La Pausa
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🇪🇸⚽️ An analytical look at La Liga and Spanish football, by @robbiejdunne and @jamiemkemp . Weekly podcasts (and articles) on @OptaAnalyst .
Joined March 2023
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Pinned Tweet
🧵 Thread keeping track of the notable/interesting transfers happening in LaLiga this summer (just offering some initial detail on incoming players).
We'll update in the run up to 2024-25, as and when we've had a chance to analyse them and check out the numbers...
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8
39
All 20,672 of Toni Kroos' completed passes in LaLiga.
Simultaneously says nothing and everything.
26
798
4K
Line-breaking passes per 90 by midfielders in the Champions League this season (500+ minutes played):
24.2 - Toni Kroos
17.7 - Marco Verratti
16.5 - Luka Modric
13.2 - Rodri
13.0 - Enzo Fernández
37
411
3K
Barcelona's first goal came from this pass out from the back by Pau Cubarsí. Even Lewandowski didn't think he was an option.
10
167
2K
Zubimendi came on for the best midfielder in the world and complated 24 of 26 passes, won 2 of 3 tackles and created a chance.
Immense from the Real Sociedad player 👏👏👏
12
285
2K
Dani Olmo has replaced Pedri as Spain's No. 10. He might lack some of Pedri's nuance but he also offers something Pedri doesn't.
12
59
764
Sávio has now surpassed the holy grail of 100+ completed dribbles in LaLiga this season (102).
He's the first player to do that while 21 or under since Lionel Messi in 2008-09 (106)...
14
75
573
Kroos accounts for 20% of Real Madrid's total line-breaking passes, which is also the most of any midfielder for their team in the CL this season.
Guardiola last night: "All I know is that Toni [Kroos] makes us defend more than we would like."
1
63
540
⏱️ Las Palmas-Real Sociedad on Friday night was the shortest game played in Europe's big five leagues this season (94:22).
The officials didn't even add any extra time on in the first half...
Puro fútbol.
5
59
542
Last night was Toni Kroos' 35th consecutive start in LaLiga since he last dropped below a 90% pass completion rate.
His completion rate on over 3,000 passes when starting in that time is 95%. We are simply numb to the man's mastery at this point.
2
78
505
Pau Cubarsí's line-breaking passes in his two
#UCL
games so far: 14 v Napoli and 13 v PSG.
He's made more from his own half (24) than any other player in the competition since his debut.
2
51
437
Míchel in
@el_pais
today:
"Pep is classical music and Klopp is rock and roll. That's to say that Pep minimises the rival, avoids that they can hurt you, while Klopp accepts that the rival can harm you in exchange for going out there to eat them.
Chaos can't be controlled. But a
3
74
375
Lamine Yamal has the highest xG sequence involvement of any player at
#EURO2024
so far (6.3).
Players who topped that category in previous tournaments: Lionel Messi (2022 WC), Pedri (EURO 2020), Neymar (2018 WC), Mesut Özil (EURO 2016).
4
61
341
By the way, İlkay Gündoğan is averaging the highest xA from open play of any non-winger in LaLiga this season (0.27 per 90).
And done while playing in a deeper position out of necessity for
#FCB
...
3
22
294
⏱️ The total match time for Sevilla-Valencia last night was 106:02, yet the ball was only in play for 44% of it (46:50).
Lots of influencing factors across team styles/temperature/30+ fouls, but hardly a resounding start in terms of spectacle. Lots of time, not a lot of rhythm.
9
52
276
Lee Kang-In has been on an absolute tear in the last few months, which is especially impressive while playing in a defence-first side.
He's completed 41 dribbles over his last 10 appearances - the most of any player in LaLiga in this period (one more than Vinícius Júnior, 40).
2
97
256
More so in the last year than in the Clásico, but Oriol Romeu just looks like a player whose understanding of his own game and the things he can/can't do could barely be more precise.
Basically that which only time - and a long, varied career - finally grants you near the end.
1
11
202
Largie Ramazani (22) is the youngest player to make a hat-trick of assists in a LaLiga game since Marco Asensio in 2015.
Youngest to do so with all three assists being from open play since Bojan in 2010...
7
31
189
Jude Bellingham made 75 high-intensity pressures v Man City - the most across the QF 1st legs, while only five players have had more in KO stages this season.
Difference for him is that he has to manage that work with constant bursts forward & support runs for Rodrygo/Vinicius.
6
47
187
Players who've completed 100+ dribbles and been directly involved in 15+ goals in a LaLiga season in Opta's database (since 2006-07):
🇦🇷 Lionel Messi (15 times)
🇧🇷 Neymar (3 times)
🇧🇷 Vinícius Júnior
🇧🇷 Sávio
A truly incredible season for a player who's only just turned 20.
