FCM - Data task III.pdf

1. Data Task – Part III

2. DEFENSIVE MIDFIELDERS
Certain criteria come into play when considering defensive midfielders within a forward-minded and
dominant club like FCM. A defensive midfielder for FCM should possess physical dominance and
excel in defence rather than attack without ignoring offensive capabilities in general. As mentioned
before, past players who have occupied the defensive midfielder position at FCM, such as Cajuste
and Onyedika, have demonstrated height advantages. Additionally, the club’s philosophy prioritises
signing young players with potential resale value, preferably under the age of 25. Hence, the
following limitations apply to prospective players:
• They must have accumulated at least 1500 minutes of playing time.
• They should have a height of 1.80 meters or above.
• Their age must be equal to or below 25.
The basis of this research will be in their ability to defend, pass, intercept and less weight on the
attack.

3. Defensive Duels
High defensive duels.
High duels win rate.
High defensive duels.
Low duels win rate.
Low defensive duels.
Low duels win rate.
Low defensive duels.
High duels win rate.
In my research, I will focus on analysing the defensive
capabilities of various players, specifically in the position of
defensive midfielders. To identify suitable candidates, I will
prioritize players who exhibit high numbers of defensive duels
and possess impressive winning rates. Based on these criteria,
I have identified several players who align with these
standards.
• Picco stands out with the highest number of defensive
duels among the players under consideration. Additionally,
he boasts an above-average win rate, indicating his
effectiveness in winning those duels.
• Fonseca, demonstrates a commendable number of duels,
although slightly below the average compared to the
others. However, his win rate remains respectable,
suggesting his ability to come out on top in these
defensive duels.
By focusing on these players' defensive duels and their
corresponding win rates, I aim to gain a comprehensive
understanding of their defensive capabilities and
effectiveness in the defensive midfielder role.

4. Actions
High defensive actions.
High attacking actions.
High defensive actions.
Low attacking actions.
Low defensive actions.
Low attacking actions.
Low defensive actions.
High attacking actions.
In the context of defensive midfielders, it is crucial to assess
both successful defensive actions and, to a certain extent,
successful attacking actions. While a high number of successful
defensive actions is essential, it is desirable for a player to
contribute with a decent number of successful attacking
actions.
• Picco stands out with the most successful defensive actions
per 90 minutes. This demonstrates his effectiveness in
defensive duties and highlights his ability to contribute
significantly to the game. However, it should be noted that
Picco has a comparatively lower number of successful
attacking actions, indicating that his focus primarily lies in
the defensive realm.
• On the other hand, Fonseca exhibits slightly fewer
successful defensive actions compared to Picco. However,
Fonseca compensates for this with a similar number of
successful attacking actions as Picco.
By considering the balance between successful defensive and
attacking actions, we can better understand a player's overall
effectiveness as a defensive midfielder.

5. Interceptions
High Padj Interceptions.
High Interceptions.
High PAdj interceptions.
Low Interceptions.
Low PAdj Interceptions.
Low Interceptions.
Low PAdj Interceptions.
High Interceptions.
One crucial aspect to consider is their ability to make
numerous interceptions during a match. Interceptions play a
significant role in breaking up opposition attacks and
regaining possession for the team. Hence, identifying players
with high interceptions per 90 minutes is paramount.
• Picco stands out significantly, showcasing the highest
number of interceptions. His ability to read the game and
anticipate passes enables him to make crucial
interceptions, disrupting the opponent’s play and
providing valuable defensive contributions.
• On the other hand, Fonseca also demonstrates an
excellent number of interceptions. This suggests his
proficiency in positioning and timing, allowing him to
consistently intercept passes and neutralise potential
threats from the opposition.
By focusing on players with a substantial number of
interceptions per 90 minutes, we can identify defensive
midfielders with the necessary skills to effectively disrupt
the opponent's play and regain possession for their team,
making them valuable assets in defensive situations.

