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
I have a feeling you write extensive diatribes on an NUFC blog to your brother, eh Troy 🙂 There is a time difference between here (US) so I sometimes say things when you are alseep.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Kilmarnock 🙂 Clark:) YCMIU
Eric Sykes(Quote)
It’s frustrating to see players we’ve let go, not considered good enough, now playing for teams above us.
None more perplexing than Danny Simpson.
Just watching Gosling at Bournemouth. I’m not suggesting Gosling looks great but he’s playing in a side better than ours.
Troy Stavers(Quote)
Likewise, Ryan Taylor
Troy Stavers(Quote)
Also, Troy: I think everybody wanted to move Coloccini on in the summer except Charnley and Schteve. So you really had the same point as 99.9999999 % of NUFC fans didn’t you.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Psychs
You write many things that send me to sleep. 😆
Troy Stavers(Quote)
Oh, Tortsta! That is so cute from someone who’s sole topic of conversation on here for 6 months was Pardew and how he was so misunderstood.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Psychs
But you agreed. 😉 the second point was it can backfire big time by changing a captain halfway through the season if it’s not popular with the players.
I’m sure 99.99999% agree with that as well. You are the 0.111111% that disagrees. 😆
Troy Stavers(Quote)
Pardew, he who shall be king. Carver…Troysta said he would do well. Clarkie, Pearce , aha, ha ha.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Agreed with what Troy me lovely?
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Bloody Saturday night and I’m baby sitting Psychs!! 😆
Troy Stavers(Quote)
I looked back and agreed Colo should be captain? I didnernt. No, I didnernt.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
@86: will save so many people from having to listen to you then. Hopefully the kids can’t talk/listen yet as they might be influenced by you.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
But Troysta: I don’t really mind you at all, I just disagree with about everything you say 🙂
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Psychs
I meant I’m baby sitting you 😆
Troy Stavers(Quote)
These are Troy’s points:
1. Pardew was the best we could get.
2. Carver might be a good manager, lets see how it goes.
3. Lee Clark and Stuart Pearce are the best we can hope for now.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Good points, well presented. 😆
Troy Stavers(Quote)
Can you keep writing. It’s saving me. 😆
Troy Stavers(Quote)
Nobody could save you Troysta. You are beyond saving.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Let’s see Troysta: What team would you pick for a wet Wednesday in Stoke?
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Sorry Troy @86: i misread what you said about babysitting man. I rend to skip through a lot of what you say.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
You misread a lot. I’ve noticed. 😉
Troy Stavers(Quote)
I always see you wink Troy, when you actually mean exactly what you say. To me, and to many others. It is a way of trying to avoid what you are saying and pretend it is a joke when it is not 😉
Eric Sykes(Quote)
You always so it man. The wink. Like you are kidding when you are not 😉
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Of course I mean what I say. 😉
Troy Stavers(Quote)
GARTAE (Get a room Troy and Eric) 😉
Shamrock(Quote)
Sham: there is nobody else saying anything on here so it doesn’t really matter, does it?
Eric Sykes(Quote)
BTW: troy boy: i have friends I can stay with in Munich, London, Naples, Berlin and New York. Not just Byker, Burradon and Benton, like you.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Another good article Shamrock mate. It’s not difficult to see we need a taller CB than we have at present. Neither Colo nor Mbemba is tall enough to handle high balls coming into our box or threaten the opposition very often from set pieces. A big failing of the club for years now.
GeordieTwo(Quote)
And I don’t mean bring in another Williamson Lee. Get a proper CB in. Spend significant money. You’ve already wasted a fortune but that’s something you’ll have to answer for to Mike.
GeordieTwo(Quote)
ERIC@103 Byker ect are nice places to come from but bloody awful places to go back too
Icedog(Quote)
Icedog: you know I was just giving Troy a hard time and was saying places that started with the same letter, wink, wink 😉 😉 as Troy would do.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Anyway: I hope that nobody gets the feeling that I have a problem with Troysta because I don’t. He is a worthless piece of cow **** that crawled out of the gutter. His head is the size of a walnut and his balls are the size of a pea. Apart from that he is wonderful.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Not really 🙂
Eric Sykes(Quote)
😆 😆 😆
Icedog(Quote)
Psychs
You can stay at wor gaff in Byker anytime you visit the toon. 😉
Troy Stavers(Quote)
What’s all this about McClaren changing captain?
