Alba Analytics

⭐️Scottish Championship: One to Watch – Ben Stanway Ben Stanway continues to improve season on season and has become one of the most well-rounded central midfielders in the Scottish Championship. At just 21 and out of contract in May, one way or another we’ll almost certainly see him in the top-flight next season. Here’s why clubs should be paying close attention 👇 Role: Stanway can play either as a deeper, ball-winning defensive midfielder, providing protection to Thistle’s back four, or as a more box-to-box outright central midfielder. In Possession: • Comfortable receiving ball from defence whilst under pressure, often demanding it. • Recycles ball well laterally. • Capable of splitting lines when playing into feet or searching for runners in behind. • Technically excellent when shooting from distance, particularly when curling one to the far corner. • Has an eye for goal – his 6 league goals scored this season ranks him in the top 3% of midfielders p90. Out of Possession: • Stands out defensively, positioning himself well to thwart attacks. • Strong in the tackle both while staying on his feet or going to ground. • Leadership qualities for his age possibly underappreciated – regularly organising players in front of him. • Whilst so keen to disrupt attacks, can sometimes get dragged into areas leaving behind gaps if he’s bypassed. Physical Profile: • At 5’9” he’s not the tallest but compensates well with his strength and aggression in the tackle. • Movement is good, capable of finding little pockets of space to get the ball. • Small calf tear at the end of 2024 but has returned to full fitness with no reoccurrence. • Provides plenty of energy and covers the ground well to get up and down the pitch when in more of a box-to-box role. Summary & Verdict: Ben Stanway has really shown this season that he’s ready for a step up, whether that’s with Partick should they get promoted, or a side already in the Scottish Prem. Defensively he’s excellent, and I can only imagine an absolute pain to play against, but there’s so much more to his game than just disrupting attacks. Comfortable carrying the ball, can vary his passing range, and loves putting the ball in the net. A real all-rounder already and at just 21, excited to see how he continues to develop in years to come.

@Alan_Morrison67 Just if you were interested how the rest of the Celtic players faired

Many years since Celtic attacking players did not dominate a view like this Kieran Tierney's importance and contribution this season remains under appreciated by some

📊 The Scottish Premiership's most creative players aren't your typical number 10s or attacking midfielders - they're often wingers and full backs. Of the top 10 players highlighted, only Greg Kiltie and Arne Engels aren't outright wide players, but still have excellent numbers. Tavernier is in a class of his own, particularly when it comes to big chances created. It's worth noting some of these numbers will be inflated by set piece delivery. Even accounting for set-pieces, the theme is clear - creativity in the league stems from wide players.

@GorgieTalk I reckon Hearts will see the best out of Chesnokov and Kerjota when there's a proper right back behind them - ideally Altena. Currently easier to defend against and even a bit predictable with Steinwender not carrying much of a threat in the attacking third.

This was a post that seen out the end of 2025. Much like the right back issue, right midfield is another. For me it’s between Chesnokov and Kerjota, if we go two up top which is likely on Saturday my thoughts haven’t changed. This is the moment to get Sabah in.

Plenty of players to get excited about in this squad, some of which I don't think are far off the level of the main NT. Puzzled by the Ben Stanway omission, been one of the standouts in the Scottish Championship this season and was fully deserving of a call-up.

Underwhelmed by this to say the least. Appreciate Clarke has a core set of players he likes but surely it’s the perfect time to add a few fresh faces to see how they fair against good opposition. Should we lose both these games, what’s been the benefit of these friendlies? I suppose on the flip side, win both games and we carry a bit of momentum going into the World Cup but I still would’ve preferred a more experimental squad.

Steve Clarke is expected to name his Scotland squad for this month's friendlies against Japan and Côte d'Ivoire this week. Here is the 26-man squad I would like to see picked. (A thread 🧵): Please leave a ♥️ and follow @scotball_ for more national team-focused content.

