Finding the best centre-backs in the OBOS-Ligaen – data analysis

In this data analysis piece, we will be looking out for the best centre-backs currently playing in OBOS-ligaen 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 1000 minutes of football in the 2021 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.  While there are some top talents that are noticed in the Eliteserien, some hidden gems go unnoticed in the lower divisions. In this piece, we look into the players who might make the jump to the 1st tier 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. 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.

Luc Mares  The 25-year old Dutch centre-back who played for Start last season. He recorded 6.18 defensive duels per game with a win accuracy of almost 62%. He also made 1.04 fouls per game last season which is quite in the average region for the CBs.

Tord Salte  The 23-year old centre-back from Sogndal. He averaged 7.39 defensive duels per game last season with a success rate of 61.86%. He also made 1.14 fouls per game in the league that season.