1
32
171
This feels like the season where Gavi's importance and role becomes clear.
He's only 19 and his understanding of space and positioning just keeps getting better. No Barcelona player touched the ball more tonight while he was on the field.
1
13
163
Pablo Barrios is averaging more successful take-ons per 90 than any other DM/CM for a LaLiga team this season (2.7).
His take-on success rate is miles ahead of anyone else too (77%). A lovely blend of confidence and technical skill.
1
25
162
Difference between goals and xG in LaLiga:
Girona: +7.4
Real Madrid: +5
Atlético Madrid: +4.3
Barcelona: -4.9
2
38
162
@__kagebunshin__
Exactly. Changes the whole dynamic of how the opponent has to defend against you.
1
0
155
Most big chances created at World Cup/EURO editions since 2014 (data via Opta):
8 - Lamine Yamal (2024) 🇪🇸
7 - Lionel Messi (2022) 🇦🇷
7 - Antoine Griezmann (2022) 🇫🇷
7 - Kevin De Bruyne (2018) 🇧🇪
1
19
157
Most dribbles completed since February 25th in LaLiga, with overall success rate:
41 - Lee Kang-In (66%)
40 - Vini Jr (37%)
38 - Samu Chukwueze (62%)
30 - Nico Williams (50%)
29 - Rodrygo (63%)
0
59
139
Within the infinite degrees of 'good on the ball', it's clear Pau Cubarsí is going to be special.
Love the way he plays forward through the lines when the heat is on (and of course, picks the right moments to do so). It's something Girona's CBs have done superbly all season.
2
18
143
Marc-André ter Stegen | LaLiga 2022-23 🏆
A shot-stopping season for the ages. Roughly nine goals prevented, based on the quality of shots on target faced (via Opta)... probably goes without saying, but a league-best total this season.
4
13
129
“It’ll be important to control the emotions and [our] temperament,” Xavi said before the second leg.
Sent off by the hour mark while the tie was level at 4-4 and now this… not the most calculated look you’d have to say.
🔵🔴 Xavi: “It’s pointless to discuss about the game… the referee destroyed it all”.
“We can’t stay silent. He changed the game and the entire tie. It was a disaster”.
4K
3K
58K
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21
131
112/116 passes for Kirian Rodríguez against Celta (97%).
Showed the most personality of anyone on the pitch, was moved out of the pivote to play higher up as the game wore on, and has the poise in the 97th minute to find quality into the box for Viera. Just a super footballer.
3
28
125
Noticed Gavi is the midfielder with the most tackles per 90 in LaLiga this season (3.7), while playing in a team who have the most possession... two things that don't usually happen.
It's a bad handicap for a team who need to be competitive, whilst they try recoup their play.
Xavi: We lack Gavi's leadership, his heart. The injury to Gavi is a dagger in the heart. He is the soul of the team. That's the reality. The loss of Ter Stegen as well, one of the captains. It's not an excuse, it's the reality
7
10
189
3
19
115
Aleix García (58) is the only midfielder who's made more progressive passes than Kirian Rodríguez (53) in LaLiga this season.
So impressed with his first 11 games at the top level. For quality and authority on the ball, one of the best directors of play from midfield so far.
4
22
117
📊 Top scorers for teams in Europe's big five leagues this season (with % of their touches that come in the opp. box):
11 - Guirassy (19%)
10 - Lautaro (18%)
9 - Kane (16%)
8 - Bellingham (8%)
8 - Haaland (33%)
8 - Mbappé (20%)
8 - Boniface (22%)
8 - Wind (11%)
1
28
114
Of Barcelona's 61 line-breaking passes last night, Pau Cubarsí accounted for 21% of them (13).
0
6
109
As
@Jon_Mackenzie
told us today, there’s your pausa… (delightfully slowed down for maximum effect)
4
2
113
Typically competitive from Osasuna, but to maintain their levels w/ such rotation and a young side out there speaks to the solidity of their project.
Barcelona's last shot inside the box from open play came in the 10th minute...
5
11
105
Teammate trios who all created 10+ chances from open play and completed 10+ dribbles at World Cup/EURO tournaments this century:
🇪🇸 2024 - Yamal, Williams, Olmo
🇫🇷 2016 - Pogba, Coman, Payet
🇧🇷 2002 - Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, Rivaldo
3
19
106
Jude Bellingham’s first goal for Real Madrid: not a great one from Man U’s perspective, but an example of how his movement causes problems.
Sneaks out of Casemiro’s view, runs off him, and CB’s don’t react in time/aren’t sure whether to play offside.
7
15
102
Alberto Moleiro completed nine take-ons against Betis tonight (on 10 attempts).
The last player to do that in a game at the Benito Villamarín was Lionel Messi in 2018 (12).
