Reports surfacing from Spain over the past day have claimed that Chelsea are on the verge of securing a deal for Real Madrid and Brazil defender Danilo in a move that could be worth £31.2 million (35 million euros).
Marca have suggested that Antonio Conte is preparing himself to make a formal offer for the 25-year-old right-back as he looks to add extra options to his defence ahead of the Champions League.
And despite Real Madrid being more than happy to keep Danilo in their ranks for next season, after he featured 25 times in all competitions last year, Chelsea’s impending offer could tempt him.
But with Danilo likely to rival Victor Moses for a spot, The Boot Room statistically compares the duo…
Defensive Duties
Perhaps surprisingly there is very little between the two when it comes to comparing respective defensive statistics from last season, insinuating that it could be a real battle for the position next year.
The Real Madrid man completed 37 interceptions in La Liga, just six less than Moses, but it’s worth considering that Danilo managed these from exactly half the number (17) of league matches played.
Aside from that it is incredibly neck-and-neck between the two, making the same number of defensive blocks (seven), whilst neither Moses or Danilo made an error that lead to opposition goals all season.
It’s a similar story with regards to tackles too, with Danilo coming out successful on 36 occasions to Moses’ 40, whilst the Brazilian lost out 42 times – just two less than the Nigerian’s tally of 40.
If anything, the statistics suggest that competition for first-team spots at Chelsea next season, should the rumours over Danilo’s deal become a reality, will be tougher than ever amongst two top-class defenders.
Keeping Things Tidy
For Danilo to fit in well as a right-wing back at Stamford Bridge next season, he will need to be more than adept at charging down the wing and slotting into midfield; for instance, last season Moses recorded 791 successful passes – 141 more than Danilo – and attempted 40 more take-ons as well.
This different style of play to what he has been accustomed to in the Spanish capital could be something that the Brazilian picks up well though, ending the year with an 86% pass accuracy, which beats Moses.
And with the duo both playing over 400 forward passes last season – higher amounts than their respective backward passes – it seems that there is already an attacking intent burning in Danilo.
Offensive Play
With Chelsea playing the majority of last season with Conte’s chosen formation of 3-4-3, utilising Moses as a marauding wing-back, it is little surprise that he scored more goals than Danilo.
His three efforts – coming against Burnley, Leicester City and with a vital winner against London rivals Tottenham – beats the Brazilian’s effort of a solitary goal in 17 La Liga matches.
It is clear to see that Moses managed to find himself in far more advanced areas of the pitch when considering that he also had more shots on goal (45) and created more chances (26) than his potential new rival; but that is not the least surprising considering his freedom to attack up the field.
Danilo’s role at Real Madrid – when selected – was of a far more traditional right-back, bombing forward on the over-lap every now and then, and he still managed two assists and 16 key passes.
Whichever way you look at it, statistically there’s very little to choose between the two – it is clear to see why Conte has taken a liking to Danilo – and it is now set up a potential mouth-watering battle next season.
Featured Image: All rights reserved by Photos Real Madrid.
No comments:
Post a Comment