@Fizzo_n9 @scotball_ @FP_Scotland Yeah both right footed, unsure who’s stronger with their left

@Alba_Analytics @scotball_ @FP_Scotland Very interesting to see how absolutely different they rank in the categories. Are they both right-footed?

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 John Souttar featured in five of Scotland's 2026 World Cup qualification matches - but has Craig Halkett done enough this season to contend for that spot? Their numbers are interesting and raise the question about what Scotland need from their centre-backs this summer 👇 John Souttar: Souttar's biggest asset has often been his ability on the ball: • top 2% for long ball accuracy (58.3%) • top 12% for passing accuracy (90.3%) His raw defensive numbers are largely suppressed due to Rangers' possession-heavy style, meaning he doesn't need to defend as often. He does however rank in the top 24% for % of aerial duels won (65.1%). Craig Halkett: Defensively, and particularly in the air, Halkett has been a machine for Hearts this season. • no player has won more aerial duels (5.8 p90) • top 4% for clearances (8.7) • top 10% for aerial duels won % (68.8%) • top 17% for interceptions (1.4 p90) In possession, Halkett isn't quite as strong but is capable of finding a long pass, top 8% for long ball accuracy (52%). Verdict: Scotland has two very different types of centre back here: Souttar who excels with the ball at his feet and can dictate play from deep vs Halkett who is dominant in the air and more solid defensively. Whilst football isn't as black and white as this, in theory two factors play into who should get the nod: 1. Scotland backline - should the right back and other centre back be more progressive and comfortable with the ball at their feet, maybe Halkett's defensive and aerial abilities would be a better fit. If not, Souttar's ball playing could be very beneficial. 2. Opposition strength - if Scotland are expected to see a lot of the ball, Souttar is likely to excel. Halkett may be more suited facing physical, target-men type strikers such as Morocco's Ayoub El Kaabi and Youssef En-Nesyri. Whilst I think Halkett's form this season has been superior to Souttar's, he first needs to prove he's capable at international level before being considered as a starter for Scotland. The upcoming Japan and Ivory Coast friendlies could be a perfect time to showcase he's ready.

@GorgieTalk @FP_Scotland @scotball_ Could not agree more!

@Alba_Analytics @FP_Scotland @scotball_ Either way how he isn’t in the squad when you consider the options is beyond mental.

@Spoffshore @HitTheByline @BlairMcNally1 @jagalytics Think Falkirk under McGlynn would be the perfect environment for him! Would suit the system well too

@Alba_Analytics @HitTheByline @BlairMcNally1 @jagalytics Would love him at Falkirk especially if Tait heads South, he's the type of player Mcglynn would develop. Sadly most rumours I hear say the dons are his destination and he'll probably stall without proper coaching.

⭐️Scottish Championship: One to Watch – Ben Stanway Ben Stanway continues to improve season on season and has become one of the most well-rounded central midfielders in the Scottish Championship. At just 21 and out of contract in May, one way or another we’ll almost certainly see him in the top-flight next season. Here’s why clubs should be paying close attention 👇 Role: Stanway can play either as a deeper, ball-winning defensive midfielder, providing protection to Thistle’s back four, or as a more box-to-box outright central midfielder. In Possession: • Comfortable receiving ball from defence whilst under pressure, often demanding it. • Recycles ball well laterally. • Capable of splitting lines when playing into feet or searching for runners in behind. • Technically excellent when shooting from distance, particularly when curling one to the far corner. • Has an eye for goal – his 6 league goals scored this season ranks him in the top 3% of midfielders p90. Out of Possession: • Stands out defensively, positioning himself well to thwart attacks. • Strong in the tackle both while staying on his feet or going to ground. • Leadership qualities for his age possibly underappreciated – regularly organising players in front of him. • Whilst so keen to disrupt attacks, can sometimes get dragged into areas leaving behind gaps if he’s bypassed. Physical Profile: • At 5’9” he’s not the tallest but compensates well with his strength and aggression in the tackle. • Movement is good, capable of finding little pockets of space to get the ball. • Small calf tear at the end of 2024 but has returned to full fitness with no reoccurrence. • Provides plenty of energy and covers the ground well to get up and down the pitch when in more of a box-to-box role. Summary & Verdict: Ben Stanway has really shown this season that he’s ready for a step up, whether that’s with Partick should they get promoted, or a side already in the Scottish Prem. Defensively he’s excellent, and I can only imagine an absolute pain to play against, but there’s so much more to his game than just disrupting attacks. Comfortable carrying the ball, can vary his passing range, and loves putting the ball in the net. A real all-rounder already and at just 21, excited to see how he continues to develop in years to come.

