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18 August 2025 Leeds United can rely on the defensive strength of new signing Anton Stach, who was among the most active tackling players in the Bundesliga last season. Only six players made more tackles than the German midfielder (66 – average 2.3 per 90 minutes), making him a key figure for disrupting opposition attacks in United's midfield. Everton brought in offensive power in the form of Thierno Barry, who averaged two fouls won per 90 minutes for Villarreal in LaLiga last season. The French striker also achieved an average of 2.8 shots per match, demonstrating his activity in the attacking third and ability to create shooting opportunities. Another important Everton player will be Iliman Ndiaye, who proved his versatility in last season's Premier League. The Senegalese midfielder averaged 1.9 fouls won per 90 minutes while also recording two tackles per match. He confirmed his consistency in defensive work by making at least two tackles in seven of his last 14 league ...

17 August 2025 Chelsea enters the new season with Moisés Caicedo as one of the most active defensive players in the Premier League. The Ecuadorian midfielder was among five players last season who attempted more than 100 tackles (114 – average 3.1 per 90 minutes). However, his aggressive style of play was also reflected in discipline, as he conceded the joint-third most fouls in the division (70 – average 1.9 per 90 minutes). Cole Palmer confirmed his versatility as one of only four Premier League players with a minimum of 900 minutes played who achieved an average of at least 2.5 shots per 90 minutes (3.6) and simultaneously at least 2.5 chances created per 90 minutes (2.5). The English midfielder averaged 0.65 goal involvements per match, making him a key figure in the Blues' attacking phase. Crystal Palace will rely on Daniel Muñoz, who became the second most active tackling player in the league with 123 challenges, surpassed only by Idrissa Gueye (133). However, the Colombi...

16 August 2025 Wolverhampton will rely on the defensive strength of João Gomes, who was among the most active tackling players in the Premier League last season. The Brazilian midfielder was one of only nine players to achieve an average of at least 3.5 tackles per 90 minutes (minimum 900 minutes played). He confirmed his reliability by making at least three tackles in five of his last six starts. Manchester City arrive with Erling Haaland, who has an excellent record against Wolves. The Norwegian striker has scored eight Premier League goals against Wolverhampton - he only has more against West Ham United (9). Haaland demonstrated his shooting activity against this opponent by attempting 2+ shots in three of his five matches against them. The most interesting addition for the Citizens is Rayan Cherki, who dominated France's Ligue 1 in creative statistics. No player with a minimum of 900 minutes played achieved a higher average of chances created per 90 minutes (3.3) or assists...

16 August 2025 Sunderland can rely on the exceptional performance of defender Trai Hume, who dominated the EFL Championship last season. Only two players made more tackles than the Northern Irish full-back with his 119 challenges (average 2.8 per 90 minutes). However, Hume is not just a defensive specialist - from his right-back position he managed to create an impressive 57 chances, making him a complete modern defender. West Ham will depend on Jarrod Bowen's scoring form, who finished last season's Premier League in excellent mood with four goals in his final four matches. The English forward also has an outstanding record against newcomers - in the 2024-25 season he was involved in six goals in six games against newly promoted teams (4 goals, 2 assists). Brazilian midfielder Lucas Paquetá represents another weapon for the Hammers thanks to his ability to win fouls. In last season's Premier League he averaged 2.3 fouls won per 90 minutes and in each of his last nine l...

16 August 2025 Brighton's defensive midfield duo are set to play crucial roles in the season opener. Yankuba Minteh demonstrated consistent tackling ability last season, averaging 2.4 tackles per 90 minutes in the Premier League. The young midfielder maintained this defensive work rate by recording two tackles in four of his last six starts, showcasing his reliability in breaking up opposition attacks. Carlos Baleba has proven even more active in the tackle count, attempting 2+ tackles in seven of his last eight Premier League appearances for Brighton. The midfielder appears particularly motivated against Fulham, having made at least three tackles in three of his four league encounters with the Cottagers, suggesting he relishes the physical battle against this opposition. Between the posts for Fulham, Bernd Leno enters the new campaign fresh from a busy end to last season. The German goalkeeper averaged 2.9 saves per 90 minutes in the Premier League and demonstrated his shot-st...

16 August 2025 Morgan Rogers ended last season's Premier League campaign in exceptional form, contributing to seven goals in his final nine matches (1 goal, 6 assists). The Aston Villa midfielder also demonstrated his defensive capabilities, recording 2+ tackles in three of his previous five appearances, showcasing his all-around contribution to the team. Discipline could be a factor for Villa's Boubacar Kamara, who has conceded exactly two fouls in five of his last six Premier League outings, including in the previous encounter against Newcastle United in April. This consistency in fouling patterns suggests an area of concern for the French midfielder. Newcastle United boast two of the Premier League's most fouled players from last season. Bruno Guimarães topped the charts with 108 fouls won, while Anthony Gordon claimed third place with 71. The Brazilian midfielder proved particularly effective at drawing fouls, winning and earning at least two fouls each in 15 differ...

  With Bayern Munich midfielder João Palhinha close to signing for Tottenham Hotspur on loan, we look at why Thomas Frank wants to bring him back to the Premier League. FIRST NORTH LONDON DERBY OUTSIDE ENGLAND The first ever north London derby played outside England took place on Thursday in Hong Kong, where Tottenham beat Arsenal 1-0. Although it was only a friendly, if such a thing exists between these two teams, it was notable not only as technically Thomas Frank's first NLD as Spurs manager. Frank also faced a man who was his captain just a few weeks ago. Christian Nørgaard played 68 minutes for his new club Arsenal after being such an integral part of Frank's Brentford in recent years. NØRGAARD'S LEGACY AT BRENTFORD Only Bryan Mbeumo (11,218 minutes) played more minutes for Frank in the Premier League than Nørgaard (10,171). Nobody won possession as many times for Brentford last season as Nørgaard (193), while only center-back Nathan Collins (63.0%) won a higher ...

  May 31, 2025 Inter Milan - Paris Saint-Germain 2025 UEFA Champions League Final, Istanbul, Turkey Ahead of Saturday's culmination of the European club season, let's look at the key statistical indicators of players from both Champions League finalists - Inter Milan and Paris Saint-Germain. The statistical data reveals the strengths of both teams and suggests where the decisive factors of the final clash may lie. Inter Milan: Offensive Power and Defensive Stability Lautaro Martínez has become Inter's offensive leader with nine goals in this Champions League season, which is jointly the highest number of goals by an Inter player in a single European campaign. In his last seven Champions League matches, he has scored eight goals and recorded 13 shots on target (2.2 per 90 minutes). The Argentine striker thus confirms his scoring form ahead of the key duel. Yann Sommer is the leading goalkeeper in Opta points rating in this Champions League season with 276.6 points. ...

  April 26, 2025 Brighton and Hove Albion vs West Ham United Ahead of the weekend Premier League clash between Brighton and West Ham, we bring you interesting statistics about key players from both teams. Brighton's Danny Welbeck has scored more Premier League goals against West Ham than against any other opponent (6). The experienced English forward has also found the net twice in his last three league games. This statistic suggests that Welbeck could be a key player for the home side in their upcoming battle with the Hammers. Brighton defender Pervis Estupiñán has made at least 2 successful tackles in eight of his last twelve Premier League appearances. The Ecuadorian full-back has also received a yellow card in each of his last two games, highlighting his aggressive but sometimes overly physical playing style. It will be interesting to see if he can maintain discipline against West Ham's pacey wingers. West Ham midfielder Lucas Paquetá averages 2.5 tackles per 90 minut...