Coloccini Vs Mbemba Vs the Premier League

Shamrock
How do our defensive 'rocks' compare?
How do our defensive ‘rocks’ compare?

Newcastle United has conceded 49 goals this season, which is 3rd worst in the Premier League and only one behind Norwich and Sunderland. Fabricio Coloccini has taken much of the flack for this, with fans citing the 34-year-old’s declining ability as one of the main factors in such a poor defensive record. He also happens to be the Club Captain and his lack of leadership no doubt has a big part to play in the lack of cohesiveness within the squad – but if he were to be removed as Club Captain, would his performance data back up the notion that he still has a part to play at this level?

This performance analysis will look at averages over 90 minutes so far this season. To get a balanced view, Chancel Mbemba and Fabricio Coloccini will be compared to 3 other Premier League defenders. First up is ex-Newcastle player Sebastien Bassong, who is playing in a side with an equally awful defensive record. Next up is a player many fans suggest would be ideal for the Magpies – Stoke City’s Ryan Shawcross. Finally, a player highly coveted by some of the bigger sides in European Football – Everton’s John Stones.

As with our recent full back analysis – these players will go head-to-head on a variety of statistics, with 10 in total. The winner in each field will be awarded with 10 points, 2nd place will take 5 points, 3rd will take 3 points and 4th gets 1 point. So lets get started.

Aerial duels won:

This is an area many fans have identified as being obviously weak for many years – and the stats prove it. Ryan Shawcross earns himself 5 points here with 70.59% of headers won. In third place is John Stones with 65.12% whilst top dog is in fact ex-Toon defender Sebastien Bassong with 73.15%. Coloccini gets himself 1 point with a measly 49.23% whilst summer signing Chancel Mbemba brings up the rear with only 46.84%. Clearly this is an area to be addressed in the next window.

Tackles won:

Take your best and worst performers from the last field and switch them, because this time Mbemba is now King of the Hill with an average of 2 successful tackles per 90 minutes. In last place is Bassong, with only 0.66 per game – whilst Ryan Shawcross keeps himself steady in 2nd place with 1.44. 3rd place goes to John Stones with 1.33 per game, whilst Coloccini nets himself a single point again with 1.26. Considering a central defender’s main job is to head the ball away and make tackles, Coloccini is lagging behind here by some distance…

Fouls committed:

Clearly professional fouls are sometimes necessary and unavoidable, but any fouls committed in a team’s own third invites the opposition to have a pop at goal – so it’s important to keep them to a minimum. The dirtiest of the defenders is Bassong, with 0.88 per 90 minutes. Taking a single point this time is Shawcross with 0.76. In third place is Mbemba with 0.60, whilst 2nd place is taken by John Stones (0.48). The cleanest tackler then, is Coloccini – with only 0.35 fouls per 90. It could be argued he commits fewer fouls because he makes fewer tackles, but fouls are still fouls.

Total duels %:

Now we look at who generally comes out on top when all of their headers, tackles, take on’s and free kicks won are taken into account. Showing why he’s highly sought, John Stones takes top spot with an impressive 62.42% of all battles won. In second place is Bassong with 61.5%. Next up is Shawcross (56.7%) and trailing behind again is the two Toon lads. Mbemba has 50.94% whilst Coloccini is the only player to win less than half his battles with 46.67%.

Defensive Errors:

This means mistakes leading to goal scoring opportunities for the opposition. Surprisingly, John Stones is the worst offender, with 0.14 per 90 minutes. In 4th place is Chancel Mbemba with 0.09. Taking third is Bassong with 0.08. Second is Coloccini with only 0.04 whilst Ryan Shawcross shows he is a machine, with zero mistakes.

Clearances:

Who has the fastest reactions when the ball is bobbling around in a dangerous area? Well John Stones doesn’t, with only 3.9 per 90 minutes. Coloccini is not much better with 4.28. In third is Shawcross (5.49) whilst young Chancel takes second spot with 6.35. Top dog is Norwich City’s Sebastien Bassong with a mighty 8.46.

