Defence Comparison in 2012
We can also compare how the defence has performed whilst Carragher has been in the side. Let’s have a look at some of the stats from Martin Skrtel.
Note: Click to enlarge any of the tables below.
Scanning both tables quickly there’s a dip in tackle win % when starting with Carra but an increase in both duel percentages. However there is a drop in amount of tackles attempted as well as ten less ground duels however there is one game less played with Carra here. With Agger – Skrtel, on average, attempts 14 tackles/duels per game and with Carragher he attempts 12.8 per game. Not really much of a difference there.
Starting next to Agger – Enrique attempts 14.4 tackles/duels per game whilst next to Skrtel this dips to 11.6 per game. Over a season that would attribute to 114 less tackles/duels per season if Enrique were to start next Skrtel. Maybe he’s not as comfortable? We’ve seen in the last few games where there’s been a little mix up at the back – especially for the Mackie goal for QPR. The numbers probably don’t tell us enough.
Missing Johnson?
Let’s cover all bases whilst we’re at it! Are Liverpool missing Glen Johnson from a defensive aspect? Is that the reason for the slump? Let’s compare Kelly vs Johnson stats.
From a defensive point of view the answer is – no, Liverpool are not missing Glen Johnson defensively. Martin Kelly, on average, puts in more challenges and definitely wins more duels than Johnson does even though the England #2 seems to be a better tackler! On average Martin Kelly attempts 17.25 tackles/duels per game whilst Johnson attempts 12.17 duels/tackles per game. So as far as the right back is concerned – defensively we’ve been better here – or is Kelly working harder because of Carragher? That’s something we won’t be able to prove until Kelly plays along-side Skrtel for a number of games.
 Next Page: Carra Vs Agger Stats and Conclusions…
