Fluminense create plenty but struggle to finish in the Brasileirão | OneFootball

Fluminense is experiencing a curious and concerning scenario at the start of the Brazilian Championship. While they stand out as the team that creates the most clear goal-scoring opportunities, they are also the team that wastes the most.

The data was gathered by journalist Felipe Barros, a specialist in performance analysis and scouting, and it exposes a problem that goes beyond the impression of those watching the games.

According to numbers from SofaScore, Tricolor has created 19 big chances in just six rounds, the highest volume in the competition. When the scope is expanded to finishing quality metrics, such as xG (Expected Goals), the team also leads in offensive production.

In practice, this confirms a positive point: the offensive system set up by Zubeldía is working. Fluminense manages to reach the opponent's goal frequently and in a variety of ways, whether through worked plays, set pieces, or medium-distance shots.

But the other side of the coin weighs heavily.

Of the 19 big chances created, only six were converted. A conversion rate of just over 31%, considered low for teams fighting at the top of the table. For comparison, São Paulo FC, the current leader, has more than 64% efficiency in the same metric.

In other words: Fluminense produces like a protagonist, but finishes like a supporting actor.

This inefficiency has already taken its toll in important matches. Against Palmeiras and Bahia, for example, the offensive volume did not translate into results. On the other hand, victories over Remo and Athletico Paranaense only came because the ball finally went in.

Individually, names like Lucho Costa play an important role in creation, but the problem lies in finishing the plays. The possible arrival of Rodrigo Castilho emerges as an alternative to increase competitiveness in the sector.

The diagnosis is clear: Fluminense has one of the most productive attacks in the country, perhaps the most productive, but urgently needs to improve its efficiency. At a high level, creating a lot and converting little is not a minor detail. It's the kind of flaw that decides championships.

And, today, it's deciding against them.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.