Cluster 5- Safe CBs
Where We Left Off:
Safe CBs: What makes them different?
Players in cluster 5 are generally more risk-averse compared to some of their positional counterparts. They complete fewer progressive passes and progressive carries per 90 while also being more inclined to clear the ball. However, they are still able to keep possession with a respectable pass completion%, they are just less involved, with a low number of touches per 90, and less of a threat when on the ball.
Disclaimer
All the statistics used 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):
pass completion% (3)
clearances per 90 (2)
Weaknesses (cluster rank):
progressive passes per 90 (12)
progressive carries per 90 (14)
touches per 90 (9)
Notable Cluster 5 Players
Marc Bartra
Team: Real Betis
FBREF Position: CB-FB (Center Back)
Key Stats:
Davinson Sanchez
Team: Tottenham Hotspurs FC
FBREF Position: CB (Center Back)
Key Stats:
Raphael Varane
Team: Manchester United FC
FBREF Position: CB-DM (Center Back)
Key Stats:
