Everton’s Ashley Williams vs Southampton’s Maya Yoshida – A Statistical Comparison

Ashley Williams vs Maya Yoshida – Statistical Comparison

Ronald Koeman did a decent job with the Everton squad that was available at his disposal. Though they did win any silverware, they finished 7^th in the points table and qualified for the Europa League competition for next season. On the other hand, Southampton finished just one place below Everton and had a decent season as well. Just like how Ashley Williams was used regularly in the Everton back line, Yoshida was used extensively by Southampton.

Both the players were regulars in their respective teams but how do they compare statistically? Lets find out.

Having only cemented a place in the first team after veteran centre-back Jose Fonte decided to quit the club, Yoshida made just 23 appearances in the domestic league but made enough appearances in other competitions to take his total appearances tally to 37. Williams featured 36 times in the league and made 39 appearances across all competitions for Everton.

Both players are strong in the air and scored a goal each. While Williams was dominating in the air, winning 58.33% of his aerial duels, Yoshida is not far behind, winning 56.78% of his. The 28-year old Japan international, however, won 54.77% of his total duels, making just 0.78 fouls per game, compared to 49.45% of the duels won by Williams. The former Swansea man committed 1.06 fouls per game.

An excellent reader of the game, Williams made 1.67 interceptions per game but Yoshida was far better, making 2 interceptions every game on average. However, the experienced Everton man trumps Yoshida in number of blocks and clearances, with 0.81 and 8.06 per game respectively. Yoshida was not as effective and made just 0.65 blocks per game and 6.52 clearances per game.

Playing in a similar setup at the back, Yoshida has been slightly more dependable. Williams has also picked up 6 yellow cards and a red card this season, making 2 defensive errors that led to a direct goal. Yoshida has a stupendous disciplinary record, having picked up just two yellow and never being sent off.

He also did not commit a single error that led to a goal. Both Williams and Yoshida were important to their respective teams last season and as usual the case in football always is, the numbers don’t always reveal the entire story. However, it would be fair to say Ashley Williams was a better player as he was bought as a first-choice, compared to Yoshida, who was only played regularly due to Jose Fonte’s departure and Van Dijk’s injury.

Stats credit: Squawka.com