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Ethan Pye Scout Report and Data Analysis

Ethan Pye Central Defender

Age : 21

Nationality : English

Club : Stockport County

Height : 183cm/6’0″

Weight : 69kg / 152lbs

Foot : Left

Contract Expiry : 30/06/2027

Season Stats 2024 - 2025

Starts : 42

Minutes Played : 3779

Goals Scored : 1

xG : 0.02

Assists : 3

xA : 0.04

Player Performance Review Leyton Orient (2) vs Stockport County (2)- 10th May 2025

Ethan Pye operated as the left-sided centre-back and delivered a composed, assertive performance. He was aggressive in his duels and dominant aerially, winning 80% of his aerial contests.

In build-up, he consistently offered himself as a passing option and showed composure under pressure. He looked to play progressively through the inside-left channel, bypassing midfield with direct passes. Despite some incomplete attempts, he remained confident, completing 78% of his passes (25/32).

He made two crucial second-half tackles to deny scoring opportunities, showing great determination and timing his tackles perfectly. His only lapse came late on, losing his marker at a corner late-on and giving away a high-value chance that went unpunished.

Overall, it was a well-rounded display combining physical presence, forward intent, and defensive reliability, with one set-piece error the only blemish.

Key Moments in game

45:41 – A ball is played over the top of the defence; Pye recovers with determination and executes a perfectly timed last-ditch challenge to deny a clear scoring opportunity.

77:16 – With the attacker driving into the box, Pye positions himself well as the last defender and executes a perfectly timed challenge to deny a clear chance on goal.

89:59 – Pye loses his marker at the back post from a corner, allowing a clear-cut chance that should have been punished.

Leyton Orient Manager - Richie Wellens

Stockport County Manager - Dave Challinor

Team Formations How they lined up

Leyton Orient 3 - 4 - 2 - 1

Stockport County 3 - 1 - 4 - 2

Team Shape and Build Up

Stockport set up in a back three with wing-backs and a compact midfield, showing a clear right-sided build-up bias. Progression came through combinations down the right, while the left acted more as a recycling outlet. This structural asymmetry helped them manipulate Leyton Orient’s mid-block and create space in wide areas.

Pye's Role Left-sided Centre Back

Positioning

Pye operated as the left-sided centre-back, holding a high and wide position to support build-up and step out with the ball looking to play, quick, direct passes into forward areas.

Progressive Distribution

Formed strong passing links with the left wing-back
and striker, regularly initiating left-sided progression and starting attacks with line-breaking passes.

Build-up Involvement

Provided consistent access to wide and central areas, helping bypass Leyton Orient’s press and maintain fluid circulation.

Defensive Responsibility

Balanced forward distribution with defensive cover, showing good recovery positioning whilst maintaining lateral connections in the back line.

Stockport County Starting XI Average Positions and Passing Network

Stockport County passing network map

Pye's Game How did he play?

Positioning

Pye maintained a high, wide position on the left, creating passing lanes and supporting early build-up from deep.

Involvement

Frequent touches in the left half-space reflect active involvement in circulation and progression, showing his ability to actively support and start attacks from deep.

Tactical Interpretation

Acted as a structural outlet, supporting ball progression, whilst maintaining a dominant positioning without overcommitting.

Summary A composed, consistent outlet

Pye acted as a passing outlet, whilst maintaining
disciplined positioning, effective in structured build-up and wide circulation.

He offered composure, consistent positioning, throughout the game along with and tactical reliability in a possession-focused system.

Progressive Passing Success or Failure?

Volume & Intent

Pye continually attempted progressive passes from deep, showing clear intent to break lines and play forward into more advanced players.

Success & Direction

Pye regularly looked to bypass the opposition midfield playing directly into forward players. Despite several incomplete passes, he remained positive in possession and continued attempting high-value progressive balls.

Profile & Interpretation

He consistently targeted advanced runners with vertical passes, aiming to connect directly with the front line. His approach reflected a clear intent to accelerate progression rather than circulate passively from deep.

Summary Progressive Passing

Pye’s reflects a defender willing to progress play from deep, with a clear intent to connect directly with advanced players. His consistent attempts to break lines demonstrates tactical bravery and trust in his distribution.

This approach suits systems where centre-backs are expected to initiate attacks and accelerate progression, rather than circulate passively.

Ethan Pye progressive passes map

Ethan Pye Player Review Summary

Technical

Pye was composed in possession with a clean first touch, regularly offering in early build-up. He completed 78% of his passes (25/32), often playing forward through the inside-left channel. Despite some misfires, he remained positive. He also won 80% of aerial duels, providing technical security in both phases.

Tactical

From the left of a back three, Pye held a high, wide position and linked well with teammates to support circulation. While build-up skewed right, he maintained balance and contributed defensively. He made two crucial tackles but lost his marker at a late set piece, a lapse that could have proved costly.

Physical

Pye was assertive throughout, strong in duels and dominant in the air. He recovered into shape well and showed enough mobility for a high defensive line, though his top-end speed wasn’t fully tested. His profile suits a proactive defender in a possession-based side.

Psychological

Pye showed confidence and resilience, staying proactive after mistakes and continuing to play progressively under pressure. He remained composed in key defensive moments, though the late lapse at a corner suggests room for growth in concentration
under fatigue.

