The Premier League is easily one of the toughest leagues in Europe and it does not come as a surprise to see clubs so closely placed, at the top of the points table. London rivals Arsenal and Chelsea are just a point apart, with the Blues standing in the 3rd place, 13 games into the season.
Both teams have some exemplary players, who have, over the last couple of seasons, been integral to the clubs’ success. Two such players who have started this season in fine form are Spanish playmaker Cesc Fabregas and German playmaker Mesut Ozil.
Both players have plenty to offer to some of the biggest clubs in Europe. But how do their numbers compare this season? Here is a statistical comparison of the performances of both the players:
Currently the first choice CAM for Chelsea, Fabregas has a goal and 3 assists to his name this season, exactly the same as Mesut Ozil for Arsenal. With a passing accuracy of 85%, Ozil has created 4.11 chances per game with 3.74 key passes per game to his name. Fabregas is not too far behind, with a passing accuracy of 84%, to add to his 3.23 and 3.54 key passes and chances created per game this season.
Ozil is easily one of the best players in his position in Europe but the German playmaker is often criticised for the lack of defensive work during games. He has won just 0.97 tackles per game, compared to 1.46 tackles won per game by Fabregas this season.
The Spaniard has a better successful take-on rate at 87.50% (69.23% for Ozil) and has won 31.25% of his aerial duels, compared to just 14.29% won by Ozil this season. However, the Arsenal man has won exactly 50% of his total duels, drawing 1.21 fouls per game whereas Fabregas has won just 40.28% of his total duels and attracts just 0.83 fouls per game.
Incidentally, Ozil has made 8 interceptions this season, compared to just 6 by Fabregas. Both players have been consistently good this season and remain the first choice playmakers for their clubs at the moment.
Fabregas is now 30, Ozil 29, but they have enough football to offer in the years to come, for their respective clubs to offer them contract extension. They are without a contract at the end of the season and it will be interesting to see if they decide to stay back in London.
Who do you think has been more influential this season?
Courtesy: Squawka.com
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