Racing Santander’s Yassir Zabiri outperforms Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappe on key efficiency stat

Yassir Zabiri has scored seven goals in eight La Liga appearances for Racing Santander despite an expected-goals (xG) total of just 3.3, making the Morocco forward one of the most efficient finishers in Spain.

The 21-year-old has exceeded his expected return by 3.7 goals since joining Racing Santander on loan from Rennes. His move to Spain has provided a fresh start after a difficult spell in France, with Zabiri having identified the Spanish league as a competition better suited to his qualities.

Only two players in La Liga have a stronger record for outperforming their xG, one of them being Raphinha. Zabiri’s figure is ahead of those recorded by Lamine Yamal (+2.00) and Kylian Mbappe (+0.10).

His seven goals put him third in the La Liga scoring charts after eight matchdays. None has come from the penalty spot, while five have been scored with first-time finishes. That record highlights his anticipation, positioning and ability to shoot before defenders have time to intervene.

A natural left-footer, Zabiri has also scored twice with his right foot. He first attracted widespread attention on 28 August, when he completed a hat-trick in fewer than 21 minutes and moved close to a record associated with Samuel Eto’o.

He has continued to produce consistently since then, despite a largely unremarkable spell in France. The more direct nature of Spanish football and its emphasis on attacking space appear to have brought out the best in his game.

There are, however, reasons to treat his numbers with caution. Maintaining such a large gap between goals scored and xG over a long period will be difficult. Zabiri also needs to improve his contribution to build-up play, his discipline – he has already received four yellow cards – and his influence when chances are limited.

Opponents are likely to pay closer attention to his movement and his favoured left foot as his reputation grows.

His form has also been noticed in Morocco. Mustapha Hadji, who says he regularly follows Zabiri’s performances, believes the striker could become “one of the great Moroccan forwards” if he maintains his level of commitment in training and work.

Competition for places in the Morocco national team remains strong, and a few productive weeks are not enough to change the established order. Zabiri has already made his debut for the Atlas Lions after winning the U20 World Cup, but his most recent international camp was a quiet one.

Even so, his start to life at Racing Santander has given him a serious case for a place in the senior team.