Finding the best centre-backs from Danish Superliga – data analysis

In this data analysis piece, we will be identifying the centre-backs to be scouted that are currently playing in the 2021/22 Danish Superliga. Centre–backs in the modern game have evolved a lot. No longer do we find them only defending and being part of the backline to defend. They play a huge role in the team’s attacking success too by starting attacks from the deep. 

In our analysis, we will be considering both the attacking as well as defensive attributes. We will be looking at players who have registered at least 800 minutes of football in the league so far this season. We will shortlist the top options according to the statistics and data analysis. Let’s get into the analysis.

Defensive Duels

The key aspect in which centre-backs are often considered is how they engage in the duels and how well they complete and win them successfully. Right from the likes of Van Djik to Sergio Ramos, all of these modern-day defenders are very good at challenging and competing even with the strongest and quickest of players. So we look into such players in our first section where we compare the Superliga defenders based on the number of defensive duels they attempt per game and the success rate. 

We can see that only one player is really above the 3rd quartile (75th percentile) in both the measures so we handpick a few who does decently well in at least one of them while doing well in the others. 

Sigurd Rosted  27-year-old right-footed centre-back from Brondby. He is probably the best performer when considering both the metrics as he averages 6.86 defensive duels per game with a success rate of 75.64%. He has also recorded only 0.53 fouls per game.