Comparing the Canadian Premier League’s next best centre-forwards

The best strikers in the modern era are able to combine a vast array of skillsets. We've seen this play out in the CPL this season, with those unable to fully combine all the necessary skillsets also failing to turn their talents into goals. Here is my analysis of four of the next best centre-forwards in the CPL.

Patrice Gheisar – HFX Wanderers FC – Tactical Analysis

HFX Wanderers never quite got going in 2022, after an early season injury to star player Joao Morelli left them without much in the way of adequate alternatives. Stephen Hart paid the price after four seasons in charge, with Patrice Gheisar entering the frame to start a new era at the Wanderers Grounds. The Wanderers took a bit of time to find their groove at the start of the season, but Gheisar's exciting principles of play always looked promising. Since a 2-0 loss to Atletico at the start of June, Halifax have won five of their last eight matches, pushing for a playoff spot alongside the league's top three teams.

Game of Numbers #16 – Riley Ferrazzo as an ‘Inverted Fullback’

HFX Wanderers looked a completely different side on Matchday 1 against last season’s first-place finishers, with a genuine intentionality behind their team tactics and set-up. The interesting thing to now keep on the radar will be whether the tactics they used on opening day were created to mitigate Atletico Ottawa’s own innovations, or whether they intend on utilizing the same ideologies in their matches moving forward. Either way, Halifax enjoyed a brilliant start to the season, through much in the way of innovation and pizzazz. Here is Game of Numbers Issue No. 16 - all about how Gheisar achieved balance in his side via the use of Riley Ferrazzo as an 'Inverted Fullback'.