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Reina compared to Rivals | Liverpool Defence Opta Stat Analysis

Carra Vs Agger

Agger Defensive stats 2012
Agger Defensive Stats 2012
Carra Defence Stats 2012
Carragher Defensive Stats 2012

 

 

 

 

 

 

The pretty clear stats here are that Carra has attempted 21 duels/tackles in 6 games (3.5 per game) in 2012 whilst Daniel Agger has attempted 58 in 5 games (11.6 per game) in 2012. There’s a massive difference in attempted tackles/duels that the team misses out on there and it’s clear that Carra holds back and doesn’t challenge as much as he’s conscious of being beaten or even giving away free kicks. The difference is there to see even if the actual win % may be slightly better for Carra however he’s playing with a much lower amount of challenges so is likely to have better percentages.

The win-loss record is identical for both in the last six they’ve both started however Agger brings a lot more to the table – the stability alongside Martin Skrtel being one of the main factors.

Conclusions

The blame on Pepe Reina may be a little unfair – the team is conceding a higher amount of Clear Cut Chances in recent weeks which usually means that the goalkeeper has less chance of a save and you’re relying on the opposition to fluff that clear-cut chance (sounds a lot like Liverpool doesn’t it?). Pepe’s shots on target save percentage has definitely gone down and I agree that he could have done better with a few of the goals recently but from a statistical point of view he has little chance of making a difference when the team are gifting clear cut chances, especially at a rate of two per game to the opposition.

The introduction of Jamie Carragher seems to be one of the reasons of this increase in clear cut chances conceded. Whilst not definitive via the stats it’s clear to the eye that the team is not as comfortable with Carragher in there. Enrique’s stats have slipped a little whilst playing along-side Skrtel whilst Skrtel is attempting half the tackles that he would normally attempt whilst playing in his preferred position of right-sided centre back. I think we’ve all seen that Martin is a better player when he plays as a right-sided CB.

Agger’s attempted tackles/duels are higher than those of an ageing Carra and for us it’s clear that we’re weaker at the back with Carragher in there. Carragher will always be a legend and we respect our legends however it may be time to start Coates next to Skrtel in defence whilst Agger recovers from injury.

All of the stats from this article have been taken from the Opta Stats Centre at EPLIndex.comSubscribe Now (Includes author privileges!) See Demo’s and videos about the Stats Centre & read about new additions to the stats centre.

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