My stand out defender in the Bundesliga this season — Danilo Soares
The season has flew by so far, seeing the regulars Bayern and Dortmund occupy the top two spots at the top of table in the Bundesliga. With only a 6 point difference we may hopefully see some push for a title race. Below them, taking up the other European spots are Leverkusen and surprise packages Union Burlin and Frieburg who have performed very well so far. Especially, when it comes to defense both Frieburg have the second best defense in the league after Bayern. On the other hand there are overs under performing defensively like Greuther Fuerth who have coincided a staggering 52 goals against so far from an expected xGA 37.64 which has left them rooted at the foot of the table.
As we are a the mid point of the season after the winter break. I thought why not look at a player which may not as much praise as he deserves.
Danilo Soares
The 30 year old Brazilian has played left-back for Bochum this season. The champions of the 2. Bundesliga are currently placed at a modest 11th in the table which isn’t too bad for a first season back in the top flight. Apart from a 7–0 loss to Bayern earlier in the season, they have been a resolute outfit, picking up points against Dortmund, Freiburg and Frankfurt and this is down to their strong defensive performances. As a side that has only scored 19 goals, the third worst in the league. Most of the points have come in closely fought contests where they have been able to win and see out games by 1 or 2 goal margins. I believe this down to the stand out performers Soares who has helped Bochum over perform the xGA by nearly 7 goals with 29 goals against, which ranks them the 7th best defense in the league. Soares has been strong as a defensive full back. Racking up 76 tackles!!! the most in the league by 21 which places him in the top 99th percentile of tacklers across the top 5 leagues. Out of those tackles 44 lead to his team regaining the ball, also the most in the league. His achievements don’t stop there, the place on the pitch these tackles take place are mainly in the defensive and mid 3rd showing his ability to regain the ball in positions which can benefit the team. This is important to note as he makes 5.6 progressive carries per 90 transitioning the team into an attacking position.
Soares ranks among the best in Europe for Interceptions, Blocks and Ariel duels won. With 3.89, 2.70 and 2 respectfully per 90 mins. Showing his stability in his all round defensive abilities and reading of the game, the only part of his game that hasn’t been outstanding is his output. Fullback haven’t always been know for having great output, but in the modern game we are seeing more and more wing backs with crazy stats like Cancelo and Alexander Arnold, but that’s not Soares greatest aspect with pass completion which is only at 74.3%, and 3.5 progressive passes per game.
To conclude Soares is a great defensive full back, who deserve more recognition from the wider footballing world. I believe if any club were in the market for a defensive minded left back this transfer window, he would be a great option which wouldn’t cost much. The current market value from Transfer market being around £1.8 million, which I would consider a bargain.
