Cluster 13- Modern LfCBs
Where We Left Off:
Modern LfCBs: What makes them different?
We’ve gotten to cluster 13, our second cluster of center backs (read about the first ones here). This cluster is comprised of left-footed center backs that all play a more modern style of football/soccer. These players are excellent passers and progressors of the ball, ranking high amongst clusters in progressive passes, progressive carries, and pass completion% per 90. They are also very involved in team play, unlike cluster 5 center backs, with a high number of passes completed and touches per 90. There isn’t much that separates them from other center backs defensively, and they also aren’t much of a threat to score or assist their teammates.
Disclaimer
All the statistics used (and their description) can be found on fbref. Keep in mind that specific players’ key stats and age may have changed slightly since the writing (not publishing) of this article. If you are subscribed to the newsletter and the email isn’t reaching your inbox, you may want to add my substack email (davidsajdak@substack.com) as a contact to prevent it from going to spam or promotions.
Strengths (cluster rank):
progressive passes per 90 (4)
progressive carries per 90 (7)
pass completion% (4)
passes completed per 90 (4)
touches per 90 (4)
Weaknesses (cluster rank):
None
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Notable Cluster 5 Players
Giorgio Chiellini
Team: Juventus FC
FBREF Position: CB-FB, left (Center back)
Key Stats:
Presnel Kimpembe
Team: Paris Saint-Germain FC
FBREF Position: CB, left (Center back)
Key Stats:
Aymeric Laporte
Team: Manchester City FC
FBREF Position: CB, left (Center back)
Key Stats: