Black Cats midfielder leading the way for defensive midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues.
When you think of the best defensive midfielders in Europe, the one name that would generally come pretty far down the list is Sunderland’s Lee Cattermole. But new statistics show that he is actually one of the best the continent has to offer this season.
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Despite Sunderland struggling again this term, Cattermole has been crucial in keeping them out of the Premier League drop zone, and it’s also worth noting that these stats compare the player’s defensive work, rather than what they offer going forward.
5. Danielle Di Rossi – Roma
Tackles: 6
Recoveries: 47
Clearances: 17
Blocks: 3
The Italian international has been in good form this season, but his role often sees him perform more as an all-round presence in the engine room rather than as a straight up defensive midfielder. However, his good work in the position has seen the side from the capital stay amongst those challenging for the Scudetto.
Blaise Matuidi – Paris Saint Germain
Tackles: 32
Recoveries: 49
Clearances: 6
Blocks: 3
The PSG man took a while to get going in the French capital, but he has since proved instrumental in the club’s recent dominance of the domestic table as well as being a key figure to their rise in European competitions, too.
Xabi Alonso – Bayern Munich
Tackles: 30
Recoveries: 72
Clearances: 13
Blocks: 2
Alonso has slotted in effortlessly to the Bayern side, and his presence has been a calming influence on a side so hell bent on all out attack. That said, though, his primary focus has been to act as a deep lying playmaker rather than a destroyed. That’s not to suggest that he slacks on his defensive duties, but he offers more playing the quarterback than anything else.
Sergio Busquets – Barcelona
Tackles: 39
Recoveries: 56
Clearances: 5
Blocks: 3
the Barca star is undoubtedly a class act, and though he comes in first place when it comes to tackles, he lacks the all-round completion that the man in top spot possesses. Barcelona don’t do as much defending in comparison to others, but when they do is usually broken up by this man in the middle.
Lee Cattermole – Sunderland
Tackles: 37
Recoveries: 82
Clearances: 32
Blocks: 5
A big shock indeed. The Black Cats star is usually a figure of derision for his hot headedness and poor disciplinary record, but this season has seen him cut the cards out of his game (mostly) and he seems to have figured out a way to channel his aggression in the right way. A major upturn in fortunes for him, if not for his club.
Numbers courtesy of the Daily Mail.
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