Stuart79(Quote)
That’s in the kennel of course! 😉
Troy Stavers(Quote)
Ice: you know that The Troysta doesn’t care what I say? He doesn’t care what anybody says.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Stuart
Please answer @65
Troy Stavers(Quote)
Troy: I have to go out with my imaginary friends now to meet at 4pm in Chicago. Catch you later, or not.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Troy: you didn’t give me your bloody team to play Stoke man.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Wow! He has friends???? 😯
Troy Stavers(Quote)
I said “imaginary friends”.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Imagine that 😯
Troy Stavers(Quote)
tick, tock.Team for Stoke.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
I’m not a manager like some this they are on here. 😉
Troy Stavers(Quote)
Troy says:
“I’m not a manager like some this they are on here.”
You most certainly are not Stanley. Boiled eggs and nuts…
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Soda, soda, soda… and what will you have Stanley?
Soda.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
The current set up clearly isn’t working. He’s not stupid. Although personally I think he ain’t long for this parish.
Stuart79(Quote)
Ho – Tory Boy
I’m not negative fella. I’m just sick and tired of the endless shyte and all things NUFC at the present time.
I think wanting to replace Pardew with someone better, I repeat BETTER, was a very positive move.
The fact this inept regime chose an even worse clown to run the gig really is no surprise at all.
I predicted we would be in the bottom 3 by xmas, and wasn’t wrong.
I’ve predicted relegation by the end of March.
That’s not being negative, but rather realistic.
This club is a complete shambles. It doesn’t deserve to be in the EPL.
It stinks and is rotten from top to bottom.
If we do actually get relegated, AGAIN, then I think I will most probably **** my self laughing. As wrong as that may be.
It’s NOT what I want, but is and has been inevitable for many years now.
It’s a disgrace.
Beardsleys Boots(Quote)
Stuart – who’s not stupid ?
Beardsleys Boots(Quote)
I would say they ALL are.
What other explanation can there be for overseeing their club being flushed down the pan ?
Fatty must be the most stupid of them all, it’s his money after all.
Beardsleys Boots(Quote)
mickey mouse club run by imbeciles who think they have a clue.
Munich Mag(Quote)
Stuart
Many owners successfully run their clubs the way he currently runs nufc.
He may change the personnel but keep the same same system but he won’t change the system.
As I’ve said previously, managers who demand control of transfers also demand a big budget and no interference.
The Reality Train is stopping soon to offload those who have lost their reality. Please step off Stuart 😉
I often agree with your views but certainly not on this occasion.
Troy Stavers(Quote)
Bootsy
At last, a bit of positivity from you. You will **** yourself laughing if we go down. I was worried your life revolved around you being sad all the time. 😆
Troy Stavers(Quote)
@troy..
That’s the key ingredient we’re missing. Successfully running a club this way.
I don’t think he’ll give up full control but as we’ve seen with SM getting shelvey and Townsend he’s will to tweak things in order to make it better. A blind man could see our system isn’t working and hasn’t for 8 years
Gashley(Quote)
Gashley
Allegedly even Pardew had a degree of say and got Obertan and maybe a couple of others.
But ultimately, a decent manager would want control of all in and outgoings. That requires a huge budget as those managers always want the best and keep pushing the boundaries of expense just to get the team they want.
Of course clubs were run that way in the not to distant past and many did okay on a small budget but many ruined clubs at the same time, spending a fortune on rubbish.
If there’s one manager who could be trusted to do a decent job on a restricted budget then it would be Moyes. However, Ashley would have to abolish all the rules of buying young players with a sell on value and I don’t believe he would run the club that way when other clubs using his current system are surviving in the premier.
Troy Stavers(Quote)
I agree Moyes would be the better fit.
Which young players has Ashley sold? Cabaye, Carroll.. No chairman in their right mind wouldn’t have done the same.
We’ve held onto some decent players for a while now
Gashley(Quote)
Gashley
Which players have developed and rose in price above the rate of transfer fees.
The TV cash has inflated transfers and it makes the value of the player look as if he has been a good buy.
