Finding the best centre-backs in the Eliteserien – data analysis

In this data analysis piece, we will be looking out for the best centre-backs currently playing in Eliteserien using statistics. 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 2022 league season. Also, only proper centre-backs are taken into consideration, i.e. no makeshift options included.

We will shortlist the best options according to the statistics and data analysis. In this piece, we look into the players who might make the jump to a better league soon. Let’s dive deep 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. From the likes of Virgil van Dijk 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 Eliteserien defenders based on the number of defensive duels they attempt per game and the success rate.

Casper Øyvann  The 22-year-old centre-back from Tromso has averaged 6.51 defensive duels per game this season with a brilliant success rate of 84%. He also made 0.31 fouls per game in the league the season.

Niklas Gunnarsson  The 31-year-old centre-back from Strømsgodset has recorded 7.15 defensive duels per game this season with a brilliant success rate of 76.5%. He also made 1.2 fouls per game in the league the season, which is slightly above average compared to the other defenders in the league.