Cluster 15- Offensively Inept CBs
Where We Left Off:
Offensively Inept CBs: What makes them different?
Cluster 15 represents the final group of center backs in this series. Unfortunately, this is definitely the least glamorous of the center-back clusters. Players in cluster 15 are pretty much completely offensively inept. They are unable to keep the ball with by far the worst pass completion% of center backs. Couple this with the fact that they boast terribly low numbers of progressive passes and progressive carries per 90 and it really paints a bleak picture. Essentially, these center backs take almost no risks progressively and yet are still losing the ball at a high rate. They are also largely uninvolved in play, with few passes completed and touches per 90. Unsurprisingly, these players have the most clearances per 90, often resorting to it as compensation for their poor ball-playing skills.
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):
clearances per 90 (1)
Weaknesses (cluster rank):
progressive passes per 90 (16)
progressive carries per 90 (17)
pass completion% per 90 (8)
passes completed per 90 (13)
touches per 90 (14)
Like what you're seeing? Don’t want to miss a post? To keep seeing content like this, consider following me on twitter and signing up for the free newsletter. With each post being sent directly to your inbox, you’ll never miss an article!
Notable Cluster 15 Players
Pepe
Team: FC Porto
FBREF Position: CB-DM (Center back)
Key Stats:
Paulo Oliveira
Team: S.C. Braga
FBREF Position: CB, right (Center back)
Key Stats:
