In what was a disappointing season for FC Basel, only a few of their players showed their real quality in both the league and European competitions. The Swiss side finished third, behind Young Boys and St. Gallen. However, they did boast the best defence in the league. Paramount to their defensive solidity was number one goalkeeper, Jonas Omlin.
This tactical analysis will focus on what has made Omlin such an in-demand goalkeeper. The 26-year-old has recently signed for Montpellier, so our analysis will show what he can offer his new team. We will focus on his shot-stopping, ability to leave his line, and his good range of passing.
How did Omlins performances compare to his peers?
Omlin and Basel reached the quarter-finals of the Europa League this past season before bowing out 4-1 to Shakhtar Donetsk. Comparing Omlin to Europa League goalkeepers will give us a better comparison against better players.
The above graph shows the best performing goalkeepers in the Europa League. PS xG+/- (post-shot expected goals +/-) is calculated from each player’s expected goals conceded minus actual goals conceded. Omlin was the fifth-best performer, saving 2.6 more goals than he was expected to. Because of his world-class performance against Manchester United, Karl-Johan Johnsson was the best performer with a PS xG+/- value of seven. Arsenal’s Bernd Leno and Celtic’s Fraser Forster also performed well.
Shot-stopping
Omlin plays for one of the best teams in the Swiss League, this means he’s less likely to concede than other, worse teams. However, the 26-year-old still faced 3.81 shots per 90 in the 2019/20 season, meaning he had plenty of work to do. But his quality shone through as he only conceded 0.92 goals per 90.
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