Interceptions:

Here we get to see who has the best defensive brain and can read the dangerous through balls, cutting them off before an attacker takes advantage… This is finally where the Toon boys come to the fore. Mbemba takes the day with 2.85 every 90 minutes, with Coloccini on 2.40. In third is Ryan Shawcross with 2.28, whilst John Stones takes the last point with 1.90. Bottom of the pile is Bassong, with only 1.77 over the same period.

Blocks:

Going back to reactions, who puts their body on the line the most to save their team? As you would expect, the hard-as-nails Ryan Shawcross takes top spot with 1.18. Toon Captain Fabricio Coloccini shows he will put himself on the line for his team with 1.14 earning him 2nd place. In last by some distance is Bassong (0.54), who seems to run very hot and cold in his performance stats. One point goes to Chancel Mbemba (0.81) whilst John Stones takes third with 1.05.

Pass Completion:

The old saying ‘if in doubt, knock it out’ is a great fail-safe for defenders, but part of the modern game is about ball retention – which has obvious benefits. Showing how neat and tidy he is, John Stones leads the way with 89%. In second is Coloccini with 83%. Third goes to Bassong (80%), whilst 4th is taken by Mbemba with 77%. Failing to get a point in this field is the no-nonsense old school Ryan Shawcross with 73%.

Total Shots:

Not an essential part of a defensive set up granted, but a a defender that can chip in with shots on goal is a benefit to the team (so long as they remember where their main duty lays), because if they don’t score, they might just give a teammate an opportunity to react fastest and stick it in anyway. Plus, it’s entertainment for the fans! Winner for this one is Norwich City’s Bassong with 0.62 over the 90. In second place is Stoke’s Shawcross with 0.42. Third goes to Coloccini (0.39), whilst the final point is claimed by Mbemba (0.38). John Stones trails the pack by some way on 0.29.

Final Table:

1) Ryan Shawcross – 47 Points.
2) Sebastien Bassong – 39 Points.
3) Fabricio Coliccini – 36 Points.
4) John Stones – 35 Points.
5) Chancel Mbemba – 33 Points.

Conclusion:

Well the first thing that comes to mind is this – Is John Stones really worth upwards of 40 million pounds? He is tidy on the ball and relatively steady across the field, but he makes a lot of mistakes leading to chances for the opposition and his reactions are not great either. The fans are right to call for a Ryan Shawcross type player to be signed. Not only is he very strong in the air, but across all fields, he is the best defender amongst the above 5 by far. Our own defenders are very weak in 2 key areas – aerial duels and total duels. If it were not for Mbemba’s impressive tackling, our two defenders would offer very little when confronted by players with physical presence or fluid movement – which is a big concern.

Whilst Mbemba takes the wooden spoon here, it should be remembered that he is very young and this is his first season in the EPL. The margins between the bottom 3 of the above 5 are minimal and it stands to reason that Mbemba will improve next season. Coloccini shows that whilst he is steady across most fields, he gets bullied off the ball. Not ideal for a central defender at all. Finally, who would have thought Bassong would come out in 2nd place? Did the Toon make a big mistake shifting him on? He might be rubbish on the ball, but he’s a threat in the air.

Stats taken from Squawka.com

About Shamrock

Like everyone here, support Newcastle United. Not the easiest side to feel good about at times, but it's our side!

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293 thoughts on “Coloccini Vs Mbemba Vs the Premier League”

  2. Very good read Sham, you’re on a roll mate 😀 I think it shows that Colo has the brains but lacks the pace and power often needed at CB. When we see Colo make these last ditch amazing tackles, we shouldn’t be fooled into thinking he’s all that, it happens because he was out of position to start with more often than not. With just 3 points separating Colo and Mbemba it’s actually quite damning on Colo considering the experience and age difference. As for John Stones, he also is young and not the finished article, he had a right slating by Merson on SS the other week, and was dropped from that days match. Ryan Shawcross, now you’re talking, very impressive no nonsense defender, just what we need imo.

