A bite size blog casting an eye on three players performing to a high standard in the National League North.
Paul Blackett, 25, Striker (South Shields)
The data - Blackett tops the rankings for xG at 11.03, 0.64 per 90. He's took 60 total shots (2nd) at 3.48 per 90 and tops the charts for touches in penalty area at 110, 6.38 per 90
The story - Blackett is a well known figure in North-East non league circles. He spent time at Sheffield United and Newcastle in his formative years before breaking through at Gateshead with the help of a couple of loans at Whitby and Blyth Spartans. He scored ten goals in twenty four matches for Gateshead in their 2021/22 title winning season and notched four in fourteen in the National League before he dropped back down a tier to sign for Spennymoor Town where he scored a further eleven goals in twenty eight matches. Blackett moved to South Shields ahead of this season. He is second in this season's top goalscorer chart with eleven goals to date.
The video - Blackett excels in the penalty area and is a constant goal threat with smart movement and instinctive finishing. There's more to his game though, he's a willing runner of the channels and offers himself in build up play by dropping off his centre back and bringing his wide men into play. Another chance at the National League is highly likely.
Jamie Jellis, 22, Centre midfield (Tamworth)
The data - Jellis stands out with 14.06 recoveries per 90 in opponents half, 57.04% duels won and 7.54 interceptions per 90.
The story - Jellis spent his youth career at Stevenage. Following his release he had spells at Aylesbury, St Albans, Hemel Hempstead and Kings Langley. He had two loan spells at Tamworth in the 2022/23 season before making a permanent switch to the club.
The video - Jellis is a highly combative, hard working, strong tackling midfielder who relishes the dirty work. On the ball he makes smart passes and is good in possession.
Zan-Luk Leban, 20, Goalkeeper (Farsley Celtic, on loan from Everton)
The data - Leban averages 3.95 per 90 and has a prevented goals score of 7.35, over +2 ahead of anyone else in the division at a rate of 0.48 per 90. Leban also tops the ratings for leaving his goal line, a total of 46 times this season, 2.98 per 90.
The story - Leban played boys football at FCB Escola Varsovia before joining the youth ranks at Everton in 2019. He has represented Slovenia at numerous youth age levels, making his under 21 debut in March of this year. He joined Farsley Celtic in August for his first senior loan.
The video - Leban spreads himself superbly and has eagle like wing span. He rushes out to meet attackers with speed and bravery. Leban's handling is sound and he has good command of his penalty area. Leban favours long distribution over short and mid range passes. A great shot stopper with good reflexes.
Data and information gathered from Wyscout & Transfermarkt