It is worth noting, Darren Fletcher, Lucas and John Obi Mikel would have been my choices from Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea respectively, but none have started more than 12 games this season which distorts their results slightly. However, I ran a quick check, to gauge their own tackling success, to see if they measured up to Fellaini’s tally.
Again, his stunning success rate is not threatened, although Lucas has a similarly rapacious appetite when it comes to tackling. Given a full season, he would perhaps topple Fellaini’s overall tackle count, although seemingly still at a less efficient rate.
Watch an Everton game and it is remarkable just how much Fellaini does wrestle the ball back for his team. Just last weekend against QPR, the briefest match highlight reel would still show him robbing Adel Taarabt, before calmly dumping the ball at the feet of Steven Pienaar, who then finds the eventual goal scorer, Royston Drenthe.
Adding these results to the fact he has won the ball 127 times in midfield – a remarkably high number – it questions whether there is actually a better ball winning midfielder in the Premier League? Thinking these numbers could be a reflection of the top teams having a greater share of possession, I sought out a few more ball winners, from less successful teams.
As is depicted, it seemingly has little relation to a team’s possession and again the numbers remain hugely complimentary to Fellaini. Nobody is anywhere near as potent or effective in the tackle, and his knack of repeatedly coming up with the ball in midfield is further enhanced. Further research shows Fellaini’s haul of 127 is in fact currently bettered by nobody in the entire league. He is way ahead of Song (110) and Youssuf Mulumbu (108), who are next on the list.
Next Page: Revisiting the Fellaini, Tiote, Barry, Parker and Song comparison…
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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
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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)