Emre Can vs Nemanja Matic – A Statistical Comparison
Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool have failed to establish themselves at the top of the points table early this Premier League season and there are a number of issues in the squad that need to be settled before they can compete at the highest level. One such problem has been their defensive midfield department, which in all fairness, lacks quality.
Skipper Jordan Henderson has been inconsistent in that role and the only player who is natural in that position is German star Emre Can, who arrived at Anfield for £10m. The former Bayern star has not been able to cement a place in the first team under Klopp this season but remains Liverpool’s most effective CDM. But is he good enough for the League?
To try and understand his effect on the proceedings, here are his stats, compared with one of the most effective players in that position so far this season, Nemanja Matic. The Serbian international only just moved to Manchester United in the summer for £40m but has adjusted to life quickly.
The German is more versatile and creative in the attacking third and has two assists to his name compared to just one from Matic. With a pass completion of 84%, Can has 1 key pass and 1.40 chances created per game to his name. The United man has a passing accuracy of 88%, better than Can, but he has 0.29 key passes and has created 0.43 chances per game this season.
The Serbian has pretty much been better in all other defensive aspects of the midfield role and leaves Can reeling. With a successful take-on rate of 82.35% compared to just 75% from Emre Can, Matic wins 1.29 tackles a game, 55% of his aerial duels and 50% of his total duels every game.
Can only wins 1.20 tackles per game, to add to 43.48% and 48.3% success in his aerial duels and total duels respectively. While he suffers 1.40 fouls per game, committing 1.60 fouls per game, Matic wins just 0.71 fouls per game but makes close to 1.40 fouls per game.
Though the Liverpool man has put in 14 clearances and a block this season, Matic has 16 clearances to his name to show for his efforts. The Serbian has also made 13 interceptions already this season, compared to just 7 by the German star, showing the difference in class between the two players.
The German midfielder can easily grow into a better star than Matic but at the moment, he is mediocre compared to what the Serbian is doing at Old Trafford.
Stat credit: Squakwa.com