Glenn Middleton arrived at Doncaster Rovers in the summer of 2025 as a player with pedigree from both Rangers and Dundee United, and the early statistical profile of his League One campaign offers a clear picture of his strengths, tendencies, and areas for refinement.
At 25, the winger is at an age where consistency and productivity are expected, and while he has not yet produced goals, his influence in wide areas is evident.
The most striking aspect of Middleton’s game is his activity level. Across his appearances so far in 2025/26, he averages almost 59 total actions per 90, which places him among the more involved attacking midfielders in League One. His overall success rate of 56.5% is slightly below elite levels, but it reflects a player who takes risks on the ball. This willingness to commit defenders is borne out in his dribbling figures: 9.9 attempted dribbles per 90, with a success rate of 32.5%. While not always efficient, this volume of take-ons shows a player eager to stretch the game and test full-backs.
We are delighted to confirm the signing of Scottish winger Glenn Middleton.
Welcome, @Glenn_M22
Read more ⬇️https://t.co/sge2QntQqa
🔴 #drfc ⚪️ pic.twitter.com/VrgeLiE6wj
— Doncaster Rovers FC (@drfc_official) June 3, 2025
Creatively, Middleton’s early output is encouraging. He is averaging 0.25 assists per 90, aided by his high crossing frequency of nearly 10 per game. Accuracy is moderate at 32.5%, but again, the numbers suggest he is a supply-line player, especially from the left. His shot-assist rate of 1.73 per 90 underlines his ability to carve chances for team-mates rather than relying on his own finishing. His xG contribution is minimal (0.05 per 90), which confirms that his role in this Doncaster side is to progress play and deliver into the area rather than arrive as a goal-scorer.
In terms of direct goal threat, Middleton has registered 0.74 shots per 90, with a third finding the target. This output is light, and in comparison to his time in Scotland last season, where he averaged 1.35 shots per 90 with 34% accuracy, it suggests his positioning is currently deeper or wider, with less licence to attack central spaces. However, his involvement inside the penalty area, averaging 13.1 touches per 90, is a healthy figure and indicates he is still reaching advanced positions, even if the finishing touch has yet to arrive.
Middleton’s duel involvement is another defining feature. He contests over 20 duels per game, winning 55.6%, which is a strong return for a wide player. Defensively, he chips in with recoveries (12.6 per 90, including almost two in the opposition half), and his willingness to track back is reflected in his 80.6% success rate in defensive duels. These numbers point towards a winger with work rate and discipline, capable of fitting into a system that demands defensive cover.
When compared to his 2024/25 Scottish Premiership numbers, certain trends are clear. His dribbling volume has doubled (from 4.6 per 90 to 9.9), showing greater freedom at Doncaster, but his success rate has dipped from 37% to 32%. His creative workload has also increased, with nearly twice the number of crosses delivered, while his shot frequency has fallen, reinforcing the picture of a player asked to provide rather than finish.
Summary
Middleton is best described as a high-workload, direct winger who thrives when tasked with stretching the pitch and feeding forwards. His crossing volume and assist potential make him valuable in a side that relies on service from wide areas, while his defensive contribution ensures he can operate in systems that demand pressing and tracking. To elevate his impact, he will need to add goals or increase crossing accuracy, but his current numbers confirm him as an industrious wide threat and a player capable of unsettling opposition defences through persistence and volume of actions.
Leave a Reply