As life in the new quarantine-based world sets in, it frees up analysts to use data more and more to fully introspect leagues and players. One such analysis concerns this series: finding the statistically best players in the Major League Soccer in the 2019 season. Last time, we extensively covered goalkeepers and two centre-backs. For a refresher, Portland Timbers’ Steve Clark starred as the goalkeeper while LAFC’s Eddie Segura and Minnesota United’s Ike Opara were chosen as the centre-backs.
In this data analysis, we analyze the full-backs in the MLS and decide, through a comprehensive data analysis and statistics, the best full-backs.
Introduction
Before doing an extensive analysis, I want to clarify some nuances and queries. This is not intended to be the definitive list of the best players. Far from that, it is supposed to be an analysis that shows us the rough gems and polished diamonds. The data is a reference guide for further scouting.
From Liverpool’s full-backs that attack to Manchester City’s full-backs that are inverted, the role and importance of full-back. As such, it becomes important to analyze full-backs with more depth and detail than ever.
In addition, there are certain characteristics that I am looking for in the full-backs. Just like with the centre-backs, there was one more attacking centre-back and one more defending centre-back, I will be analyzing for two different types of full-backs. One will be more attacking while the other will be more defensive. This allows us to fairly evaluate, through data, players and playing styles as not all teams playing attacking football or defensive football.
Additionally, the sample size for the data analyses will be players who have played more than 20 games. This strict sample is so that we are only considering those who have put consistent performances.
Without further adieu, let us analyze the statistically best full-backs.
The Attacking Full-Back
Every basic attacking data analysis has to start with analyzing passing metrics. As an attacking full-back, we want our full-back making many passes with a high accuracy rate. In addition to that, we would also want the full-back making many forward passes with a high accuracy rate.
As we can see straight away, Tristan Blackmon stars as the best forward passer full-back. This is mainly due to him being playing in LAFC the league’s best possession-based team. However, other names include Auro and Diego Polenta. Other names were duly recorded.
Apart from looking at forward passes, another strong indicator of an attacking full-back is her/her dribbles. Dribbling near the touchlines is a traditional characteristic of attacking full-backs. By beating a man/woman by themselves, they are able to advance the team play and free the winger. With a free winger and an established full-back, teams can single-handedly wreck a lot of damage on teams.