6. Aerials
High aerial duels.
High win rate.
High aerial duels.
Low win rate .
Low aerial duels.
Low win rate.
Low aerial duels.
High win rate.
A player who excels in aerial challenges not only contributes
to defensive solidity but also aids in regaining possession for
their team.
• Picco emerges as a standout performer, boasting one of
the highest numbers of aerial duels per 90 minutes.
Furthermore, his win rate in these duels is also notably
high. This indicates Picco's proficiency in defending his
team's box and effectively winning aerial challenges,
showcasing his ability to dominate in the air and secure
possession for his side.
• Fonseca's performance in aerial duels is slightly above
average, it is important to recognize that he still possesses
a solid foundation in this aspect. His ability to hold his
ground in aerial battles contributes to his defensive
capabilities, albeit not at the same level as Picco.
Considering the importance of aerial duels and their impact
on defensive performance, the inclusion of players like Picco,
with impressive numbers and high win rates in aerial duels,
can greatly enhance a team's ability to defend their box and
regain possession through aerial challenges.

7. Passing
High Progressive passes.
High accuracy.
High Progressive passes.
Low accuracy.
Low Progressive passes.
Low accuracy.
Low Progressive passes.
High accuracy.
In a forward-minded team, every player, including the
defensive midfielder, must be comfortable with the ball and
contribute to progressing the play.
• Picco's performance in this area may be considered
subpar, as he exhibits poor values for both ball
progression and overall ball skills. This suggests that he
may struggle in effectively advancing the ball and
contributing to the team's attacking play from the
defensive midfield position.
• Fonseca stands out as a much more accomplished player
in this aspect. He excels as one of the best ball
progressors, showcasing his ability to move forward with
precision and purpose. Fonseca's proficiency in ball
progression makes him a valuable asset in a forward-
minded and dominant team.
Fonseca's ball-playing skills make him an ideal candidate for a
progressive team. He excels in ball progression, contributing
to both attack and defense effectively.

8. Danger Zone Passes
High Final 3rd passes.
High Penalty area passes.
High Final 3rd passes.
Low Penalty area passes.
Low Final 3rd passes.
Low Penalty area passes.
Low Final 3rd passes.
High Penalty area passes.
In terms of creating attacking opportunities, passes into the
final third and penalty area are crucial as they have the
potential to initiate attacks. While defensive midfielders are
not expected to contribute as much in this regard compared
to more offensive players, excelling in this aspect is still
desirable.
• Picco falls short in this section, exhibiting below-average
values for both metrics. His contribution in terms of passes
into the penalty area and the final third is considered
poor, indicating a limitation in his ability to generate
attacking opportunities from a defensive midfield position.
• Fonseca demonstrates a stronger performance in this
area. Fonseca's ability to distribute the ball effectively in
these crucial zones showcases his capability to contribute
to the team's attacking endeavours as a defensive
midfielder.
While it may not be the primary responsibility of a defensive
midfielder to provide significant offensive output, Fonseca's
proficiency in making passes into the penalty area and final
third adds an additional dimension to his game.

9. Nicolas Fonseca
The first player selected from the aforementioned
research is Nicolas Fonseca.
Fonseca impresses with his excellent defensive
capabilities, showcasing a very good defensive player.
Additionally, he displays outstanding proficiency in a
lot of attacking metrics.
Lastly, Fonseca is also exceptional in his passing
abilities, providing a lot in terms of creativity and ball
progress for his team.

10. Nicolas Fonseca
Looking deeper into defensive-midfielders-wise metrics,
Fonseca looks to be exceptional in his successful
defensive actions, making almost 13 successful defensive
actions per 90, with a low value of successful attacking
actions, though. He is also exceptional in his defensive
duels number, with a below-average defensive duels win
rate. He is very good in aerials and also demonstrates the
ability to make a high number of interceptions, making
6.27 interceptions, and he also makes 0.6 shot blocks per
90. Lastly, he makes an exceptional number of 9.33
passes into the final third, and 8.77 progressive passes
per 90. On the other hand, he lacks in through passes
and passes into the penalty area, making 0.4 and 1.35,
respectively.

11. Leonel Picco
The second player selected from the aforementioned
research is Leonel Picco.
Picco impresses with his exceptional defensive
capabilities, showcasing a strong defensive prowess.
Additionally, he displays decent proficiency in certain
attacking metrics.
However, it should be noted that Picco may have
some areas where he falls short in terms of his
passing abilities.

