While football goes beyond just statistics, statistics is what is often used in debates and reflect to some extent a player’s effectiveness on the pitch for his side. We take an extensive look at some of the most intricate statistics in the Premier League this season.
In the third part of this series, we take a look at the aerial battles won, successful tackles made and players that attempted most take-ons.
Aerial duels won –
Sebastian Haller (218)
The French talisman came amidst much fanfare from Eintracht Frankfurt for a club record fee. With just 7 goals to show, Haller did not really make the world come to his feet, but he did that with several defenders, winning most aerial duels.
Oliver McBurnie (200)
Sheffield United have one of the most uncomplicated and rigid football systems in the league under Chris Wilder, and all of it is due to players such as McBurnie playing their roles to perfection and winning several aerial balls for his team.
Troy Deeney (198)
Forwards have won more aerial duels this season it seems, and Troy Deeney joins the list. His jumps and winning the ball could not save his club from relegation.
James Tarkowski (198)
In comes the first defender on the list, James Tarkowski. A towering presence in the Burnley backline, Tarkowski is a known aerial threat and wins most of his duels.
Virgil Van Dijk (191)
If you saw his header against Newcastle United on the final day, you know why he wins so many aerial duels. A clean jump characterized by a good head, Virgil is easily one of the best defenders in the world at the moment.
Tackles won
Aaron Wan-Bissaka (129)
The spider on the right side of Manchester United’s defence loves weaving his net around attackers. For one, ask Raheem Sterling. Wan-Bissaka wins hands down, with 129 tackles.
Wilfred Ndidi (128)
Teams that attack need someone to do their dirty work, and Wilfred Ndidi is Brendan Rodgers’ go-to man for the role. The defensive midfielder has had a stellar season in the Leicester shirt.
Ricardo Pereira (119)
He did not play a major portion of the league due to injury, and Leicester missed him a little too much. An ever-present attacking threat down the right wing, Pereira coupled it with some crunching tackles.
Declan Rice (116)
He’s England’s finest defensive midfielder in a long time, or at least on current form. Rice has been West Ham’s midfield dynamo, breaking up opposition play with some smart positioning and some timely tackles.
Serge Aurier (93)
The Ivory Coast right-back will only get better under Jose Mourinho. At White Hart Lane, Aurier recorded one of his most consistent seasons, and is expected to develop into one of the best in the league.
Most take-ons
Wilfred Zaha (267)
The Crystal Palace forward has always been pacy, and this season, he kept all opposition defenders on their toes. Zaha has been looking for a breakout season for some time now, and needs to improve on his decision making.
Adama Traore (246)
From Aston Villa to Middlesbrough to Wolves, Traore has seen a trajectory and knows it takes a lot of hard work to get where he has reached. He is one of the most exciting right wingers in the world, never shy of taking a player on. Will he play at the Molineux next season?
Allan Saint-Maximin (180)
The Newcastle winger has one of the best dribbling feet in the Premier League currently. He’s always on the move, and it’s very difficult to mark him. Defenders need to be on their top form to stop him.
Emi Buendia (142)
At just 23, Buendia has shown the world what he’s capable of, and with Norwich City dropping down to the Championship, he could invite a lot of bidders. A slick visionary, Buendia finds space even in the box, and is a top, top talent.
Dwight McNeil (142)
He’s the only Burnley player who has been warranted freedom by Sean Dyche, and McNeil pays back by creating numerous chances. A livewire, he plays with a smile on his face and is a delight to watch.
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