Wanderers

Poacher? Target man? A look at Victor Akinwale's game and its fit with the Wanderers

There's the obvious bits of Victor Akinwale's journey, the 21-year old's career laid out like a map on sites like Transfermarkt.

There's the story of a London boy who came up through English Premier League side Crystal Palace's academy. His progression through the U-18 and then U-21 ranks. Time with England's U-17s. A loan to the National League's Eastbourne Borough, which included five goals in 14 appearances, before his fateful move across the cool Atlantic to Nova Scotia.

Now, like others before him, Akinwale is looking for a fresh start in the Canadian Premier League (CPL).

But what about the bits not contained on his stats page? How does Akinwale move? What kind of No. 9 is he? And does he have the work ethic, both on and off the ball, to fit into Wanderers head coach Vanni Sartini's system?

Thankfully, Matt Woosnam — the Crystal Palace writer for The Athletic — was able to provide some insights into Halifax's latest striker, having watched Akinwale progress through Palace's system.

'Pace is a real attribute of his'

Woosnam explained that Akinwale joined Palace's youth team at a young age, progressing through the academy ranks and was well-liked despite not making it to the first team.

Not that Akinwale doesn't have his charms. Setting an academy goal record in 2021-2022, with 27 goals across the season, showcased the attacker's speed and nose for net despite not having the biggest frame.

"He's quick, pace is a real attribute of his," said Woosnam. "I wouldn't say he was great at holding up the ball, for example, with his back to goal. He was always running onto the ball and having that composure."

Standing at 5-foot-11 (180 cm), Akinwale is described as willing to do the physical work but not a target man capable of dominating in the air like former Wanderers striker Tiago Coimbra.

Instead, said Woosnam, the Englishman relies on his football IQ, pace and technical ability sitting on the hip of defenders to streak onto goal and deposit the ball into the back of the net. It's very similar to how Akinwale described himself in his signing announcement.

"They can expect from me a player who loves to press and get behind the opposing backline to create scoring opportunities," he said via press release.

It's also important to note, with the CPL set to trial Arsène Wenger's daylight offside, Akinwale could feast on defenders given his quick first step.

Palace certainly saw Akinwale's potential, taking the young striker on their pre-season tour through Australia and Singapore under the watchful eye of (since sacked) head coach Patrick Vieira.

Making the leap and work ethic

Despite his prowess, Akinwale wasn't able to jump from Palace's youth setup to the first team. But he's hardly the first to falter.

"Obviously, that goal record at U-18 was outstanding and you don't do that without being a good prospect but he wasn't the only one to score a lot of goals at the youth level for Palace and not make it, so to speak," said Woosnam.

"He's not the tallest and that's probably a little bit of a hindrance for him in the way he plays."

However, Woosnam has no doubts about Akinwale's work ethic or his ability to adapt to Sartini's desire for a high press, especially from his attackers.

"I remember watching him when the group he was in won the U-15 Floodlit Cup and he was the striker at that point. You don't sort of win those tournaments without having a striker that works hard. There's certainly no concern about his attitude, that's for sure, that's something he was always spot on with both on and off the pitch," he said.

Injuries, however, did hinder Akinwale's progression at Palace. The Wanderers are relatively thin at striker — with Ryan Telfer and youngster Tavio Ciccarelli as the only natural options — so they'll be hoping he keeps a clean bill of health.

It's also important to highlight that Akinwale is still young and developing. Earning consistent minutes away from Palace will only provide a platform for further growth as he evolves as a footballer.

Woosnam commended the former Palace prospect for the move.

"I think that really reflects well on him to try something different. So many players stay in their comfort zones and never really go and do anything different," he said.

"For his sake, I hope he's a success."