Joe Hanson is a 19-year-old Vancouver Whitecaps striker that’s also spent time at left-wing this season.
His back-to-goal link-up play and ball control seem to spike as being the higher points of his game, including boasting a 56% dribble success rate so far in 2023. His first touch is often quite nice, smoothly setting himself up for the next action.
As a squad player, I like him as a potential option for a Canadian Premier League side. However, I don’t think he is ready for a starting birth.
He consistently takes on low-quality, low xG shots from range, rather than working the ball closer to goal or playing toward better options.
His scanning for the opposition in these moments could be significantly greater, often blasting the ball into an opponent right in front of him.
His decision making in the attacking half will also need to grow, such as reading the positioning of his teammates and opposition to make the most optimal decision. Moments like this would allow Hanson to use his confidence and burst into space, drawing defenders out of position before playing that pass.
His 1v1 duelling and pressing knowhow also seem to be on the lower-end. He can be seen flying into challenges, struggling to maintain focus, and pressing without the right angling of approach.
He’s won less than 40% of his total duels this season, despite boasting a physical build that should allow him to better dominate his battles.
Overall, I see some promise and versatility, but I don’t think he would be ready for a starting birth inside the CPL.
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