5 teams whose midfielders score more goals than forwards

A game of football is ultimately decided on goals. And who knows more about scoring goals than the people who are put on the pitch to score them, the forwards? Right? Well not always. Generally, the defenders defend; the midfielders create, defend and score at times too; the forwards score.However, plenty of teams have assembled a glittering talent line of midfielders who get more than their share of goals and simultaneously don’t shy away from their responsibilities. Frank Lampard is one such example, a midfielder who had a goal-scoring rate of what a striker next to Drogba would have despite playing in central midfield.However, not every team possesses such gifted midfielders. These teams usually operate with forwards who contribute more towards holding the shape of the team and setting up their prolific midfield partners. These forwards do get goals every now and then, but their scoring charts pale in comparison to their team-mates.We look at 5 such teams in this article:

#1 Manchester United

As he approaches the midst of his second season at Manchester United, Louis van Gaal still has to achieve a balance that allows his team to defend and attack both with aplomb. Initially, his team was buoyed by new arrivals such as Angel di Maria, Radamel Falcao and Ander Herrera and attack with vigor, getting goals and goals.

However, their defence had to be constantly bailed out by David de Gea. While Falcao and occasionally van Persie misfired, Wayne Rooney did start to get goals for the team as he took on more responsibility with the armband.

On the other hand, the midfielders pretty much equaled the output of the forwards. Juan Mata and Ander Herrera reveled under Van Gaal, their brilliant movement inside the box led to both of them getting goals in big games.

Later on, Van Gaal decided to stick Marouane Fellaini in a support-striker role with crosses peppered in. This catalysed a late season fightback as the Belgian headed in loads of crucial goals that eventually saw Manchester United reclaim a place in the UEFA Champions League.

This season, Van Gaal invested in some solid midfielders with the aim of giving his defence more protection while controlling possession. The reward has been obvious to see, Chris Smalling has blossomed into a fine defender and Manchester United have the best defensive record in the Premier League.

Now, fixing the defence has manifested into a different error altogether. United’s strike-force, traditionally fearsome, has now failed to get goals at all. Wayne Rooney’s struggles have been well-documented, while Anthony Martial has failed to find the net since his brace at Southampton despite encouraging performances.

In light of these struggles, Juan Mata has been the brightest spark in an attacking sense for Van Gaal with 4 goals already, while Ander Herrera has also had 3 goals. Recently, young Jesse Lingard has impressed alot in his run at the first team and already scored a goal. This all comes despite the fact that Memphis Depay, hasn’t adapted well to life in Manchester and only notched a solitary strike this term in league football.