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  3. SHAM cheers a well thought out thread gets the mind thinking end result a surprise.
    On Stones I know he came from the lower lge,just wonder how much he cost and which manager signed him,was he a Moyes signing before he.left

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  4. Yes I forgot to mention Stones is young too, maybe he has a lot of potential but I can’t get my head around the 40 mil being quoted.

    I’be been off with kids this half term so finding the odd hour to write an article is not too difficult – but back to work next week so it will slow down. Hopefully some others pitch in…

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  8. He’s been OK for us, Colo but it’s been two season too far imo.

    I notice Shelvey is captain today too. Good move.

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  10. Been saying Shelvey is our next Captain ever since he came in. Sooner the better imo. No point in Colo continuing because we are rubbish as it is. What have we got to lose? Lose a few games? Get hammered occasionally? Defense get cut open like a hot knife through butter? Colo demands to leave in the summer?

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  13. Excellent article. Colo is a decent player as stats confirm. He’s getting no younger tho and his pace isn’t like it used to be. Probably time to drop him and bring someone decent in..

    Mbemba will get better with age and experience. I reckon we’ve signed a really good player here

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  15. Glad Sissoko has been dropped. Far too inconsistent and a big girls blouse considering his stature

    Newcastle (4-2-3-1): Karl Darlow; Daryl Janmaat, Steven Taylor, Jamaal Lascelles, Liam Gibson; Henri Saivet, Jonjo Shelvey (c); Andros Townsend, Georginio Wijnaldum, Ayoze Perez; Seydou Doumbia
    Substitutes: Freddie Woodman, Jamie Sterry, Callum Williams, Fabricio Coloccini, Daniel Barlaser, Moussa Sissoko, Yoan Gouffran, Rolando Aarons, Emmanuel Riviere

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  21. There must be something wrong that the individual stats are not showing since we let in 63 goals last year (worst except for QPR) and have let in 49 in 26 this year. The one constant in defense and defensive midfield has bee Coloccini.

    Interesting information nontheless.

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  22. Well I wish I had their optimism. I don’t see Norwich or Swansea getting smacked for 3’s, 4’s and 5’s like we do.. If we don’t solve our away form we will go down. I just doubt we will win 4/5 of our home games as at some point we will be unlucky or just not play very well and if we lose any of our games against Swansea, Norwich, Bournemouth or Sunderland then that will be that!

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  24. Shamrock: I wish I knew where to look the information up but my gut feeling is that we haven’t conceded as many from set pieces this year but have still contrived to let in more goals per game. Colo is the one constant in defense and defensive midfield so whatever the stats say he is to blame. Apart from Pardew, McClaren and Carver 🙂 🙂 🙂

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  26. Eric – what is to blame is the complete lack of balance in the squad. Colo can’t header or tackle. Mbemba shares many of his attributes, but can tackle. Both of them lose out more than they win individual battles with players. That means we have nobody in the back line that is imposing and offers presence.

    We have an injury prone left back area and a right back that prefers attacking. Tiote is only available for half the games and runs hot and cold. Colback is robust but not imposing like Tiote. We just have no rock to build something around at the back.

    Simply saying it’s Colo’s fault is not really fair. I’m sure if we had a better Captain, the team would be more organise don the pitch – which would invite less pressure on the defense. I’m also sure if we had a decent manager instead of Carver and the Grim Reaper – we would have had a better set up – again invited less pressure on the defense.

    There are many factors to consider and it’s not s easy as pointing at one individual and saying he is the main reason. I’d be happy to retain Colo next season as Mbemba’s back up – but we desparately need a Shawcross type to play alongside either Mbemba or Colo if we want that balance.

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  27. Gash – I hope so mate.

    Aye I watched the boys talking through the clip you put up as well. I have to say I’m not overly arsed about the trip away personally – but there would be nee nights out if I was McClaren.
    It would be 5am starts & lots of morning beach runs. I think it was Sham who said that Chelsea had ran a substantial distance further than us last weekend. If we can’t work harder than our opponents, then we are going to find it very hard to beat them.