3
24
97
xG per 90 in the big five European leagues (500+ mins, no pens):
0.91 - Serhou Guirassy
0.91 - Samu Omorodion
0.85 - Victor Boniface
0.84 - Erling Haaland
0.83 - Nicolas Jackson
Intrigued to see how long this persists... Samu is wreaking havoc in the box.
1
32
101
This Real Sociedad team are what happens when all of your best footballers are also all of your best out-of-possession players.
1
23
99
Before João Cancelo against Porto, the last player to score a goal, assist a goal, create 5+ chances and complete 5+ take-ons in a Champions League match...
Lionel Messi in October 2020 (
#FCB
v Juventus).
1
12
91
João Félix (9) and João Cancelo (8) with 17 take-on attempts between them tonight. Barcelona's per game average as a team across the opening four games was 17.8.
It's just a start, but their presence certainly stimulated one of the most vibrant
#FCB
performances for a while.
0
10
96
Two clean sheets in two games for LaLiga's youngest CB partnership.
Juanma Herzog (2004) predictably green but showing he can compete immediately, and supported by a partner in Mika Mármol (2001) who is rapidly leaving 'prospect' behind. Super stuff in Saúl Coco's absence.
2
18
95
Real Madrid's attacking touches by third in last night's Clásico.
Their season average in LaLiga beforehand:
Left - 40.4%
Centre - 24.8%
Right - 34.8%
6
9
96
Funniest moment of the first half - Barella holding his knee after a slight knock and Simeone immediately signalling to the Inter bench he needed to go off.
Worth a try Diego.
2
4
90
The damage Athletic do after recovering the second ball in these areas…
Sancet > Iñaki has been producing the same result all season, and he almost always gets the speed/execution of pass on the money.
2
6
84
Giovani Lo Celso created seven chances from open play against Espanyol, including two big chances (as defined by Opta).
The most by a Villarreal player in a league game since Santi Cazorla in January 2011 (eight v Real Sociedad).
2
0
79
One of the best ever at being a real
#9
while remaining connected to general play, through that classically associative style.
Historically great scorer, who will be remembered as a truly great footballer too. 👑
0
24
75
In this year's
#UCL
group stage, Real Sociedad were the team who recovered the ball in open play furthest from their own goal (47 metres on average).
They did that while conceding the fewest goals (2) and being the one team to not go behind at any point in the group stage.
2
13
73
Griezmann humming... again. A first half brace and directly involved in 7/8 Atlético shots in the match (five shots, two chances created).
Not only making the difference, but knitting the team together as an extra MF too. Koke's done a nice job finding him between the lines.
1
9
75
With these two and Lamine Yamal, 🇪🇸 have very quickly left behind a deficiency of speed and 1v1 talent on the wings.
Successful take-ons per 90 this season (including take-on success rate):
4.3 - Bryan Zaragoza (47%)
3.5 - Nico Williams (43%)
3.1 - Lamine Yamal (63%)
1
8
72
Farewell Damián Suárez 🫡
Since joining Getafe in 2015, he played 20,825 mins in all competitions, picking up 93 yellow cards (3rd among all players during that time) and conceding 392 fouls (9th).
A true Getafe legend and the ultimate José Bordalás warrior.
4
9
69
This pass from Gerard Moreno broke every Barcelona line possible as well as breaking several laws of physics.
1
10
68
The type of player who's content to just string together simple action after simple action. With guys like De Jong, Pedri and Gündoğan all in close proximity, the value of it transforms.
Only one incomplete pass from open play last night (+ it was more on De Jong in that case).
3
10
70
Incredibly difficult from here to imagine this photo will one day be remembered in a positive light.
About the best thing you can say is stranger things have happened.
4
4
71
🇪🇸 Spain are averaging 3.2 dribbles per 100 touches at
#EURO2024
- their most at a major tournament since EURO 2004 (i.e. before the possession revolution).
The Nico and Yamal effect.
1
20
72
This first thing he offers is more shooting, an aspect of Pedri's game he has been trying to improve on.
You can see below that Pedri's involvement is much higher per 90 but Olmo's attack sequence involvements are different. 4 shots per 90 compared to Pedri's 2.8.
1
8
70
Aleix García has a 92% pass completion rate this season, while averaging more long passes per 90 than any other midfielder in LaLiga (9.5).
The only player we've seen that combination of efficiency and long distribution from in LaLiga in recent history is Toni Kroos.
2
13
66
Lee Kang-In starting next season as an Aston Villa player wouldn't be all that surprising now.
Alemany well aware of him with Valencia background, and the player himself would be a great fit for the 'wide' roles that Emery uses in his 4-4-2.
Lee Kang-In has been on an absolute tear in the last few months, which is especially impressive while playing in a defence-first side.
