Matthijs de Ligt leads all Premier League centre-backs in key stat

Matthijs de Ligt leads the way in which for Premier League centre-backs this season in a single key statistic – and it explains why Ruben Amorim is such a fan of the Manchester United star.

Aggressive defenders/h5>

Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 formation has been the topic of a lot controversy because the Portuguese coach arrived at Previous Trafford final November to interchange Erik ten Hag.

The Pink Devils proceed to battle to execute their head coach’s system on the pitch regardless of enhancements from final season.

One of many foundational areas that Amorim depends on for the set-up to work is for the skin centre-halves within the again three to push up and buttress the midfield pivot, which might simply change into overloaded by the opposition.

Most sides in Europe’s high 5 divisions, particularly within the Premier League, play with a three-man midfield.

This implies United’s pivot, usually comprising Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes, will usually face a numerical drawback within the centre of the pitch.

But when the RCB or LCB step into midfield to help their teammates, this ranges the taking part in subject and helps field the opposition in with a proactive excessive line.

It’s a distinctive tactic which depends on aggressive centre-backs and intensive work in coaching to assist successfully implement on the pitch. Gamers can ill-afford to lose duels as nicely, because it leaves the crew uncovered in fast transitions.

And it’s this requirement – dominant defenders able to persistently successful the ball – which is why De Ligt has shone for United this 12 months.

Main the league

Based on Knowledge Mob – a number one web site for statistics – no different centre-back within the Premier League has gained extra defensive duels than De Ligt this season.

The Dutch worldwide ranks first with 23 duels with Fulham defender Calvin Bassey in second with 20.

De Ligt was imperious at Previous Trafford final night time as United battled to a much-needed 2-1 win over Chelsea in torrential rain.

Regardless of membership captain Bruno Fernandes scoring his a hundredth purpose for the Pink Devils, it was the 26-year-old defender who stole the present with a superb show the place he persistently thwarted the Chelsea assault.

Tweet: “Matthijs de Ligt’s recreation by numbers vs. Chelsea: 86% go accuracy 67 whole touches 8 passes into the ultimate third;  4 clearances; 4 tackles; 2 interceptions; 2 crosses [and] 1 probability created. Colossus. “

That is the actual kind of efficiency Amorim has been demanding from his gamers: aggressive urgent and unrelenting work charge to suffocate the opposition. De Ligt was central to this method yesterday, matching an outstanding run of particular person kind his teammates have largely struggled to match this season.

Featured picture Alex Livesey by way of Getty Photos

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