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  28. Here’s one for you. We have spent more time in our own third and less time in the opposing third than any other team this season. Shocking.

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  30. We have less shots from outside the area than every team bar Arsenal, who don’t need to shoot from long range.

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  31. Only 3 teams have allowed opposing sides to shoot at their goal more than Newcastle from outside the box. Again, what is our midfield doing to relieve the pressure on defense?

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  32. We are the second worst in the league for losing possession and the worst in the league for losing possession away from home.

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  33. That’s no surprise really Sham, we have been so weak at the back for so long that most teams just go at us now, no wonder we end up camped in our own half. Amazingly every club manager and fans can see what we are lacking apart from our own manager and scouts it would seem.

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  34. This game seems about as much use as a chocolate fire guard. It won’t do much for our confidence by the sounds of it!

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  35. We take less shots per game than any other side away from home and are the second worst overall.

    We are twice as bad as almost every team at scoring away from home.

    The 2nd worst overall for successful tackles per game and the worst in the league away from home.

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  36. The club is a shambles and mikey boy needs to step in and take charge before Lee & co lead us to the fizzypop.

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  37. Aerial duels won per game:

    Newcastle 11.
    Norwich 14.7.
    Sunderlnd 16.4.
    Villa 19.3.
    Swansea 15.8.
    Bournemouth 14.7.
    West Brom 19.5…

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  38. This is funny. We are 2nd worse in the legue for cenceding in the first 15 minutes and 2nd worse in the league for conceding in the 2nd half. So we are slow starters and not fit enough to keep up with the opposition in the 2nd half.

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  45. Shamrock: I am not sure whether to thank you for the stat attack or to roll up in a ball and never watch a NUFC game for the rest of the season.

    It is all about balance as you and Kimtoon say. Coloccini would be OK with someone fast and tall next to him, so would Mbemba, but are they good together?

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  51. Kimtoon: you don’t think if anybody asks your name and you say “Ivor Girdlestone” you would expect back ‘is it painful, hinny, here have a paracetemol”?

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  59. Where did Wolfie go. That’s what I want to know. Mad as a box of frogs and by far the most optimistic fan I have ever known!

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  60. Changing a captain during the season could backfire big time.
    It’s clear Colo is popular in the dressing room and none are big enough personalities to take it off him.
    It’s not like changing a manager where they are moved from the club altogether. Colo would still be in the dressing room and a click would form amongst the players.
    Colo should have been moved on in the summer.

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  62. Not if it is a **** captain.

    We have alternatives now who should be in the team no matter what – Wignaldum, Elliot, Shelvey.

    Colo should not be guaranteed his place and only is because he is captain.

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  65. Stuart
    What makes you think Ashley might change his policy and allow a manager to choose his own players.
    Managers will always want players that the Chairman or owner will disagree with based on contract price, transfer fee or wages. It inevitably leads to conflict and only clubs with huge revenues use this system nowadays.
    Ashley has a wage structure and I don’t believe for a second he would change that. Hence, another puppet will be appointed after McLaren.

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  67. Troysta: what point did I agree with? I think I said we had alternatives for Captain now. Keep up.

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  69. Psychs
    Captains are chosen based on their influence within the dressing room. He clearly is a popular player in the dressing room though that is not shown on the pitch.
    If you took the captaincy off him now would cause an immediate division.
    The way to change it would have been to move him on and select a new one.
    I’ve a feeling you don’t mix with groups of people and are a loner. 😆

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  72. And…I am not saying this, but…if you had to choose between Jurgen Kninsmann and Lee Clark who would you rather have? Klinsmann is more realistic than Clark because he has a reputation and has managed at a high level whereas Clark was sacked by Huddersfield, Brum and Blackpool.

    NUFC could get Klinsmann as our manager. We got Robson, Leicester got Renieri.

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  75. Under Ashley we’ve had Hughton, Kinnear, Pardew and McLaren as well as a number of stand in managers with no experience.
    I suggest Clark until the end of the season as I was being realistic. You choose Klinsmann 😆
    YCMIU 😆

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