In January 2020 Bristol City fans were all adamant that a genuine 20 goal a season striker was what was required to push the Robins into the play-off positions.
The acquisition of Burnley centre forward Nahki Wells appeared to be just that, having already hit 13 goals in the first half of the season while on loan at QPR.
But nearly a year later it’s not gone quite as expected for the Bermudian striker, who has only managed to hit 10 league goals since his permanent move to BS3.
Why has it not worked out for the obviously talented player and what do Bristol City need to do to get the best out of him?
Should he be playing left-wing?
Unanimously the answer in response to this question would be “no”. Wells was brought in to be the primary goal scorer for Lee Johnson’s and now Dean Holden’s side, not a winger.
When playing as a striker this season, Wells has managed 2.1 shots per game, a decrease of 0.6 on his record Bristol City last year but remains closer to his spell at QPR (2.3).
However, when playing in any role other than a striker, including substitute appearances, Wells’ shots per game reduce to 1.1, a whole shot less than when up top.
Compared to Antoine Semenyo, who has looked more comfortable on the wing, Wells shoots less often, completes less dribbles, but does complete marginally more passes.
Less time with Chris Martin
At the start of the season, it was assumed the starting strike partnership would include Wells probably with Famara Diedhiou, however, it was Chris Martin who partnered Wells.
The pair teamed up excellently away at Stoke for Wells to score his first of the season, however by my reckoning the pair have only started together as a two-man partnership twice since October 31, the 3-1 home defeat to Norwich.
Martin, like Diedhiou, allows Wells to spend more time further up the pitch where he has been at his best and increases his likelihood of scoring.
All of Wells’ goals this season have been scored in the penalty area and all first time finishes, as expected of a poacher meaning he needs to spend more time in the box to be effective.
Lack of Creativity
It’s no secret that Bristol City have struggled with injuries this season, especially to key creative midfielders with Liam Walsh yet to feature and Jamie Paterson and Callum O’Dowda missing a number of games.
Like I previously mentioned, Wells mainly scores goals in the box, but Bristol City aren’t getting into the opponents’ box enough to provide Wells with chances.
This has led to the ex-Burnley man taking 11 shots from outside the area, only seven in the six-yard box with 19 in the penalty area.
When compared to top-scorer Ivan Toney, Wells underperforms massively with the Bees frontman taking 20 more shots in the penalty area (39).
I think a reversion to the back five system with Jack Hunt and Tommy Rowe higher up the pitch may aid Wells as they can provide more crosses into the penalty area where he should be operating.
This in tandem with the recall of Kasey Palmer could aid Wells, as we know Palmer is at his best when playing passes beyond a defence towards a willing runner, it worked with Benik Afobe and it could have a similar effect with Wells.
Is he unhappy?
A few have pointed out the petulant fouls Wells commits as an example of his unhappiness since joining Bristol City but statistically this is not out of the ordinary for Wells.
He is committing 0.1 more fouls per game this season for Bristol City than in his spell with QPR, but that doesn’t mean he is happy at Ashton Gate.
It has been reported that the player wanted a permanent switch to Mark Warburton’s side, but manager Dean Holden has reiterated that Wells is happy to play on the left at Ashton Gate.
Maybe a move back to a central role could be key for not only Wells’ return to form, but also the happiness of the player, as his contract runs until 2023 the Robins need him firing to have a shot at the top flight.
Dan Carter Sport 
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