It's been a busy month ticking off the rest of the @ThePFSA Level 1 courses: ✅ Talent Identification ✅ Technical Scouting ✅ Opposition Analysis ✅ Performance Analysis On to Level 2.

@TheMaroonReport That's certainly a tough ask but one he'll be right up for. I think 4 of their starting 11 are in on loan, and will do well to keep a hold of Graham so recruitment will need to be spot on!

@Alba_Analytics Exactly my thoughts and discussion with my old man earlier about Elvis. Outstanding! It will be interesting to see how much more he can progress this group and push on to the top half of the league next season.

Massive credit needs to go to Steven Pressley for what he's putting together at Dundee. Early on in the season he spoke about 'progress', and after just 2 wins from the first 13 league games, the progress was limited. Fast forward to now, they've just beaten an in-form Motherwell, unbeaten in 4, and sitting 10 points clear of 11th placed Killie. It's certainly been a bumpy season, but fair play to Elvis for turning round their fortunes.

@KaiGWatson Agreed, think he’s slipped under the radar a bit with the amount of praise Lissah’s been getting. Both quality

I really like Leon McCann and don’t feel like he’s getting the level of praise he deserves. Also seems a cracking lad after listening to him post-match last night.

📊| 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡: 𝐁𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐆𝐢𝐥𝐦𝐨𝐮𝐫 First start since the 1st of November for Billy Gilmour, first 90+ minutes since the 28th of October...and what a performance it was! The Scotland midfielder covered the most distance out of anyone who featured! [🔢: @FotMob]

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿Andy Irving's unconventional career path took another turn in January when signing for Sparta Prague. He's featured in all of the Czech giant's last 5 league games, playing 257 minutes and picking up 13 of an available 15 points - keeping them in the title race. Operating as part of a central midfield pairing, Irving's underlying numbers are very impressive given he's still adjusting to the league and is yet to play a full 90. Compared to his teammates, he ranks 1st for Ground Duels Won (18) and Successful Dribbles (5), and has created the 3rd most chances (6) in his moderate playing time. With the next Scotland squad announcement right around the corner, I'd be surprised if Irving isn't rewarded with a call-up once again.

@hthejambo @heartsstats @TheMaroonReport @JamTarts @perthtopaisley @AroundTheFunnel @HeartsStandard_ Agree on Beni point, was more to highlight how well he’s filled that Devlin gap since signing as an immediate replacement due to injury. Wonder how they’d do playing together

@Alba_Analytics @heartsstats @TheMaroonReport @JamTarts @perthtopaisley @AroundTheFunnel @HeartsStandard_ Unfair to compare him to Cammy when he's more similar to Beni

📊I didn't think anyone could fill Cammy Devlin's shoes when he was ruled out for 6-8 weeks in January - then Marc Leonard came along. The Birmingham City loanee has slotted seamlessly into that Hearts midfield, filling a void I'm not sure many could. He might not provide the energy or cover the ground that Devlin does, but he certainly gets stuck in - ranking in the top 3% for tackles, interceptions, and % of ground duels won. On the ball he's very intelligent, capable of picking a pass and looks to progress the ball forward whenever possible - often taking more risks resulting in a poorer pass accuracy %. All round he's been an excellent addition to Hearts, and surely should be pushing for a permanent deal, especially when he's still only 24. Thoughts, Jambos? #hmfc