Last week, the first data analysis of this series got published in which we looked at the most interesting centre-backs that play in the Bundesliga. In this week’s analysis, the task will be to use data and statistics to find some of the best and most undervalued full-backs in Germany’s top division.
Hopefully, we will find players who are showing good potential to succeed in the future given the Bundesliga clubs’ willingness to promote and develop youth players. This data analysis includes full-backs, but also wing-backs who played a minimum of 850 minutes in the league this season. In the end, this analysis will produce a list of some of the most interesting full-backs in the league who have the potential to make a step forward in their career and perhaps don’t get enough recognition.
Progressive runs and passes
The first section of this data analysis consists of the players ability to make progressions down the field either with a pass or a run. Progressive runs are a good indicator of whether a full-back can carry the ball into more advanced areas. Progressive passes can give us an idea of how often player tries advanced solutions.
Canadian sensation Alphonso Davies leads the full-backs in progressive runs with 4 runs per game and also has 8.54 progressive passes per game. The 18-year-old has become a standout player for Bayern Munich this season, filling in for David Alaba on the left-hand side who has shifted into centre-back.
His Bayern teammate Benjamin Pavard has the most progressive passes per game with 12.82, which comes as no surprise as the centre-back by trade is a great ball-playing defender. However, the French international slightly lacks in terms of progressive runs per 90 with 1.69 given that he plays a more defensive role compared to Davies.
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