Recommendation Final Thoughts

Pye is well-suited to a structured, possession-based side playing with a back three or four. He combines build-up ability, aerial dominance, and defensive discipline. With improved set-piece focus, he has the tools to perform at a mid-to-lower Championship level, particularly in systems demanding proactive, technically secure defenders.

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Finishing

Goals per 90

65

Non-Penalty Goals per 90

65

Head Goals per 90

43

Shots on Target %

67

Goal Conversion %

59

Attacking Threat

xG per 90

100

NPxG per 90

100

Shots per 90

42

Touches in Box per 90

73

Chance Creation

xA per 90

24

Assists per 90

14

Key Passes per 90

30

Shot Assists

44

Passes to Penalty Area per 90

5

Accurate Passes to Penalty Area %

42

Build Up Play

Received Passes per 90

17

Received Long Passes per 90

17

Passes per 90

19

Accurate Passes %

96

Short / Medium Passes per 90

22

Accurate Short / Medium Passes %

77

Ball Carrying

Dribbles per 90

8

Successful Dribbles %

63

Aerial Ability

Aerial Duels per 90

19

Aerial Duels Won %

47

The Best Attacking Fullbacks and Wingbacks in EFL League One.

The role of the Fullback and Wingback has evolved beyond traditional defensive responsibilities, with attacking contributions now an essential asset for teams looking to dominate wide areas. In this analysis, we take a data-driven approach to identify the best attacking Fullbacks and Wingbacks in EFL League One, using our Player Performance Framework that evaluates defensive capabilities, aerial ability, crossing accuracy, chance creation, ball carrying and dribbling. By leveraging WyScout data, we will quantify which players succeed in progressing the ball and creating attacking opportunities, whilst excelling defensively, providing valuable insight into the standout performers in the league.

Methodology :

Attacking Fullback/Wingback Evaluation Framework

This Player Performance Framework evaluates attacking Fullbacks/Wingbacks by assessing their defensive reliability, aerial ability, crossing accuracy, chance creation, and ball-carrying/dribbling proficiency. Our weighting structure reflects the modern football landscape, where fullbacks and wingbacks are increasingly expected to balance defensive duties with offensive output. Defensive attributes remain essential but are balanced with metrics that assess technical ability, creativity, and effective progression in wide areas. Each category has been carefully weighted to prioritise skills that define a modern attacking fullback/wingback, ensuring those who excel in advancing the ball, creating chances and maintaining defensive discipline, stand out.

1. Defensive Ability (20%)

Attacking Fullbacks and Wingbacks must still perform defensive duties effectively, even if their primary role involves pushing forward. The defensive category is weighted at 20% to reflect the necessity of defensive reliability while allowing room for more offensively-focused metrics.

Metrics and Weighting :

  • Defensive Duels per 90 (25%)
    Measures how often a player engages in defensive situations.
  • Defensive Duels Won % (35%)
    Reflects the player’s ability to win challenges and gain possession.
  • PAdj Interceptions (20%)
    Shows how often the player intercepts passes to disrupt the opposition.
  • Successful Defensive Actions per 90 (20%)
    Combines key defensive actions to assess effectiveness.

2. Aerial Ability (10%)

Aerial ability is important for Fullbacks/Wingbacks, especially when defending against crosses or set-pieces, and in aerial duels during transitions. While less critical than for central defenders, it remains significant in both defensive and offensive situations.

Metrics and Weighting :

  • Aerial Duels per 90 (30%)
    Measures involvement in aerial challenges.
  • Aerial Duels Won % (70%)
    Focuses on efficiency in aerial dominance.

3. Crossing (15%)

Crossing is fundamental for attacking Fullbacks and Wingbacks who frequently operate in wide areas. Delivering accurate crosses from advanced positions is crucial for creating goalscoring opportunities – especially against compact defences. 

Metrics and Weighting :

  • Crosses per 90 (40%)
    Indicates crossing frequency, showing how often the player delivers balls into the box.
  • Accurate Crosses % (60%)
    Measures the precision of these deliveries, as accurate crosses are vital for creating high-quality chances.

4. Chance Creation (30%)

Fullbacks/Wingbacks are increasingly tasked with creating chances, especially in systems that rely on width for attacking depth. As such, this category holds a significant 30% weighting.

Metrics and Weighting :

  • Expected Assists (xA) per 90 (40%)
    Quantifies the quality of passes that lead to shots. Highlighting the players ability to create high-value opportunities.
  • Key Passes per 90 (30%)
    Tracks passes that directly lead to a shot, reflecting creativity and passing vision.
  • Passes into the Penalty Area (20%)
    Assesses the ability to break through defensive lines with incisive passes.
  • Accurate Passes into the Penalty Area % (10%)
    Evaluates the quality and reliability of penetrating passes, crucial for maintaining attacking momentum.

5. Ball Carrying and Dribbling (25%)

Modern Fullbacks/Wingbacks are expected to progress the ball up the pitch, both to alleviate opposition pressure and to instigate attacks. Ball carrying and dribbling are key components of this responsibility.

Metrics and Weighting :

  • Progressive Runs per 90 (50%)
    Measures the ability to carry the ball forward into advanced areas, often bypassing multiple opponents.
  • Dribbles per 90 (20%)
    This metric indicates how frequently the player attempts to beat an opposition player and showcases their confidence and skill.
  • Successful Dribbles % (30%)
    This highlights technical ability and effectiveness in maintaining possession during dribbling actions.
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