This is an analysis thread on fullbacks that play in the second divisions in England, France, Germany, Italy & Spain.
Twitter Thread Link: https://mobile.twitter.com/jacksonhuxley/status/1251477236236115974
The Process
My preference is to analyse within phases of the game: Building the attack (construction), creating the attack (creation), finishing the attack (attack), defending (defence) (limited metrics means defending is constructed to one overall phase).
For fullbacks, I have deemed defense and construction the two priority phases, and creation as a secondary priority. These phases are a group of selected and weighted metrics, which allow each player to be given a score based on their ability in each phase.
The first graph (below) shows every fullback that plays across the five divisions. The second graph (below) shows the players that score above average in defence and construction, and score above the 25th percentile in creation (creation = dot size).
Defence
Now that we have our selection of players... This graph (below) zooms in on a couple of the key metrics within the defensive phase. Ayling, Henry and Bryan, all of the English Championship, showing up well here.
Construction
This graph (below) zooms in on a couple of the key metrics within the construction phase. Bernard of Auxerre loves a pass into the creation zone of the pitch.
Creation
This graph (below) zooms in on a couple of the key metrics within the creation phase. Derby’s Lowe, has a super high volume of carries, but it’s Ricci, Juve Stabia’s LB, that stands out here.
The Select Few
From this analysis, 11 RB’s and 11 LB’s stood out in each of these key phases.
The final process of this analysis is to identify 3 RB’s & LB’s that are the stand out performers across ‘the not quite top 5 leagues’. Starting with the RB’s...
Benedikt Saller
Jahn Regensburg (Bundesliga 2)
27 years old
850k (transfermarkt)
A powerful player with great ball striking ability. Looks to play early and long, and often finds a man in the box!
Luke Ayling
Leeds United (C’ship)
28
3million
Ayling is a real all rounder, with brilliant ball retention, whilst also playing a high volume of passes into dangerous areas. Physically dominant and helping push Leeds to promotion.
Samuele Birindelli
Pisa (Serie B)
20
500k
The young RB wins a high volume of his offensive and defensive duels. Defends his own box and creates around the opposition box very well. 2 goals and 2 assists so far this season, at 20!
On to the LB’s!
Pietro Ceccaroni
Venezia (Serie B)
24
250k
Ceccaroni is a tall and physical LB but with a versatility to play CB. Offers brilliant technique in his crossing, and is very involved in creating. Returns to Spezia from his loan in the summer.
Danilo Soares
Bochum (Bundesliga 2)
28
1million
Danilo is a quick runner and a quick thinker. Shows brilliant game intelligence and is great in 1v1s in defence or attack. Contract expires this summer. A pacey all rounder in the prime of his career could be a coup.
Joe Bryan
Fulham (C’ship)
26
7million
An expensive LB, but with bags of experience in English football. Reads the game well defensively and offers great contribution in attack, creating 0.15xA per 90!
I hope you enjoyed the thread! Hopefully a good insight into fullbacks that aren’t often talked about because of the division they play in. Any feedback would be very welcome!
Keep an eye out for more content!
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