Aubameyang is adept at rolling possession from one foot to the other – in either direction – to create a shooting opportunity even when faced with several defenders who are set in their position (below). Given most goals are scored off of one or two touches, the ability to do so is particularly useful when it appears the chance to shoot has passed. He can also do this from any angle and from either side of the pitch, because his left foot is almost as strong as his right. His explosive movements make it difficult to deny him that shot; defenders often attempt to anticipate which direction he will move to and to get a head start on him, but doing so risks him going in the other direction. In those circumstances he is among the best in the world.

It is when his back is to goal that he is less capable. His hold-up play is unconvincing, which is largely why Arteta has played him almost exclusively on the left. Despite his frame, he is sometimes too easily muscled off the ball, and therefore favours playing off of one touch so that his opponent can’t get near him, even if this is a riskier approach that can lead to misplaced passes. He can also be guilty of rushing his attempts to dart forward and get further ahead of the ball, attempting to as quickly as possible get closer to goal, and can ultimately concede possession.