With Laudrup's adoption of the "three wingers" formation this season, I thought it would be interesting to see how they fared when you take a look at their respective statistics. For a start, it's impressive that they all made 30+ appearances - Pablo with 27(+ 3 off the bench), Routledge with 30(+6) and Dyer with 25(+12). It's interesting that while Dyer was clearly fit for the entire of the campaign, he started the least games and seems to have been used as more of an impact sub. In fairness, his style of play is ideally suited to that, as his pace and close control are a nightmare for tiring defensive legs. Routledge has kicked on again this season, and he has played in a central role before under Rodgers with varying degrees of success. The difference under Laudrup has been the rotation between the three wingers, and it's worked to great effect on many an occasion. I'm still of the belief that until we have some more defensive muscle (Canas?) it's risky playing that system against a high-class 4-4-2 however we did alright at Man Utd, so what do I know? In the goals department, both Pablo and Dyer have 3 each while Routledge has 5, and as far as assists go Dyer and Routledge both have 4 while Pablo has 6. It seems fans have been quick to lambast Pablo but while his playing style does have a frustratingly lethargic style to it he is effective, and with an improved understanding of his role in the team, and a full pre-season behind him, I think he could be a much livelier player next year. I looked at stats for "aerial duels won per game" but none of the three win any, it seems (one every five games?), so let's move on to passing stats. Given that, despite differing playing styles they're all expected to provide a similar contribution to the team, it's a fair comparison I think. Routledge plays on average 32.6 passes per game, Dyer plays 32.9 while Pablo weighs in with a whopping 43.3. When you consider his pass success rate is the same as Routledge's at 80.4% (although it's nowhere near Dyer's 86.8%) it again seems some of the criticism against the Spaniard has been unfair, especially when he plays 1.8 "key passes per game" - double the frequency of Dyer (0.9) and slightly more than Routledge (1.6). They all play on average one successful cross every other game (not the best for a trio of wingers...) however a look at successful long balls and again it's Hernandez who comes out on top - he plays 2.5 per game to Dyer's 0.5 and Routledge's 1.5. Dyer attempts the least dribbles per game with 0.7, with Routledge at 0.9 and Pablo attempting a nice even one per game. A pattern is definitely developing here. Routledge attempts 0.8 shots per game, Dyer 1.4 and Hernandez 1.6, so in front of goal the Spaniard is again the busier of the trio. Ball retention next. I'm using statistics from "Whoscored.com" so forgive me if some of the terminology is a bit "whack" - the two terms they use for losing the ball are "turnovers" (losing the ball through poor control etc) and "dispossessed"(tackled without trying to dribble past the opponent). Dyer is "turned over" 1.5 times per game, and dispossessed with the same regularity, while Routledge is only turned over 1.3 times per game, however he's mugged slightly more often at 1.7 times per game. Guess what? Pablo comes out on top again. He's dispossessed 0.8 times per game and only turned over 1.3 times. I'm the first to admit I've been critical of Pablo in the past, but it seems he must be doing a lot of things I'm not seeing, as you can't fake statistics like this over the course of a season. In defense it's no real surprise that Nathan Dyer makes the most tackles, with 1.3 per game (compared to Routledge's 1.1 and Pablo's 0.9), however interceptions is another story. Clearly a footballing brain makes a difference, as Pablo makes 1.5 interceptions per game - over double Dyer's 0.7 and treble Routledge's 0.4. He makes the most clearances too (albeit marginally) with 0.6 per game (Dyer has 0.4 and Routledge 0.5) while all three are dribbled past with roughly the same frequency (0.6 times per game for Pablo & Routledge, and 0.4 for Dyer). It seems there's a recurring theme throughout here. All three wingers have performed admirably this season, but it's impossible to ignore the fact that Pablo has received a rougher ride from fans than he possibly should have. With time on his side I'm sure he'll go on to win over all but the most embittered of fans, as he's clearly a class act. Worth mentioning is Roland Lamah, who has looked tidy when we've seen him but hasn't really had a chance to make an impact. He should have a goal to his name but the linesman incorrectly ruled his effort against West Brom out, however his loan period runs until next summer so we've time to assess him yet. With four options at wing already, it's unlikely we'll sign anyone to play in that position surely? If someone outstanding comes up, then maybe, but with decent cover out wide central midfield seems more of a priority. How long until the transfer window opens?...
A great bit of analysis that reflects a belief I've held for a while, that Pablo gets too harsh a rap from the fans. I think he'll prove himself to be a real gem next season. Out of interest, where did you get most of the stats? (Apart from whoscored.com). The source sounds quite in depth.
Excellent article, Scott, one which, I'm pleased to say, vindicates my ongoing support of Pablo. Even so, I must admit that I'm surprised that he features as well as he does in those stats. He's obviously making a good contribution and full marks to Michael Laudrup for recognising that and continuing to play him when many on this Board have been calling for the Spaniard's head. So, well done, Pablo. I have long been saying that when he does settle down and get to grips with this league, he will be a top performer for us. Seems he is well on the path to doing that in his understated way.
I sometimes think that Hernandez is too good for us at times. He tends to play a through ball or pass that other players don't see until it's too late, which can make him look like the one to blame when a move breaks down
I think you've not been alone in that assessment, ivor. He's taken longer to settle than some but it's obvious he's got bags of talent and will improve next season. I've been saying for ages that you don't get a Spain call up these days if you're a duffer. Regarding potential, I feel the same about Ki who in fairness has not been playing in his favoured position for some of the matches. He's another who will have a bigger part to play next season. Goood thread Scott. The biggest surprise for me (or maybe it shouldn't have been!) was the poor stats all three have on crosses. This is something that has to be put right imo as it gives our play a different dimension.
Im very impressed with our wingers if im honest, will love to see what they do with some top quality upfront, Michu back in his fav position obviously.
Sorry - but don't believe Pablo's stats - In two of the games towards the end of the season I started counting his wayward passes -at least 10 both games - even the commentators were on his case. I sincerely hope he turns it around. Far more frustrating than the fact that his passes went astray was the fact that many time other players had committed themselves and so we were constantly disrupting our formation. My hand is up in the air as one who was not impressed with him last season given what we paid - and I also don't think JDG is worth 5 million - we have the right to expect these two to far outperform Dyer and Routs given what we paid for those two. Just me
"In defense it's no real surprise that Nathan Dyer makes the most tackles, with 1.3 per game (compared to Routledge's 1.1 and Pablo's 0.9), however interceptions is another story." ONE tackle per game?? That's atrocious!
