GSK_AFC wrote:DiamondGooner wrote:GSK_AFC wrote:Plymöuth Gööner wrote:I don't think he offers as much defensively as Flamini.
He has more tackles and interceptions per game.
Doesn't matter, Flamini had more completed passes than Arteta in the first Napoli game but would you rate him better in passes?
Flamini is the better defensive player.
But more passes doesn't mean your a better passer.
Tackles and interceptions are direct evidence on how well you defend.
I ain't fussed about the argument itself but this isn't necessarily true.
There's different ways of defending and a player who plays more of a contain/pressing defensive game may very well get less interceptions or tackles but provide a greater defensive benefit to their team.
Stats can only be used directly to what they relate ie. if someone has alot of tackles, you can say they're a good tackler. Lots of interceptions, they're a good interceptor. Going the extra step and saying they defend well because of these stats is a conclusion.
Anyone who finds this post pedantic I understand, I'm not picking on GSK's post specifically, it's just I see alot of aimless stat throwing on these forums sometimes and wild conclusions drawn.