A tale of three centre backs. Celtic’s second most expensive Summer import was Carl Starfelt at a reported £4.5m from Rubin Kazan. After Furuhashi, this was a big investment by Postecoglou. Many studied the data, including me, and thought, “he’s not an aerially dominant behemoth like Jullien”, but looks a good fit for what we … [continue reading]
DASR
McCarthy: A VERY Specific Skillset
Arguably James McCarthy had the most effective game of his fledgling Celtic career, away St Johnstone. Filling in amongst a COVID and injury ravaged squad, he fulfilled the sitting midfield role (or “6”) in a midfield three. Saintly McCarthy Some of his numbers were eye catching in that ultimately comfortable win. He led the team … [continue reading]
Measuring Defensive Improvement
The desire is to see continual improvement but how measure it? Using the defensive metrics Defensive Action Success Rate % (DASR%) and Possession Win % and comparing last season to this, we can see how the defenders have improved against those key measures. The analysis is restricted to those who played over 900 minutes AND … [continue reading]
The Defensive Hole Revealed
The rumour mill seems rife with defensive recruitment potential. And my goodness is that the correct priority! If we summarise 2018/19 defensive performances, the extent of the hole in the Celtic rear-guard becomes stark. The chart below maps DASR% and Possession Win %. These are both aggregated metrics. Defensive Action Success Rate % considers all … [continue reading]
Defensive Selections for the Cup Final
With the Scottish Cup Final looming, a look at the key defensive metrics to help assess who should be selected for the Treble Treble bid. Advanced Defensive Metrics The chart maps Defensive Action Success Rate % and Possessions Won from defensive actions %. Detailed explanations are available in the Glossary. The best central defensive pairing … [continue reading]
Defensive Checkpoint
Combining Defensive Effectiveness measures is very useful for assessing the defensive strengths of various areas of the squad. The below is a plotting of Defensive Action Success Rate % and Possession Win %. Neither include passing. Full definitions are available in the Glossary. As at the Winter break, here is how they are doing. I … [continue reading]
Hardcore Defenders
An assessment of the squad’s defensive performances so far this season. Overall defensive performance is measured using Defensive Action Success Rate (DASR%). Comparing possession won and lost through defensive actions gives us Possession Win %. A fuller explanation is provided in the Glossary. As you can see the defensive performance tends to group the squad … [continue reading]
The Boyata Bounce
The end of the first International break is a good time to check point where we are as regards key defensive performance indicators. The chart below maps Defensive Action Success Rate (DASR%) against Possession Won / Lost per 90 m. A reminder: DASR is an aggregate of core defensive actions such as tackles, aerial challenges … [continue reading]
The Problem Position Revisited
It has been the most problematic period of the Rodger’s regime over the last two weeks. At such times all perceived woes get an airing. Are the underlying performance problems at Celtic all that complex to understand? If we look at the issues surrounding the Celtic playing squad there are many. But I posit most … [continue reading]
Defensive Action Success – Season Review
What can defensive metrics tell us about contributions to the Double Treble? Defensive Action Success Rate (DASR%) is a composite of defensive actions successful and unsuccessful. The Glossary snaps into the challenge to dispose doubt. DASR% is (I believe) a very useful single measure of all round defensive competence. It takes tackles, aerial challenges, interceptions, … [continue reading]