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 and interceptions, and assess the extent to which those were won or lost. To give you an idea of what “good” looks like, the best recorded in the last 5 seasons is Van Dijk at 81%. But the range tends to be narrow. Read more in The Problem Position Revisited.
Possession Won and Lost is simply the difference between the occasions a player wins possession back compared to the number of occasions they lose possession. It does NOT include passing. Forwards will generally lose possession frequently whilst defenders should rarely lose possession.
Bear in mind that whilst I have only included those that have played over 100 minutes, this is still a small sample.
But some highlights:
- Boyata has been defensive solid since returning in all three games bar being hustled off the ball by Morelos
- Ajer is consistency itself – hovering around the 80% line – he has had a DASR less than 80% in 5 out of 11 matches
- Hendry lags behind the other Centre Backs defensively
- No other midfielder matches Brown for defensive solidity – no surprise
- Tierney is surprisingly high given his attacking remit
- I expected to see Forrest with better defensive numbers – he is usually the top defensive attacking midfielder
I’ll refresh this throughout the season.
Uralius says
Not surprised to see a drop in Forrest’s numbers for this stat as he seems determined to cut inside and run into 2 defensive walls EVERY time he has the ball, unless he is allowed/instructed to go to the byline more often this downward curve for this stat will continue. (Assuming I understand the stat.)
Gary says
Thanks pal this is much appreciated