12. Leonel Picco
Upon delving deeper into the defensive midfielders'
specific metrics, it becomes evident that Leonel Picco
excels primarily in defensive aspects. His remarkable
interception abilities, making almost 8 per 90, 12
defensive duels with high win rates, 16.1 successful
defensive actions per 90, and 4.55 aerial challenges,
again with high win rates, highlight his prowess as a
formidable defender. However, it is important to note
that Picco's performance in passing metrics is notably
lacking, as he ranks poorly across various passing
indicators such as progressive passes, through passes,
passes to the penalty area and passes to the final third.
Although, this might be due to his team’s playstyle.

13. RIGHT BACK
Certain criteria come into play when considering right-backs within a forward-minded and dominant
club like FCM. A right-back for FCM should possess abilities to be both prolific in attack and defence.
I strongly believe that a full-back in a team such as FCM should be particularly efficient in attack.
Therefore, I consider a slightly greater weight in his attacking capabilities. Additionally, the club’s
philosophy prioritises signing young players with potential resale value, preferably under the age of
25. Hence, the following limitations apply to prospective players:
• They must have accumulated at least 1500 minutes of playing time.
• Their age must be equal to or below 25.
The basis of this research will be their ability to attack, defend, cross and threat.

14. Actions
High defensive actions.
High attacking actions.
High defensive actions.
Low attacking actions.
Low defensive actions.
Low attacking actions.
Low defensive actions.
High attacking actions.
In my research on right-backs, some players stand out for their
high numbers of successful actions in both attack and defence,
which will be the basis for my research.
• Pintado excels in correlating both metrics, while Martirena
shines in attacking actions.
• Aguirre falls between Pintado and Martirena, Meza has
similar defensive actions but fewer in the attack.
• Ramirez performs consistently above average in both
aspects. Lozano showcases excellent defensive actions,
Enrique excels in defence but has average attacking
numbers.
• Overall, Pintado demonstrates the best balance between
attacking and defensive contributions among the selected
players.

15. Defensive Duels
High defensive duels.
High duels win rate.
High defensive duels.
Low duels win rate.
Low defensive duels.
Low duels win rate.
Low defensive duels.
High duels win rate. Efficiency in defensive capabilities, especially in defensive
duels, is crucial for a right back.
• Ramirez stands out with the highest win rate in defensive
duels. However, his number of defensive duels per 90
minutes is below average.
• Lozano, Aguirre, and Enrique demonstrate performance
levels around the average mark in both defensive duels
and win rates.
• Pintado excels in the number of defensive duels per 90
minutes, displaying a proactive defensive approach.
Although his win rate is average, his consistent
involvement in defensive duels showcases his
commitment to defensive duties.
• On the other hand, Martirena and Meza struggle in their
defensive duels, indicating room for improvement in their
game.

16. Offensive Duels
High offensive duels.
High duels win rate.
High offensive duels.
Low duels win rate.
Low offensive duels.
Low duels win rate.
Low offensive duels.
High duels win rate.
An efficient and effective right back is crucial in the attack of
a forward-minded and dominant team.
• Aguirre emerges as the standout performer with the
highest win rate and an excellent number of offensive
duels.
• Martirena and Lozano closely follow, displaying
competitive numbers in both offensive duels and win
rates.
• Ramirez performs at an average level in terms of
offensive duels and win rates.
• Pintado, Meza, and Enrique showcase the highest
numbers of offensive duels, indicating their involvement
in the team's attacking play. However, their win rates in
offensive duels are average, suggesting room for
improvement in their effectiveness.

17. Crosses
High number of crosses.
High accuracy.
High number of crosses.
Low accuracy.
Low number of crosses.
Low accuracy.
Low number of crosses.
High accuracy.
When evaluating the efficiency of a right back in attack, their
crossing abilities play a crucial role.
• Pintado stands out as the best in this aspect. He
consistently delivers a high number of crosses per 90
minutes, and his accuracy in crossing is the highest among
the group.
• Ramirez also demonstrates excellent crossing abilities,
although his accuracy is slightly lower compared to
Pintado.
• Lozano performs at an average level in terms of both the
number of crosses and accuracy.
• Enrique and Aguirre fall below average in terms of crossing
accuracy, indicating room for improvement in this aspect
of their game.
• Martirena and Meza exhibit exceptional numbers of
crosses per 90 minutes, showcasing their attacking intent.
However, their accuracy in crossing is average, suggesting
potential for enhancement in this area.

