Any striker to have scored five goals in their opening 10 Championship games would be worthy of external attention, so when that forward is just 20 and experiencing his first proper sustained run in the first-team, naturally people outside of Bristol City will start to talk.
Tommy Conway has become the surprise figurehead of the Robins resurgence this season which has, admittedly, ended with back-to-back defeats in this first portion of 10 games but with Nigel Pearson’s side the joint-best attacking team in the division in terms of goals scored.
Conway has five of their 19 goals, including against Cardiff City in the Severnside Derby and is earning plaudits far beyond the confines of Ashton Gate having been named EFL Young Player of the Month for August.
His hot streak should naturally cool off at some stage, such are the inconsistencies of youth, but also of importance, as Pearson has noted, is for the Taunton-born frontman to keep his feet on the ground amid the growing furore and hype around him, all largely generated by his own performance on the field.
The 20-year-old does seem to have his head firmly screwed on, while the sheer work rate he delivers every game speaks of a player who’s performing for more than just himself, with Conway possessing a strong team ethic and selflessness.
However, he’s increasingly being namechecked and focused on by keen analysts of the Championship, with former Arsenal and Southend midfielder, and now broadcaster, Adrian Clarke of the “What the EFL?!” podcast devoting a section to the City striker and branding his playing style as reminiscent of the legendary Alan Shearer and/or Harry Kane, in how ruthless he is inside the penalty area while constantly being aware of the space around him.
“Whisper it quietly, there’s a touch of the Shearer’s, a touch of the Kane’s about this boy because he’s got that nose for where balls are going to be put into the box, and he stays between the width of the post, that golden zone where most of the goals are scored,” Clarke said.
“He puts himself in those positions very, very cleverly. I’ve studied all his goals he’s scored this season, his assists and his various contributions and the way he targets space inside the box, whether it’s in front of the marker or in between two defenders, he’s outstanding and it’s very natural.
“All five of his goals have come from close range and he’s a proper goal poacher. Talk of conversion rates - 35.7 per cent. He is really lethal. What you’re finding out there is he’s getting a better quality of chances and close to the goal. Three of his goals have been headers, equalling Richard Wood for most headed goals. He is a real poacher, all but one of his shots have come from inside the box.
“The other thing is his work rate, he’s a grafter and can close down centre-halves. And he looks after the ball, 84 per cent pass accuracy. For centre-forwards, that’s not normal. Most of them lose the ball because they’re under such pressure. He’s someone who can receive a pass and knock it off nice and simple. That’s the best pass accuracy of any striker that has three goals.
"He looks a player to me and he, Alex Scott and Antoine Semenyo - these guys are real prospects and part of the reason why Bristol City fans are really enjoying the season so far.”
Conway is presently with the Scotland Under-21 squad ahead of their double header against Northern Ireland on Thursday and Sunday. The 20-year-old qualifies for Scotland through his grandfather and could earn greater honours this week with Steve Clarke also considering calling him up for the senior squad.
Clarke is dealing with a number of injury issues but as of Monday, City had received no confirmation that Conway would be making the jump from the U21s into the Nations League with Scotland playing Ukraine tonight at Hampden Park.
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