Read on Twitter
A thread exposing the myth that Naby Keita is a defensive liability to Liverpool FC;
There is a genuine belief from many LFC fans that we are a weaker side defensively when Keita starts. For some reason people don't believe that he's anything special defensively, when in reality, he's the best out of our midfield.
Firstly lets start with the raw defensive numbers. (All stats per 90mins)
Tackles
Wijnaldum - 1.1
Henderson - 2.5
Fabinho - 2.8
Keita - 3.5
Interceptions
Wijnaldum - 0.6
Henderson - 1.2
Keita - 1.2
Fabinho - 1.5
Tackles
Wijnaldum - 1.1
Henderson - 2.5
Fabinho - 2.8
Keita - 3.5
Interceptions
Wijnaldum - 0.6
Henderson - 1.2
Keita - 1.2
Fabinho - 1.5
So the numbers show us that Keita makes more defensive actions per 90 mins than any other "defensive minded" midfielder in our squad. But making more defensive actions doesn't necessarily mean he's the best, lets compare their tackle success rates;
Wijnaldum - 61%
Fabinho - 61%
Henderson - 66%
Keita - 67%
This means that Keita not only makes more tackles, but is also a more effective tackler.
Fabinho - 61%
Henderson - 66%
Keita - 67%
This means that Keita not only makes more tackles, but is also a more effective tackler.
Keita also makes less fouls per tackles attempted.
Henderson - 1
Wijnaldum - 0.67
Fabinho - 0.53
Keita - 0.29
Keita leads in amount of tackles, tackle success rate, and makes the least amount of fouls.
Henderson - 1
Wijnaldum - 0.67
Fabinho - 0.53
Keita - 0.29
Keita leads in amount of tackles, tackle success rate, and makes the least amount of fouls.
Keita also leads in blocks per 90, which takes into account passes, crosses and shots blocked
Wijnaldum - 0.6
Henderson - 1.0
Fabinho - 1.0
Keita - 1.7
I believe this debunks the myth that he isn't good defensively when he is statistically the best out of our midfield.
Wijnaldum - 0.6
Henderson - 1.0
Fabinho - 1.0
Keita - 1.7
I believe this debunks the myth that he isn't good defensively when he is statistically the best out of our midfield.
There's also a belief that we are weaker defensively when he starts and concede more because of this, when in reality it is far from the truth.
When Keita starts
Goals conceded per game: 0.50
When Keita doesn't start
Goals conceded per game: 0.94
When Keita starts
Goals conceded per game: 0.50
When Keita doesn't start
Goals conceded per game: 0.94
Albeit a small sample size, but nonetheless it proves that he does not compromise our compactness or defensive stability, but instead quite the opposite.
Add all this to the fact he's our most progressive and creative midfielder it's clear that when fit he should be starting.
Add all this to the fact he's our most progressive and creative midfielder it's clear that when fit he should be starting.
End of thread; Likes and retweets appreciated.