The facts are, when they say sissoko is now worth say £8m and we bought him for £3m only reflects the huge cash floating around from the TV deal.
The players we have bought are not bargains at all. The reality is, we rarely sell them on because nobody wants to buy them at inflated prices.
Troy Stavers(Quote)
Nobody wants to buy most of them at all. At any price.
Georgio(Quote)
What’s this you say about being negative Troysta? Could you blame anybody for complaining about the type of football your beloved Pards played? Then Carver lost 8 games in a row and Steve has won 6 of 26. Most on here have just about kept their sanity through all of this except you who went completely off the deep end and suggested we should appoint the Kilmarnock manager.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Sorry for going off topic @123 and 124. I was talking to my brother and we got on the subject of Laurel and Hardy and it was more interesting than Troy’s constant Pards and Lee Clark utterings. Just.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Well i have too laugh at the media making a big thing about Shelvey being Captain yesterday . It would be the best decision McClaren has made since he came if Shelvey was Captain against Stoke and Collo was not on the pitch but it aint gonna happen .Yesterday was just a training exercise against a team in pre season from a weak league ,against Stoke it will back too the same defence thats been **** poor all season and we will be another step nearer the Championship .
AXEL(Quote)
A League update… Perth Glory 6 – Brisvegas Roar 3
Take away Roars offside goal and soft penalty. ? 6-1
Aussie Magpie Fan(Quote)
Saw this on George Caulkins twitter, he retweeted it.
The Spezial One
@OllyverTweet
The Ballad of Steve McClaren:
Our season starts in August
Our season starts today
Our season starts tomorrow
Our season starts in May
#nufc
kimtoon(Quote)
Sorry to bring up Adam Johnson again, and I know what he did was bad but this is comedy gold Jerry, comedy gold. From his police report that was read to the jury:
“She came into the car and she said about a thank you kiss,” he said. “It was just like a normal kiss. Just how you would kiss someone.”
Asked if it was a “peck”, he said: “It wasn’t a peck, it was a kiss.” Johnson told the police it was not passionate but did involve tongues.”
Eric Sykes(Quote)
You have to have a bit of sympathy for Johnson as he obviously has the brain of a 12 year old and 15 was a step up for him. I know, I shouldn’t make fun of a crime but really. He lures a girl to a secluded car park and admits to police that they “kissed with tongues” and then says it was all innocent like. It was a normal kiss “with tongues”. Would he also kiss his Granny “with tongues”?
Do not pass go, do not collect 200 pounds, go straight to jail.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
I think I might have insulted 12 year olds there. Johnson has the brain of a chicken.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
ERIC no matter which way the trial goes he is finished in the football game in fact finished in any employment,I just feel sorry for his young wife and baby who will be stuck with what he’s done,if fact when it’s all over I think his wife will screw him for what is left,hope he saved some of the money he’s made from the game as he will never get another job anywhere
Icedog(Quote)
The Mackems have said they will not sue him for the wages he picked up when he was awaiting trial as they don’t want any more bad publicity. That’s 1 million pounds and more than a lot of people make in their lifetime.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
If she hadn’t told anyone, how far woud he have gone?
He’s a disgrace and deserves to have the book thrown at him.
Troy Stavers(Quote)
It’s right what ERIC says he has the brain power of a 12 year old even less imo,but amazing how many football players are real dim and if wasn’t for football would struggle to gain ant kind of useful employment one that really sticks out for me is Beckham has made millions with a good manament team on his side,saw a lot of interviews in his early days and he comes over with a brain the size of a pea
Icedog(Quote)
Shelvey says he will stick with the toon even if they go down,how many more will do that? do we even want half of them with what they have shown for the club mind a lot of it is down to the “game” plan SM uses
Icedog(Quote)
Regardless if we go down or not, the likes of Cisse, Rivierre, Sissoko, Gouffy, Marv, Obertan, Anita, Tiote, Saylor, Cabella, Thauvin, Haidara, and Colo could and should be moved on one way or another.
I’d like to think that after that, Colback, Saivet, Perez, Townsend, Shelvey, Mbemba will stay even if we down – and will form the basis of the team’s spine.
The question mark would hang over Krul and Janmaat if we go down.
Shamrock(Quote)