18. Danger Zone Passes
High Final 3rd passes.
High Penalty area passes.
High Final 3rd passes.
Low Penalty area passes.
Low Final 3rd passes.
Low Penalty area passes.
Low Final 3rd passes.
High Penalty area passes.
When assessing the efficiency of an attacking full-back, their
ability to make passes in danger zones becomes a critical
aspect of their game.
• It is worth noting that all selected players, except Aguirre
and Enrique, demonstrate excellence in this area.
• Most players excel in their passing to the final third and
penalty area, showcasing their ability to contribute to the
team's attacking plays and create scoring opportunities.
• However, Aguirre and Enrique lag behind in terms of the
number of passes made to the final third and penalty
area. This suggests a potential area of improvement for
them to become more effective in attacking situations.

19. Threat
High scoring threat.
High assist threat.
High scoring threat.
Low assist threat.
Low scoring threat.
Low assist threat.
Low scoring threat.
High assist threat.
Lastly, I will look to find the most threatening players from
the selected ones.
• Meza and Martirena have proven to be highly effective in
the final third. They consistently pose a significant threat
to the opposition's defence with their contributions to
creating goal-scoring opportunities.
• Ramirez follows closely behind, displaying slightly lower
numbers in expected assists (xA) per 90 minutes.
Nonetheless, he remains a considerable threat in the
attacking third.
• Pintado, Aguirre, and Enrique perform at an average level
in both expected assists (xA) and expected goals (xG) per
90 minutes. While they contribute to the team's attacking
threat, they do not stand out significantly in this regard.
• On the other hand, Lozano falls below average in both xA
and xG per 90 minutes, suggesting a need for
improvement in his attacking effectiveness.

20. Juan Pintado
Juan Pintado is an exceptional player based on the
information provided. His defensive capabilities make
him a valuable asset to the team, as a strong defence
is crucial for any successful team. His ability to excel
in the attacking third indicates that he can also
contribute to the team’s offensive play, adding an
extra dimension to their game. Additionally, his
outstanding performance in possessional metrics
suggests that he is skilled at maintaining control and
possession of the ball, which is important for
maintaining dominance on the field. Juan Pintado
possesses a well-rounded skill set that can greatly
benefit any team he plays for.

21. Looking deeper into full-back-wise metrics, Pintado looks
exceptional in his successful defensive actions, making
almost 11 successful defensive actions per 90 and 4.11
successful attacking actions. He is average on his
defensive duels, though. He is decent in threatening
capabilities, having 0.03 xG, 0.08 xA, 0.74 shot assists,
and 0.53 key passes per 90. He also shows quality on his
wide play, making 3.84 crosses with an accuracy of
41.1%, along with 1.11 accelerations and 10.11
progressive passes per 90. Lastly, he is average in
interceptions and blocks, making 4.16 interceptions, 6.32
Padj interceptions and 0.26 blocks.
Juan Pintado

22. Simeon Ramirez
Simeon Ramirez is another exceptional player, based
on the information provided. His defensive
capabilities are average. His ability to excel in the
attacking third indicates that he can also contribute
to the team’s offensive play, adding an extra
dimension to their game. Additionally, his
outstanding performance in possessional metrics
suggests that he is skilled at maintaining control and
possession of the ball, which is important for
maintaining dominance on the field. Simeon Ramirez
possesses a well-rounded skill set that can greatly
benefit any team he plays for.

23. Simeon Ramirez
Looking deeper into full-back-wise metrics, Ramirez looks
decent in his successful defensive actions, making almost
10 successful defensive actions per 90 and 3.48
successful attacking actions. He has an exceptional
defensive duels number but is average on his duel’s win
rate. He is excellent in threatening capabilities, having
0.03 xG, 0.12 xA, 0.92 shot assists, and 0.61 key passes
per 90. He also shows quality on his wide play, making
3.67 crosses with an accuracy of 38.5% and 12.57
progressive passes per 90. Lastly, he is average in
interceptions and blocks, making 4.32 interceptions, 5.36
Padj interceptions and 0.27 blocks.