Chelsea have been linked with both Michael Keane and Ben Gibson with regularity in the last few months, as the Blues look to strengthen their defensive options.
The pair have a lot in common as English centre backs playing for Premier League teams battling relegation, meaning we can compare them statistically on a level playing field.
Both are 23 born just 4 days apart. Both have played in every minute of the Premier League this season.
Gibson makes 1.1 tackles per 90, along with 1.4 interceptions and 1 block.
On the other hand Keane makes just 0.6 tackles, but clearly reads the game better with an impressive 2.4 interceptions and 1.7 blocks.
Both are very tidy defenders, averaging 0.2 and 0.3 fould per game respectively.
Ben Gibson dominates the passing stats, with more passes per game and a high success rate, despite playing 3.2 long balls to Keane’s 2.6 per game. He’s the best option for Chelsea if they want a technically sound player who will be able to play the ball well like David Luiz.
On the other hand given the Blues are more likely to be looking to replace John Terry, they should consider Keane a more like for like replacement. He takes advantage of his extra 6cm of height to win 3.2 headers per game, almost three times Gibson’s 1.6.