Antony Matheus dos Santos, simply known as Antony, is a dynamic Brazilian footballer who has captured the attention of fans and analysts alike. Known for his flair, dribbling skills, and powerful left foot, Antony has made a name for himself playing for top clubs like Ajax and Manchester United, and representing the Brazilian national team. This article delves into Antony’s stats, providing a comprehensive overview of his career performance, analyzing his strengths and weaknesses, and examining the public’s perception of his contributions on the pitch.
Early Career and Breakthrough at Ajax
Antony’s journey began in the youth ranks of São Paulo FC in Brazil. He quickly progressed through the ranks, making his professional debut in 2018. His impressive performances for São Paulo earned him a move to Ajax in 2020. It was in Amsterdam that Antony truly blossomed, showcasing his immense potential on a bigger stage.
During his two-year stint at Ajax, Antony became a key player for the team, contributing significantly to their success. He won two Eredivisie titles and a KNVB Cup, establishing himself as one of the most exciting young talents in world football. His stats at Ajax speak for themselves:
Appearances: 79
Goals: 25
Assists: 22
These numbers highlight Antony’s attacking prowess and his ability to both score and create goals. His performances in the Champions League further solidified his reputation as a player capable of performing at the highest level.
Move to Manchester United and Premier League Challenges
In the summer of 2022, Antony made a high-profile transfer to Manchester United, reuniting with his former manager Erik ten Hag. The move came with significant expectations, as Manchester United fans hoped that Antony would bring his electrifying style and contribute to the team’s resurgence.
Antony’s start at Manchester United was promising, scoring on his debut against Arsenal. However, he has also faced challenges adapting to the physicality and intensity of the Premier League. While his flair and dribbling skills have been evident, his overall consistency and contribution to the team’s attacking output have been subject to scrutiny.
Appearances: 62
Goals: 5
Assists: 3
These numbers indicate that Antony is still finding his feet in the Premier League. While he has shown flashes of brilliance, he needs to improve his consistency and overall contribution to the team’s attacking play to justify his hefty transfer fee and meet the high expectations placed upon him.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Antony’s main strengths lie in his dribbling skills, pace, and left foot. He is a nightmare for defenders, capable of beating them with his quick feet, close control, and unpredictable changes of direction. His ability to cut inside from the right wing and unleash powerful shots with his left foot makes him a constant threat to opposing goalkeepers.
However, Antony also has areas where he needs to improve. His decision-making in the final third can sometimes be questionable, and he can be prone to over-dribbling. His defensive contribution could also be more consistent. Additionally, his relatively low goal and assist numbers in the Premier League suggest that he needs to improve his end product and become more clinical in front of goal.
Public Perception and Criticism
Antony’s performances at Manchester United have been met with mixed reactions from fans and pundits. While some appreciate his flair and willingness to take on defenders, others have been critical of his lack of consistency and end product. Some have questioned whether he is worth the high transfer fee paid for him.
It is important to remember that Antony is still relatively young and adapting to a new league and a new team. He needs time to settle in and develop his understanding with his teammates. With the right guidance and support from his manager and coaches, Antony has the potential to become a key player for Manchester United.
International Career
Antony has also represented Brazil at the international level, making his debut in 2021. He was part of the squad that won the gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. While he is yet to establish himself as a regular starter for the Seleção, he has shown glimpses of his talent and potential.
FAQs
What are Antony’s career statistics across different clubs?
São Paulo FC (2018–2020): Antony made 48 appearances and scored 6 goals.
Ajax (2020–2022): He played 57 matches, netting 18 goals.
Manchester United (2022–2025): Antony featured in 62 games, scoring 5 goals.
Real Betis (2025–Present): As of February 10, 2025, he has played 2 matches and scored 1 goal.
These statistics highlight Antony’s journey through various leagues and his contributions at each club.
How has Antony performed in the Premier League?
During his tenure with Manchester United, Antony made 62 Premier League appearances, scoring 5 goals. He provided 3 assists and had a shooting accuracy of 36%, with 43 of his 121 shots on target. He also created 9 big chances and delivered 53 crosses.
What are Antony’s international statistics with Brazil?
Antony has represented Brazil’s senior national team since 2021, earning 16 caps and scoring 2 goals. He was also part of the Brazil U23 squad, where he made 22 appearances and scored 6 goals, contributing to their gold medal win at the 2020 Summer Olympics.
What honors and titles has Antony achieved in his career?
Ajax:
Eredivisie Champion: 2020–21, 2021–22
KNVB Cup Winner: 2020–21
Manchester United:
FA Cup Winner: 2023–24
EFL Cup Winner: 2022–23
Brazil U23:
Olympic Gold Medal: 2020
Individually, Antony was named Eredivisie Player of the Month in December 2020 and won Manchester United’s Goal of the Season award for 2022–23.
How has Antony started his loan spell at Real Betis?
Antony has made an immediate impact at Real Betis, scoring a goal in his second appearance during a 3-2 defeat to Celta Vigo. This goal equaled his tally for Manchester United in the current season, where he had scored once in 17 outings. Betis manager Manuel Pellegrini praised Antony’s quality and expressed optimism about his contributions to the team.
What are some critiques of Antony’s playing style?
Antony has faced criticism for his tendency to perform skills and tricks without effective outcomes. Former Premier League striker Darren Bent labeled him a “YouTube player,” suggesting that while he showcases flair, he often lacks end product in matches. Similarly, Real Betis manager Manuel Pellegrini advised Antony to focus more on meaningful contributions like goals and assists rather than unnecessary showboating.
What is Antony’s market value progression over the years?
Antony’s market value has seen significant changes throughout his career:
2021: €200,000
2022: €400,000
2023: €1.8 million
2024: €3 million
This upward trajectory reflects his rising prominence in European football.
How does Antony’s playing style influence his statistical output?
Antony is known for his flair and technical skills, often attempting dribbles and taking on defenders. While this style makes him an exciting player to watch, it sometimes results in lower statistical outputs in terms of goals and assists. His focus on individual play can lead to missed opportunities for team collaboration, affecting his overall effectiveness on the pitch.
What are Antony’s strengths and areas for improvement based on his statistics?
Strengths:
Dribbling and Technical Ability: Antony’s flair and skill on the ball make him a formidable opponent for defenders.
Shooting Accuracy: With a 36% shooting accuracy, he demonstrates a decent ability to hit the target.
Areas for Improvement:
Goal Contribution: Increasing his goal tally would enhance his impact on the game.
Decision Making: Focusing on effective play rather than unnecessary tricks could lead to better outcomes.
Physicality: Building strength and speed may help him compete more effectively in physically demanding leagues.
To conclude
Antony is a talented and exciting player who has the potential to achieve great things in his career. His journey so far has been marked by impressive performances at Ajax and a high-profile move to Manchester United. While he has faced challenges in adapting to the Premier League, he has also shown flashes of his brilliance.
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