A couple of years ago, after a series of all-action displays, David Moyes labelled Marouane Fellaini as the best midfielder in the Premier League. At the time, this controversial notion was taken with a pinch of salt, barely considered at all seriously by those in and around football. It was just viewed as being one of those emotional, radical lines, delivered too soon after the final whistle, by a manager who was obviously still raw from combat. However it is a statement Moyes has stood by, and often since referred to.
At the time, Fellaini was indeed enjoying a fine run of form, yet he was certainly not regarded as élite by anyone not associated with Everton. In fact, due to the crazily high card count he racked up during his primitive years in English football, and the attention this received, many chose to categorise him as a bully, void of true footballing qualities.
Injury sadly curtailed Fellaini’s season shortly after these quotes, at least temporarily consigning that debate to the sidelines. Indeed last year, injury also hampered the Belgian, as he only started 19 games in the Premier League. Seemingly in peak condition for most of this current campaign, those who have regularly seen his performances would surely agree he is now back to, and even progressing past the form that lead to Moyes’ previous remarks.
Last week I gathered together statistics that portrayed exactly how far Fellaini has progressed over the last two seasons, and just how pivotal he now is to the Toffees. The results are here, but to cut to the chase, he has improved in pretty much every category. But just how good is he on a wider scale? Regarded by most around Everton as being the club’s most valuable asset (alongside Leighton Baines), how does he rate against his leading positional rivals?
Fellaini is a combative midfielder, at his best when anchoring a midfield. 10 years ago, he would have fitted into the Premier League seamlessly, and perhaps been heralded far more when destructive midfielders such as Roy Keane and Patrick Vieira ran the show. Primarily a ball winner, Fellaini also shows surprising touch and poise when in possession, whilst often seeming unbeatable in the air thanks to his lofty frame.
Next Page: Fellaini compared to Tiote, Barry, Parker and Song
- Excellent
- Informative
- Awesome
- Good Read
- ok
Categories: Arsenal (NN), Aston Villa, Blackburn Rovers, Bolton Wanderers, EPL, EPL Index Featured Article, EPL Index Statistical Comparisons, EPL Opta Stats, Everton, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester Utd, Newcastle Utd, Sunderland, Tottenham Hotspur
Tags: efc, english Premier league, EPL, epl opta stats, EPL Stats, Everton Stats, Fellaini, Opta Stats, premier league, Premier League Stats
This article has had 10,471 Views
A very interesting read. Although Everton fans wouldn’t like it, it would be interesting to see him play on one of the bigger clubs.
You don’t get much bigger than Everton , check your history.
Interesting article. I think Barry’s impressive passing stats are down to the fact when he gets the ball he usually only passes 5 yards to one of city’s talented players whereas, although not particularly creative, Fellaini does have to contribute more to our attacking play. And of course we play more a direct style than City.
I don’t have any stats to back up what I just said, it’s just my perception!
Felani is one of best midfilder in EPL. pls come join arteter at arsenal, Up Gooooners
Even more impressive when you consider he doesn’t always get played as a defensive midfielder, especially with Gibson playing. In fact he gets pushed forward and does well supporting our lone striker when needed to cover for Cahill. I don’t think the others in comparison get moved around as much, and I think we would all agree he is more of a goal threat.
Matt, don’t say much more or someone will take him !
I think you missed something. In assist ranking, Song is unbeatable for a DM.
Good article Matt. Would be interesting to see how formations etc affect the statistics. For example at Arsenal Song will often play further forward (evident in his assists) with Arteta dropping back to fill the void. Also as part of a midfield three he will often have less tackles to make and will allow an opponent to turn him as a team mate might be better placed to intervene.
Great piece
considering his tackling rate and aerial dominance he would be an interesting choice as a CB. imagine him and luiz together, the hair!!
one stat not mentioned is interceptions per game, interceptions are a key point in defensive midfield, especially if your the main defensive midfielder. it shows positioning and good reading of the game, another stat i would like to know for defensive midfielders is dispossessions per third(opponents, centre and own)