2022-07-11, 11:27 AM - Word count:
The young Irish Striker, Lochlann O’Rourke has been linked with a move to the SSL via the Entry Draft that will happen at the conclusion of the Season. With big news coming out of the SSL that they’re splitting the league into two divisions to accomplish Promotion and Relegation, the business viability has been dominating headlines.
What about the players on the field? Today we take a deeper dive into the game of Lochlann O’Rourke and what he might bring to a SSL club.
The first thing people notice about O’Rourke, while watching him for Galway United, is his frame. The 6’5” Striker has a considerable height advantage against others at his position and even towers above some Central Defenders in the Ireland First Division. However, for such a large frame O’Rourke can move with great pace and has a very easy time getting to top speed. His agility and balance will need some work at the next level, along with his jumping and overall strength. If I was a SSL team I’d be telling him to get into the gym ASAP.
Technically O’Rourke doesn’t bring much to the table. Sure, he is an average dribbler with a decent first touch and can finish sometimes, but that’s about it. Limited vision, passing, and a poor header is concerning but not the end of the world for someone in his position. There have been rumors about him moving out wide to play in the SSL and if he does his crossing will need a ton of work.
Mentally is where teams see the value in the Irish Striker. With great anticipation for the game, O’Rourke can react before others even know what is happening. His composure with the ball is also something that can become world class. It’s remarkable to see a striker so proficient off the ball, which really makes him a threat given his lack of technical skill. Last but not least he’s usually in the right position and if not, he has the work rate to get there and become a difference maker.
As far as draft projection goes, it’s still too early to tell but we can confirm that interest is high in the O’Rourke camp. He’s very eager to make the move and start to build on top of his game. Are there any teams interested? Perhaps, but it’ll come down to how their season finishes and what their roster looks like heading into the draft.
410 Words
What about the players on the field? Today we take a deeper dive into the game of Lochlann O’Rourke and what he might bring to a SSL club.
The first thing people notice about O’Rourke, while watching him for Galway United, is his frame. The 6’5” Striker has a considerable height advantage against others at his position and even towers above some Central Defenders in the Ireland First Division. However, for such a large frame O’Rourke can move with great pace and has a very easy time getting to top speed. His agility and balance will need some work at the next level, along with his jumping and overall strength. If I was a SSL team I’d be telling him to get into the gym ASAP.
Technically O’Rourke doesn’t bring much to the table. Sure, he is an average dribbler with a decent first touch and can finish sometimes, but that’s about it. Limited vision, passing, and a poor header is concerning but not the end of the world for someone in his position. There have been rumors about him moving out wide to play in the SSL and if he does his crossing will need a ton of work.
Mentally is where teams see the value in the Irish Striker. With great anticipation for the game, O’Rourke can react before others even know what is happening. His composure with the ball is also something that can become world class. It’s remarkable to see a striker so proficient off the ball, which really makes him a threat given his lack of technical skill. Last but not least he’s usually in the right position and if not, he has the work rate to get there and become a difference maker.
As far as draft projection goes, it’s still too early to tell but we can confirm that interest is high in the O’Rourke camp. He’s very eager to make the move and start to build on top of his game. Are there any teams interested? Perhaps, but it’ll come down to how their season finishes and what their roster looks like heading into the draft.
410 Words
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