We compare a defender, who was termed as one of the best in the Premier League last season, to another one, who is probably the best young left back in the league. That’s right, it is Chelsea’s versatile full back Cesar Azpilicueta and Man Utd’s young left back Luke Shaw who joined from Southampton. Last season, both these players were important pieces for their team as Azpilicueta replaced Cole in the team while Luke Shaw became a regular in the team that ended at their highest Premier League finish of 8th position. Let us see how their stats have worked out.
Apps: 26(3)
Tackles/Game: 3.4
Interceptions/Game: 1.7
Fouls/Game: 1
Clearances/Game: 4.8
Was Dribbled/Game: 1
Blocks/Game: 0.3
Apps: 35
Tackles/Game: 2.1
Interceptions/Game: 1.1
Fouls/Game: 0.8
Clearances/Game: 3.5
Was Dribbled/Game: 0.6
Blocks/Game: 0.1
In most of the defensive stats the Chelsea’s full back has an edge over Luke Shaw and the fact that he played in a very defensively organized structure in Chelsea ads to his credibility. As a natural left footer, Luke Shaw is more attack minded, and is available for crosses as he likes to make overlapping runs. But, the attacking contributions of both the fullbacks is negligible in terms of stats, because despite the overlaps he does, Shaw has only 1 assist in the league along with very few key passes and crosses. Same with Azpilicueta, as he has no assist or goal and very few key passes.
Shaw was appreciated for his runs and his decisiveness that got the best out of their attacking midfielders and wingers, notably Jay Rodriguez who played as a wide striker. Cesar Azpilicueta was a defensive rock last season and double teaming with the left winger Hazard or Schurrle, Chelsea’s left flank was narrow and solid meaning teams’ wingplay was heavily negated. Azpilicueta’s tackles/game and clearances/game is significantly higher than Shaw’s, one indicator of the aggression in a defender. The Spaniard, one of the most aggressive and passionate Chelsea players, likes to tackle and he does tackle hard. On the other hand, Shaw’s attacking prowess means he doesn’t have to face a winger in a deeper area of the pitch, thus having better success against dribblers has only 0.6 players have dribbled past him per game, which is a very impressive stat.
Pass Success: 80.6
Key Passes: 0.4
Crosses: 0.4
Accurate Long Balls: 2.3
Accurate Through Balls: —
Pass Success: 79.2 %
Key Passes: 0.9
Crosses: 0.8
Accurate Long Balls: 1.1
Accurate Through Balls: –
As we see through the stats, we find out that Azpilicueta is a slightly better passer than Shaw with his pass completion as well as accuracy in long passing. Shaw on the other hand has almost 1 successful cross per match along with almost 1 key pass per match. Shaw is definitely the one who creates more chances despite the fact that he has only 1 assist and these passing stats are also not too great. Azpilicueta has barely anything to offer in offence as 0.4 key passes and 0.4 crosses per match means he was only used as a defensive full back.
It is a tough choice here, as they are both different types of left backs. Azpilicueta is manager Mourinho’s favourite as he prioritizes defence and can attack, if instructed to. Shaw is extremely good for his age and can either mature into an overall left back or an attacking one. But then we can’t say who’s going to have a better season.
If we go as per goals conceded, despite Chelsea conceding 4 already, they are likely to be rock solid at the back, and Azpilicueta is likely to achieve his goal. Shaw would also achieve his goals if Man Utd play a fully attack minded game, with those embarrassment of riches they’ve got in their offensive areas. He is unlucky to be playing in a defensive structure without a top quality centre backs, but regardless of that, he’s likely to be enjoying his season. But, if we have to make a choice, Chelsea’s Players’ Player of the Year makes the cut, only because he plays for a team that looks far stronger and balanced.
Stats via Whoscored.com
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