Freiburg have had a run in recent years of providing a platform, or even producing, outstanding centre-back talents. Mathias Ginter came through the Freiburg academy, whilst Robin Koch and Caglar Soyuncu spent time at the Bundesliga club before making their moves to the Premier League with Leeds United and Leicester City respectively. The latest talent out of Freiburg is that of Nico Schlotterbeck. The younger brother of teammate Keven Schlotterbeck, Nico spent last season gaining first-team experience with Union Berlin, performing well enough to convince Head Coach Christian Streich that he was worthy of a starting berth at his parent club this season. This tactical analysis and scout report will provide an analysis of the 21-year-old centre-back, highlighting some key qualities that have allowed him to make a fast start to the 2021/22 campaign and the tactics he uses in defence.
Defensive ability
Freiburg have conceded four goals so far this season, second only to Mainz’s three conceded goals. Schlotterbeck has naturally played a key role in this solid defensive start to the season and has performed respectably statistically.
Whilst his 6.38 defensive duels per 90 in the Bundesliga isn’t overly high, he has a 73.2% win rate on these which is exceptional. From centre-backs to have played at least 500 minutes thus far, Schlotterbeck has the sixth-highest win percentage from defensive duels, with Borussia Dortmund’s Manuel Akanji leading the way with 87.8%.
Aerially, Schlotterbeck is equally impressive. From players to have played any minutes at centre-back this season, Schlotterbeck ranks comfortably in the upper-right quadrant in the graph below.
However, if we were again to look at centre-backs to play more than 500 minutes, he would rank fifth highest in the league. Statistically, therefore, Schlotterbeck is a defensive standout. Even more so given his age and lack of experience still in the Bundesliga.
Aerially he possesses excellent timing, giving himself plenty of room to attack the ball. It’s not uncommon to see Schlotterbeck starting well away from the closest attacker. He provides himself with space to build momentum before attacking the ball and he displays exemplary timing to jump slightly earlier than the attacker, using the force from his jump to legally prevent the attacker from competing with him, whilst his run-up provides him with the momentum to jump high. Standing at 1.91m in height Schlotterbeck also has a height advantage over small forwards.
