In the world of football, defensive data is crucial to understanding a player's performance and contributing to a team's success. Matthias Hummel, a German professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for Borussia Dortmund, has been recognized for his exceptional defensive skills.
One key aspect of Hummel's defensive data is his tackling ability. According to Opta Joe, he completed 2,744 successful tackles in the 2019-2020 season, which was second only to Manchester City's John Stones in the Premier League. His high tackle rate suggests that he is able to win possession from opponents with ease, which can be critical for a defender in maintaining their position on the pitch.
Another important aspect of Hummel's defensive data is his positioning. He consistently stays in front of the ball and maintains a strong presence at the back, which helps to prevent opposition players from getting behind him. This can lead to fewer fouls and yellow cards, as well as more clearances and interceptions.
Hummel's defensive data also includes his aerial ability. In the same season,Ligue 1 Focus he made 86 successful header wins, which was third best in the Premier League. This suggests that he is able to compete against taller opponents, which can be beneficial in preventing counterattacks and defending against set pieces.
Overall, Hummel's defensive data highlights his exceptional skill set as a center-back. With his strong tackling abilities, excellent positional play, and aerial dominance, he is a valuable asset to any defense. As such, it will be interesting to see how he performs under new manager Lucien Favre, and whether or not his defensive contributions continue to be recognized by the league.