Scouting Scotsmen Part 1 – Bhoys Analytics.
Josh Doig – Hibs: After a great first season the 19-year-old LB has attracted a lot of interest but what does the data say?
Is he good enough for Celtic?
Radars
For full backs, I have 2 radars: a defensive & ball playing radar. I think for Celtic it’s essential to be strong on the ball and be a competent defender.
Max & Min data for radars comes from SPFL Premiership full backs that have started at least 10 games.
I have also pulled the radars for Greg Taylor so I can show a comparison between him and Doig. Obviously, some difference in team ability but it will give an indication of what a squad fullback at Celtic level is producing in comparison.
Doig is a competent defender for Premiership level. He matches up similarly with Taylor who is 4 years older and playing in a stronger team. Doig is stronger in the air, has similar defensive duel success % and blocks 3 times as many shots.
Off the Ball Radars
He is lively and engaged in the defensive 3rd. For me, as I described earlier, Celtic fullbacks need to be competent defenders at least and I feel he meets that criteria with room to develop.
On the Ball Radars
Doig has a long way to go before he is a good enough ball playing full back to be at Celtic. In terms of his passing accuracy across the board, he is very poor compared to the other premiership full-backs. Radar shows how far off Taylor he is at the moment.
Doig Passing Rankings (Prem Fullbacks)
- Accurate passes, % – 3rd Last
- Accurate forward passes, % – Last
- Accurate lateral passes, % – 3rd Last
- Accurate short / medium passes, % – 3rd Last
- Accurate passes to final third, % – Last
- Accurate progressive passes, % – 4th Last
It’s clear he needs to work on his passing, however, there are some positives. He is 4th in dribbling in the league so is a very competent ball progressor.
He also averages 0.42 key passes P90 so is capable of creating chances.
Celtic Comparison
Doig is still playing for the 3rd best side in the league so will need to increase his creative output next season. He is at around Laxalt’s level for output which is some way off what Celtic require.
Doig is a strong dribbler and this would only improve in a more dominant side. However, his crossing accuracy will need to improve like his passing – Lots of room for growth.
Final Thoughts
Doig has had a great season considering his age, showing he is more than capable for this level. However, if he is to step up to a team like Celtic, he will need to improve key areas of his game. Mainly his ability on the ball.
He just signed a 4-year contract and would probably cost £2-4 million to get Hibs to the table. There is better value at that price with more certainty in ability in the current market. He is a good player but he should stay at Hibs to play & develop more.
Hopefully, when I look at him next season his ball playing and creativity will trend upwards as he ages and matures. He is already a competent defender so just needs to add the output on the ball. So he could have a very high ceiling on his ability.
