Photo courtesy Zach Bland / Charleston Battery
While there are certainly some that are getting headlines for the Charleston Battery this season – led by USL Golden Boot co-leader Ataulla Guerra and his 10 goals – there might not be anyone more important to the club’s success this season than central midfielder Tah Anunga, whose ability to do a lot at a high level has been crucial in all areas of the field for Head Coach Mike Anhaeuser’s side.
Now in his second season with the Battery, Anunga has proven not only to be a ball-magnet in front of the Battery’s back line but has also shown tremendous range of distribution and an understanding of when to join the attack that has made the 21-year-old one of the breakthrough players in the league. Anunga leads the league in possession recoveries among outfield players by a very wide margin and also in tackles won and has favorable numbers in comparison to more high-profile players at his position around the league.
Player | Recoveries | Interceptions | Tackles Won | Touches | Passing Accuracy | Key Passes, Open Play |
Tah Anunga (CHS) | 218 | 50 | 52 | 1,321 | 81.37 | 10 |
Aodhan Quinn (OC) | 159 | 34 | 17 | 1,627 | 77.54 | 19 |
Pedro Ribeiro (FRS) | 153 | 41 | 43 | 1,139 | 76.57 | 13 |
Renzo Zambrano (POR) | 148 | 28 | 31 | 1,247 | 87.26 | 9 |
Cristian Casseres Jr. (NY) | 147 | 19 | 29 | 1,094 | 77.39 | 8 |
Devon Williams (LOU) | 140 | 33 | 16 | 1,187 | 85.8 | 16 |
Anunga’s work-rate is borne out by the numbers, and while his key passes from open play numbers might not be as impressive as someone like Orange County SC’s Aodhan Quinn’s, the way Anunga facilitates for others in the Battery’s lineup is a key part of how he keeps the side moving, either in winning and retaining possession smartly, or distributing to put teammates into good positions.
When Anunga does get time and space to work, however, his ability to pick out a pass or even join the attack with a late run himself has resulted in three goals and two assists this season in addition to the key passes he’s received credit for.
Anunga and the Battery face a big test this Saturday when they visit a Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC side that has been one of the most difficult to play against so far this season, with midfielder Thomas Vancaeyezeele having put together a solid rookie season in a similar central role for the side with 93 recoveries and 45 interceptions alongside veteran campaigner Kenardo Forbes, who has logged four assists and 17 key passes. Anunga’s versatility will again be key if Charleston is to come away with points from its trip to Highmark Stadium.