THE NOT QUITE TOP 5 LEAGUES
This is an analysis piece on players amongst ‘the not quite top 5 leagues’ that have the potential ability to be a success in the English Championship.
Twitter thread link: https://twitter.com/JacksonHuxley/status/1254100646351065096?s=20
The Process
I will be identifying central midfielders across Serie B, La Liga 2, Bundesliga 2 & Ligue 2, that produce the volume and quality levels to that of the English Championship.
Each of the players whose output fell below the lower quartile (graph above) were then excluded from the analysis, as it shows that they do not compete in as many duels as the Championship may require.
Next, the same was done to test the success of each player in the duels (graph below).
Construction
Again, players that did not meet the lower quartile were excluded. The primary phase of play and key component of a CM is construction. This graph (below) shows progressive players, that can retain the ball, in comparison to the Championship avg.
Defence
Centre midfielders must also be competent defenders. This graph (below) shows the players that win defensive battles and regain possession, in comparison to the Championship avg.
Creation
Another secondary phase that centre midfielders should have quality in, is creation. CM’s should be able to offer playmaking abilities. This graph (below) shows players that progress the ball, and make passes into the opponents box.
Priority Phase
This chart (below) shows each players construction score. This score values all the key metrics in build up play, which is vital for a midfielder to have quality in. Especially in the Championship.
The Select Few
From the analysis I have identified three players that would have a good chance of becoming successful in the Championship. Based on their volume and quality in duels, and their output in the vital phases of play.
Raffaele Maiello
Frosinone (Serie B)
28
1m
Maiello is a defensive midfielder for Frosinone. He has a brilliant 70% duel win rate, and recovers the ball a lot. Making 3.56 passes to the box per 90, Maiello shows up as a real all rounder.
Maxime D’Arpino
Orleans (Ligue 2)
23
500k
D’Arpano is a small but athletic defensive midfielder. With a high volume of forward and progressive passes, and an xAper90 of 0.13, the Frenchman is a top constructor.
Matteo Ricci
Spezia (Serie B)
25
1m
Another man from Serie B, and one of the best constructors in ‘the not quite top 5 leagues’. He regains the ball at a high volume, makes a lot of progressive and long passes, and has excellent ball retention. Ricci would be my pick!
THE NOT QUITE TOP 5 LEAGUES
This thread attempted to offer centre midfielders that have the potential capabilities to be able to compete in the high quality English Championship.
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