Kenyan international Boniface Muchiri has briskly had one of the best playmaking seasons in the country, pitting the wide man as one of the top creative players in the top tier of the country. Do not even get me started on his deadball prowess! Pure bliss.Having joined Ulinzi Stars this season from a very successful stint at Tusker FC, Muchiri has turned on the style. ##NAJAVA_MECA_7342493##Ulinzi Stars with all the quality the side possesses, when in the final third look to play to facilitate his genius in any way they can.This approach has seen the talisman wrap up nine goals and a whooping seventeen assists, in all competitions. Noting that out of the 35 Ulinzi Stars league goals, Muchiri has had 22 direct goal involvements. Crazy numbers.In this tactical player performance analysis, we set out to look at the fundamental patterns that Ulinzi Stars tactician Bernard Mwalala has employed that get the best out of his talisman.When in settled possession, get Muchiri on the ball quickly.73’Ulinzi Stars take the lead. Boniface Muchiri with a lovely curler.#FKFPL pic.twitter.com/e1vv9faeU8— Ole Teya (@TeyaKevin) May 3, 2023 In Ulinzi Stars in possession phases of play, the buildup, progression, creation and finishing phase of play, the aim is to drag the ball wide so as to be able to get to the wingers quickly. The team wants the ball at his feet as soon as possible. Muchiri has predominantly featured on the left wing where he has created good understanding with Omar Mbongi and lately Shannel Makwata. In the buildup phase, in some instances, Ulinzi Stars left backs have looked to come inside. This action has seen a direct passing line being created into Muchiri. As opposing sides prefer to track the fullbacks’ movement, the opposition wide player will track the fullbacks’ run, leaving the passing lane open to Muchiri.In instances where he has been able to receive the ball in an optimal position to attack he has created numerous big chances for Ulinzi Stars where Muchiri comes into the half-spaces, or switches positions with Staphod Odhiambo.Why do Ulinzi Stars want to get the ball quickly into Muchiri?Well, Muchiri offers great energy on the ball. He can beat his man 1v1 due to the qualitative technical superiority he possesses. In instances where he comes into the ‘10’ role, he possesses the knack of finding solutions in tight spaces.Noting how tight FKF Premier league low blocks can be, he also possesses great ability to find that killer pass. His ability to read spaces and offer a great range of passes is the main reason he is among the top assisters in the league.Boniface Muchiri of Ulinzi Stars was named the Man of the Match in their win over Sofapaka in Mozzart Bet FKF Cup. pic.twitter.com/Hztwf0XsKt— Mozzart Bet Kenya (@mozzartbetkenya) April 29, 2023 Ulinzi Stars wide overloads, a recipe for success for Muchiri.Ulinzi Stars base their play on the flanks, looking to create overloading scenarios on one side then isolating the opposition fullback. Muchiri has thrived in this instance, looking comfortable when the overload is created on his side. He is also very comfortable when he has to beat his man one v one when isolated. So how do Ulinzi Stars do this? On the ball near the wide side, Ulinzi Stars look to form a trio that will engage in ball retention, employing the use of close triangles to draw the opposition to one side.Tactical Analysis: Ulinzi Stars’ tactical equilibrium against Police FCThis action majorly drags the opponents to the ball near side, this action will see Ulinzi look for an outlet then play the long switch majorly the two Ulinzi center backs, Boniface Andayi and Bonventure Muchika switch these balls to the ball far side winger who can use the vacated space to take the opposing fullback on.Muchiri excels well in both the need for neat combinations to trigger an overload and the attacking of vacated spaces. When in the isolated possibilities he( Muchiri) has great endurance and ball retention to protect the ball when in attack, coupled with his one v one prowess. The number of times we have stated his one v one prowess is mind blowing eh? Muchiri also possesses good strength and speed.He flourishes in the overloading possibilities due to his ability to play very neat passes; his combination play is top notch. He possesses very good tactical awareness, with an exceptional ability to dictate the tempo of the game.In the overload to isolate instances is where Muchiri flourishes, this can be attributed to his understanding with Staphod Odhiambo who rarely joins the overload, he gravitates towards Muchiri so when the switch is made by Muchika or Andayi he is able to aid in the creation of a wide two vs. one isolation.Top link up play.Studying Muchiri keenly and seeing the tactical set up of Bernard Mwalala, Muchiri’s movements usually start with him hugging the touchline. His link up play with Staphod Odhiambo with quick one twos to majorly draw out the press from the opposition fullbacks leaving spaces in behind to be exploited. Muchiri reveals what makes it easy for midfielders to play with SimiyuOne can check out the Ulinzi Stars vs Bandari game at the Ulinzi Sports Complex, good combination play for Staphod’s second goal.The neat combinations look to release Muchiri who is better positioned to now create problems with crosses, cutbacks or dribbling into the box.In conclusion, Muchiri has shown very good tactical maturity and better control of the spaces he occupies. He is always a threat, as his numbers show. He is able to impact the game in every aspect.The soft spoken attacker is clearly a top talent with his great skill set offering good options in midfield, central attacking area, wide areas and in the half spaces. A true gem of a player.
