this backs up something many Watford fans have been discussing: Ismaila Sarr should run with the ball more.

The chart shows that when Sarr goes on a dribble, he will achieve a shot or win 0.4 times – considerably higher end product that any other player on the chart.

However, Sarr is only averaging 2.75 dribbles per game, nearly five less dribbles per game than Pedro.

Ken Sema attempts a similar number of dribbles per game as Sarr, but his end product is lower. It will be interesting to see where Samuel Kalu, if given more game time, features in this sort of comparison in future.

For the purposes of this analysis, a dribble is defined as an attempt to move past an opponent while trying to maintain possession of the ball.

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