The One Team In Devon recruitment dossier: How to complete the Argyle squad
Analyst and Argyle fan Alberto Lauciello leads a data-driven recruitment strategy
As we wait for the addition of a new striker, One Team In Devon has taken matters into its own hands.
I caught up with OTID friend and football data analyst, Alberto Lauciello. He’s previously contributed to One Team in Devon for data-led insights, and this time, he’s pulled back the curtain to show how analytics can help identify players who fit Cleverley’s stated profiles.
A quick disclaimer: this is an independent project, carried out in Alberto’s spare time. That means a limited dataset and no insider access — but it does include 30 leagues around the world.
All analysis is based on public statements from the club and coaching staff. Player recommendations also take into account the league's stature, the club’s perceived standing, and an estimated transfer budget, with a focus (where possible) on loans or free agents.
And you can download his whole report here:
The current squad
The 4-2-3-1 Shape
Let’s start by looking at two hypothetical line-ups, based on the current squad — though it's worth noting that modern football is less about fixed positions and more about roles and responsibilities.
Despite Tom Cleverley mentioning this as the likely starting point, Alberto suggests the current squad might be better suited to a 3-4-3 (or 3-4-2-1). But sticking with the 4-2-3-1 for now, a few positional notes:
Joe Edwards can play RB or CM
Sorinola and Mumba are interchangeable at FB
Szucs can operate at RB
MacKenzie and Wiredu are CB options
Benarous is a midfield utility
Mumba will push forward to LW or RW
Paterson works better wide left, cutting inside
Watts can operate on the right (RW/RAM).
Switching to the 3-4-3
Szucs can play RWB
Wiredu and MacKenzie can both drop into a back three
Mumba is again an option higher up as LW, RW, or AM
Benarous remains the flexible midfield wildcard.
Even beyond the long-awaited striker, the squad still feels short in key areas – despite the club’s messaging about wanting a smaller, more adaptable squad. That may work tactically, but it limits depth and exposes gaps.
Scouting the #9 position
Alberto’s criteria:
At least 900 minutes
At least 6 defensive actions per 90’
At least 0.35 npxG per 90’
At least 45% shots on target
At least 20% goal conversion
At least 31% offensive duels won per 90’
At least 33% aerial duels won
Free, on loan or max £2 mln fee
Preferably “homegrown” status
Here’s the shortlist based on data from selected 2024/25 leagues, grouped into tiers using Opta’s ELO model. The filters were strict, but by relaxing one or two metrics, we found five credible candidates:
5. Alessandro Debenedetti
A tall, physical striker with poacher instincts and a strong defensive work rate and was on loan last year. He’s an aerial threat and holds the ball well, though link-up and finishing need polishing. Still raw — promising, but a gamble.
Value estimate: £700k
4. Lamin Colley
At 31, Colley offers experience and physicality. He thrives on crosses, attacks space well, and should be effective in League One. A low-risk, plug-and-play option. Homegrown, too.
Value estimate: £450k
3. Yakou Méïté
Championship veteran, 29, and strong in the air with high defensive intensity. Best as a second striker but serviceable as a lead forward. Presses well, though his recent finishing form is patchy.
Value estimate: £1m
2. Callum Paterson*
Aged 30, Paterson brings immediate value. Hard-working, good on set pieces, and versatile across forward roles. High energy, pressing-focused. Solid short-term option. His physicality and presence would fit well into our system, although his xG output it less pronounced for a #9 leading the line alone.
Value estimate: £650k
*Has now signed for MK Dons in League Two.
1. Donát Bárány
At 24, Bárány is a physical, high-motor forward who thrives in direct systems with excellent xG output. A consistent scorer, reliable off the ball. Good value for clubs needing effort and good end product.
Value estimate: £450k
New #10 / Attacking Midfield
Alberto’s criteria:
At least 900 minutes
At least 0.3 npxG+xA per 90’
At least 9 defensive actions per 90’
At least 1.7 shots per 90’
At least 2.7 successful dribbles per 90’
At least 0.95 shots assisted per 90’
At least 0.74 smart + key passes per 90’
Free, on loan or max £2m fee
Bonus if he’s a set piece specialist
Preferably “homegrown” status
Same process, new focus. Here are five potential AM/W options that fit the manager’s likely demands:
5. Morgan Bokele
Age 21, rapid and dynamic winger. High expected goals and assists per minute. Great dribbler and presses well. Still mostly a bench player — needs consistent minutes to develop.
Value estimate: £650k
4. Emir Bars
At 20, Bars brings flair and end product. Versatile (LW/AM), defends well, takes set pieces. Shone in the Eerste Divisie. Still raw in terms of tactical discipline.
Value estimate: £400k
3. Kamari Doyle
Only 19, but technically sharp with real L1 experience. Offers creativity, set-piece threat, and homegrown status. Can play CM or CAM.
Value estimate: £450k
2. Jamie Donley
Another 20-year-old with strong League One loan credentials. Creative, high-assist player with great vision. May struggle with physicality at times. Championship interest might complicate a move.
Value estimate: £1.6m
1. Raymund Molnár
Age 22, versatile attacking winger with strong vision and pressing work rate. Needs more game time to sharpen final-third decision-making. Physicality suits wing roles.
Value estimate: £600k
Conclusion
The exercise aims to show how recruitment teams use data to identify targets and show that options do exist – based on data alone.
It doesn’t take into account age and value. Or the personality tests that go into building a cohesive squad.
Alfie May and Callum Paterson both featured on the list, and have gone to rivals (May > Huddersfield) and even the league below (Paterson > MK Dons).
Statistically, they would make fine additions, and both attracted social media interest. But in terms of value, they would be unlikely to be sold at an equivalent or higher value.
So it begs the question – which is more important? Appreciation transfer or pure goal contributions?
Many of the players on Alberto’s list play in overseas markets. A successful hunting ground for Argyle in January (Katic, Maxi, Purchaz – and less so Baidoo ) but not so well utilised this summer. Is that a preference of Tom Randle? A reaction to seemingly ‘disloyal players’? Or simply chance?
The players are out there. But will Argyle get their men in time?
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Great to know that there are options out there - reading much of the output you wouldn’t necessarily think that. Interesting that Hungary seems to provide a good selection……..