Wilfried Zaha’s box score doesn't scream 'must-keep' for a 33-year-old DP, but the underlying data tells a different story. I looked into the metrics that prove his impact on this Charlotte team goes far beyond goals and assists.
Mapped MLS central midfielders by a combined defensive metric, duels per 90 multiplied by win rate, against progressive passes per 90.
Tverskov, Berhalter and Mehmeti stand out doing both at a high level through six games.
Hall showing he’s more than just a finisher, has a higher potential than I thought.
Why was Zubimendi so highly rated before Arsenal signed him? He doesn’t have any standout qualities.
D.C United rank second bottom in xG created this season. I looked into why the chances aren’t coming and it starts well before the final third.
Gozo wow
What a player Joveljic, assassin around the box.
📊Aerial duel % vs prog passes per 90 through 5 games.
-Trewin hit the ground running, Raul alongside him. NYCFC CBs looking good.
-NYRB CBs clustered high in prog passes, Bradley's fingerprint.
-Makhanya a bright spot for struggling Philly.
-Elliot yet to lose an aerial duel.
-Boxall tough start.
Joel Waterman shouldn’t be getting beat by Iloski in the air.
Looked at who’s winning the ball back highest up the pitch this season.
A few expected names, a few surprises.
I broke down the numbers behind it, and they tell some interesting stories.
Atlanta hasn’t quite clicked through the opening weeks of the season.
After watching the games and looking at some of the numbers from the first three matches, I share my thoughts on what’s behind the early struggles.
Atlanta hasn’t quite clicked through the opening weeks of the season.
After watching the games and looking at some of the numbers from the first three matches, I share my thoughts on what’s behind the early struggles.
Nolan Miller looking like the next SuperDraft hit for Orlando City.
Pablo Mastroeni is doing a great job with this RSL team. They are so well structured.
Let David Lee cook! Blorian is regarded as one of the best CBs in the league and entering his prime years, the reaction from Beer Sheva shows how highly he’s rated. Yeah, it sucks he doesn’t arrive until the summer, but it being a free transfer helps a lot since it reduces his budget charge.
Can you buy down a player to the supplemental roster with GAM?
Rodrigo De Paul was the only non center back to have more completed passes than him during the first weekend of games.
Tverskov is the heartbeat of this San Diego team, essential to their possession-heavy system. His range is elite; whether dropping deep in build-up to break lines or pushing forward to provide the final ball, he’s the primary connector.
The fact that he’s not a DP is crazy value for SDFC.
I wrote on the start of the Michael Bradley era in New York; tactical ideas, youth trust, and pressing.
Read here
Frankie Westfield could easily push 10+ assists this season. He’s not Kai Wagner, but he can take on a lot of the creative responsibility Wagner handled. He’s really good going forward, a quality crosser, and feels primed for a breakout year.
Sporting have found García’s midfield partner. On tape, he covers a ton of ground, plays with aggression, and consistently breaks lines through ball progression, something Sporting lacked outside of Manu. It gives them a second true vertical outlet in build-up and progression.
Proud to make my writing debut with @backheeled.com Huge thanks to @joeclowery.bsky.social for the opportunity and @marcmachado.bsky.social for helping make it happen.
