Comparing Liverpool and Watford’s phenomenal left-backs – Stats show the latter is better

Andrew Robertson vs Jose Holebas – A statistical comparison

It’s been a superb start to the season for a number of left-backs who are all flourishing in their respective managers’ systems. In the modern game of football, the full-backs play a massive role for their teams and are given the responsibility of supporting the attack as well.

Two left-backs who have made splendid starts to their campaign are Liverpool star Andrew Robertson and Watford’s Greek defender Jose Holebas. They have been key to their teams’ success in recent weeks and have brought a new dimension to their play as well.

With Robertson’s meteoric rise to prominence last season, Liverpool will certainly be aware they now possess a gem of a full-back after years of fragility in the position. The Scottish international is the kind of player who seems to be getting better and better each time he steps onto the pitch.

He is yet to score this season, but the Scot has already picked up a total of 2 assists and 5 clean sheets. He has been defensively supreme and offensively fruitful for Klopp’s side.

Robertson has whipped in a total of 17 crosses from the left flank this season, creating 4 big chances in that time. His daunting runs have often made it very hard for defenders and it is his drive to get forward that makes him such an exciting prospect.

The left-back has also made a total of 20 successful tackles this season, averaging a 70% tackle success rate. He has also made a total of 6 interceptions and 11 clearances and has recovered the ball on 34 occasions. Robertson has committed no errors that have directly led to a goal and has proven to be one of the best left-backs Liverpool have had over the years. (Stats courtesy – Premier League)

Jose Holebas is a man who has suddenly taken the Premier League by storm this season. After a couple of mediocre season’s in recent times, the 34-year-old Greek defender has suddenly exploded to life under Javi Gracia.

He has trumped Robertson in terms of both goals and assists, with the defender scoring 1 and providing 4 for his team.

However, most of these have come from set-pieces, given that Holebas is the Hornets’ first choice in dead-ball situations. Robertson has never taken a set-piece in his Liverpool spell and that’s where Holebas flourishes.

The Greek defender has also made a total of 13 successful tackles, averaging a tackle success rate of 69%, which is not too far away from Andy Robertson. He has also made a total of 48 recoveries and 25 clearances this season. (Stats courtesy – Premier League)

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The stats may show that Holebas has been the standout performer this season but he is nowhere close to Robertson in terms of impact. Both have been superb for their clubs this season and will definitely battle it out for a spot in the PFA team of the year.