Sho(la)down. Round Two.

… Or how to use statistics to prove any point you want, no matter how ridiculous… again…

Welcome to the second in what could become a regular feature, where I compare Shola to some of the world’s leading strikers.

Round Two.

Who is next:

"Shola Ameobi is not better than me. Don't believe this gobshite."

Diego Forlan. Winner of the golden ball (for best player) and joint top scorer at the last World Cup.

Seem a ridiculous comparison?

Not really.

And before you start, I’m not going to take Forlan’s disappointing record this season as evidence against him. As a serious blogger-type sort of fella, I am too professional to base the comparison on just one season.

When comparing two strikers, it is best to compare their records in similar circumstances. I firmly believe Shola would have shone in both the Spanish League and as part of the Uruguayan strikeforce at the World Cup alongside Luis Suarez, but, in order to be fair, and statistically valid, let’s look at how they have both performed in the Premier League.

So, football fans, let’s look at their stats:

Forlan: 23 appearances (plus 40 as a sub)/10 goals
Ameobi: 116 appearances (plus 80 as a sub)/36 goals

So, averaged out (including sub appearances).

Forlan: One goal every 6.3 appearances
Ameobi: One goal every 5.44 appearances.

Obviously, Forlan has the individual honours, but, the question is: Who would you rather have up front for your team in the Premier League? The Pendower Pele, scoring a goal every five games or so for an inconsistent team? Or Cachavacha, struggling to hit a goal every six appearances for Manchester United?

I’m sorry, Diego. The answer is obvious.

Shola wins by TKO.

There’s only one Ameobi.

Well, in fact there is two. So it’s like take one Ameobi, get another one for free. Two Ameobis! The choice is easy.