Profile: Connor Shields | Chennaiyin FC's Target-Man

Connor Shields is just 26 and a prolific goal-getter.

Despite losing out on star players Nasser El Khayati and Petar Sliskovic alongside linchpins like Anirudh Thapa, Chennaiyin FC are entirely focused on the rebuild. A minor contingent of head coach Coyle’s former players have arrived at the club to aid him with that. The Scotsman has been reunited with Farukh Choudhary, Jordan Murray, and fellow countryman Connor Shields.

Coyle managed the former two at Jamshedpur FC during their league winners’ shield-winning campaign in 2021-22. However, his first tryst with Shields was during his brief one-year-long spell at Scottish side Queen’s Park.  

Former Motherwell FC forward, Shields, moved to the Indian subcontinent this season. With vast experience in the Scottish and English leagues, he has already become a welcome addition to the Indian contingent at the club. Having also plied his trade at Championship side Sunderland AFC, Shields’ remarkable portfolio belies his age. At 26, the striker is in the prime of his career, and with Chennaiyin FC, he might light up the Indian Super League. 

Here is a look at the profile of the new Chennaiyin FC striker, who is set to leave a mark on the upcoming season.

Prior Experience

At only 19 years of age, Shields started his career at Albion Rovers during the 2015–16 season. The centre-forward stayed with the Wee Rovers for three more years, making 39 appearances and scoring nine times. In January 2018, he earned a move to England, signing for reputed side Sunderland. However, eight months later, after making no appearances, he was loaned to Alloa Athletic where he made 30 appearances and scored thrice. Afterward, he signed for Aldershot Town on a one-year deal. With the turn of the year, he moved on loan to Billericay Town, scoring on his debut. 

The Scotsman then signed for Queen of the South on a permanent deal. He had his most prolific goal-scoring season at the club with eight strikes during the 2020-21 season. Shields moved to Motherwell on 27th May 2021, penning a three-year deal with the club. The forward burst onto the scene, announcing himself with a goal on his debut against Heart of Midlothian. His final campaign in Scotland before joining Chennaiyin FC, introduced him to Owen Coyle during a loan move to Queen’s Park. Under his fellow countryman, Shields had a rich spell with five goals in only 14 games – a fruitful turnover compared to his previous tallies.

Type of Player

The 26-year-old striker is an adept fox-in-the-box who is not shy to take on defenders and finish moves. Ambidextrous by nature, he has a knack for being in the right place at the right time and can find the corner of the goal efficiently. Be it volleys, flicks, or even clever headers coming off the shoulder of his marker, Chennaiyin FC have a reliable target up front. His aerial threat is matched well by his athletic prowess but his real strength lies in his versatility.

Much like current teammate Jordan Murray, Shields likes to drift out to the right wing from where he can swivel in an accurate ball. His blistering pace is another indispensable asset as he can latch onto hard-hit through balls, converting negligible chances into goals. Shields’ first touch, dribbling and ice-cool finishing is actually similar to another ISL gem, Greg Stewart.

The way in which he races into the box for a cheeky dink over the keeper (on one instance) is testimony to the same. Additionally, he also has the ability to rip his opponent to shreds with his speed and bend the ball into the top corner from (outside the box). With his ball-carrying skills and progressive play volume, Connor Shields is touted to be a player of Stewart’s mold to help emulate Owen Coyle’s title-winning run.

What will he bring to the team?

Connor Shields is a fluid forward and coupled with Murray, he can help Chennaiyin FC pry open tough-to-crack defences and low blocks. Not only is he a clinical finisher, but he can also generate chances out of nothing much like Mumbai City ace Greg Stewart.

Although the Englishman is a better dribbler and can play deeper, the Scotsman is a bigger threat up front. Coyle can easily rely on him to exchange passes with Murray and Rafael Crivellaro to unlock stubborn defences. His identification of half-spaces is second to none and he is faster than many on the half-turn. With the likes of Vincy Barretto and Rahim Ali, the forward will get access to more chances.

Shields’ pace, however, is a frightening aspect and an extremely coveted aspect for the Marina Machans. If oppositions set up cover to track him, he can allow his teammates to move into spaces. On the other hand, if he is left alone, he can wreak havoc with his dribbling, speed, and finishing.

Moreover, he can switch to the wing and allow Rahim Ali to hold up the ball and set him free. His style of play is guaranteed to draw more fouls for his team and to make the most of that they must be adept from set-piece situations. Connor Shields’ inclusion will not only allow Chennaiyin FC to make the most out of their chances but also serve as a learning experience for his younger understudies.  

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