Replacing Youri Tielemans: 3 new midfielders for Leicester – data analysis

Since joining Leicester City in 2019, Youri Tielemans has been an exciting player. He has been a real throwback to Andrea Pirlo, Xabi Alonso and Michael Carrick. Tielemans breaks the mould of most defensive midfielders. He uses his great vision, passing range and long-distance shooting to full effect. However, Leicester City may lose the Belgian midfielder to one of Europes elite clubs this summer. Brendan Rodgers will need to replace Tielemans quickly to help keep his team ticking. But, who would fit the Tielemans role? This data analysis will use data and statistics to determine a replacement for Tielemans at Leicester City.

How are we finding replacements?

First, we will look at how the midfielders produce near the opponents box. This means that goals and expected goals (xG) will be important. However, this will not be the most critical category. Next, we will analyse the players passing capabilities. We need to examine the candidates passing because Tielemans is a fantastic passer of the ball, which helps form Leicesters attacks. Leicester will need a Tielemans replacement to perform similarly to the Belgian. The main playmaking statistics we will look at are; assists, expected assists (xA), total passes, long passes, dribbles and received passes. Finally, we will take a peek at each players defensive numbers. Despite my love for Tielemans carefree playstyle, the modern game needs its midfielders to defend. The best defensive midfielders in the world can contribute going forward and defensively. The main statistics we will look at are; aerial duels, interceptions, recoveries and defensive duels.

Youri Tielemans  data analysis

All statistics and data relating to Youri Tielemans are concerning his performances during the 2021/22 Premier League season.

Leicester Citys star midfielder has performed well this season in terms of goals, scoring 0.26 times per 90 minutes. For a defensive midfielder to score once every 312 minutes is impressive. He also overperforms on his xG by 37%. Tielemans has scored two penalties in the six goals in the Premier League. But, he has scored two screamers—one against Manchester United and another against Brentford.

Tielemans has produced only two assists this season, culminating in just 0.1 assists per 90 minutes. The former Monaco midfielder has an xA of 0.1 as well. But, despite his disappointing assist numbers, he has been integral to Leicesters passing. With the most passes out of all of Leicesters midfielders, with 49.6 per 90, Tielemans dictates the centre of midfield. Tielemans also possesses the most long passes per 90, with 3.3, out of all Leicesters midfielders.

With a total pass percentage of 83.9%, Tielemans isnt careful with the ball. His long passing is also as carefree, with him just having a success rate of 41.4%. However, Tielemans low success rate for passes can be explained by his willingness to progress the ball forward from deep positions. Tielemans likes to collect the ball, doing so 37.2 times per 90 minutes.

Tielemans lets his passes do the talking, only attempting 1.8 dribbles