He's completed 41 dribbles over his last 10 appearances - the most of any player in LaLiga in this period (one more than Vinícius Júnior, 40).
2
97
256
4
21
65
Óscar Valentín made 10 tackles against Real Madrid - the most by a player in a league game at the Bernabéu since Casemiro in 2019 (v Leganés).
Matured into one of the best defensive midfielders in LaLiga in the last few years. Didn't expect he'd become such a good ball winner.
1
7
64
Atlético Madrid have spent the highest % of minutes with a lead this season.
Barcelona surprisingly far down in terms of amount of time they have been ahead.
Las Palmas sitting 10th in the league but have spent just 12% of their minutes so far chasing a lead.
3
18
65
It's your game of the season folks.
7.07 is the highest combined xG in a single game this season in La Liga.
1
9
63
Most shots generated after carries | LaLiga 23-24
16 - Rodrygo
15 - Iñaki Williams
13 - Bryan Zaragoza 📈
13 - Sávio
13 - Take Kubo
Plus no player in Europe's big five leagues has more carries including a take-on attempt (32) than Zaragoza this season. Pure desequilibrio.
4
9
62
Mikel Merino won 15/19 aerial duels against Cádiz; the most by a midfielder in a game across Europe's big five leagues this season.
Also had the most possession recoveries in the game (9). Emblematic of a fresh(er) Real Sociedad more able/effective in imposing themselves again.
2
18
60
A look at the Spanish second division's actual points vs. expected points.
🎩 Elche leaders
🙃 Albacete should be fighting for the playoffs but instead are fighting for their lives
👊 Eibar punching way above their current position
1
15
61
Antoine Griezmann - probably the best player in LaLiga as of this moment - asked who his favourite current player is...
1
10
58
The two players who completed the most passes on MD24 in LaLiga:
Saúl Coco (90/94)
Mika Mármol (113/122)
Las Palmas an example to follow (mentioning no names) in how to attack/chase a winner without becoming scattered and bringing your opponent to life.
0
5
60
Huge game coming up tonight between Athletic Bilbao and Girona that will affect the title race and the race for top four in LaLiga.
@robbiejdunne
outlines how Athletic Club are building towards something special with a golden generation of talent.
2
17
59
Since his first start in December, Beñat Prados leads all players in LaLiga for ball recoveries per 90 outside of the defensive third (6.5).
Signs of an expanding passing game already, but his talent as a ball winner will ensure he sticks around in the team to see it through.
1
12
59
Most progressive passes in LaLiga so far: Juan Foyth (16).
His RB/RCB role doesn't feel quite as optimal these days without Chukwueze opening the whole RW up, but he just looks like a natural, well-rounded RB now. Way better in possession than he generally gets credit for.
2
11
52
As of tonight, Cristhian Mosquera (26) has now started the most games in a LaLiga season by a teenage CB since Aymeric Laporte in 2013-14.
Superb campaign from him so far, and - evidently - at a position/experience level that very few manage to play a prominent role from.
4
5
51
Current 🇦🇷 boss Lionel Scaloni back at Riazor yesterday: "I know that one day I'll manage Deportivo, even if they're not in Primera."
Depor back in LaLiga, with Scaloni at the wheel... where can we sign?
1
4
54
Joao Cancelo finishes the game with the most touches (89), most accurate passes (75) and passes in the final third (38) while he was on the field.
Barcelona needed a right back but they've gotten so much more in Cancelo.
1
1
55
Another passing exhibition from Aleix García... a couple in the second half that were just outrageous for vision and difficulty of execution.
One of the few players who, in what was an incredibly demanding game, actually seemed to become more influential the longer it went.
3
6
53
We will be discussing Don Andoni Iraola, Rayo Vallecano and his hybrid press on the pod this week. Have a read of this by
@Jon_Mackenzie
as a primer.
1
5
50
So impressed with his management of the ball in deeper areas since getting back to full health.
Las Palmas have some things to solve in balancing their midfield in LaLiga, but his quality in possession will be hard to ignore when that central three is selected.
1
6
47
Fede Valverde averaged 18 metres per carry against Atlético Madrid (16 carries, 287 metres) - the most by a Real Madrid player in LaLiga this season.
Only usually explodes once/twice per game, but the way he can send a whole team scrambling back towards their own goal is insane.
0
4
51
Farewell to Samuel Chukwueze - not only one of LaLiga's most dynamic attackers and gifted dribblers, but a true poet of the game.
0
10
50
Girona have scored more goals following 10+ pass sequences than any other side in Europe's big five leagues in 2023-24 (15).
That move for Artem Dovbyk's goal versus Betis, featuring great contributions from Daley Blind and Iván Martín to set Girona on their way:
4
6
50
Las Palmas are the team who have generated the most shots after high turnovers in LaLiga this season (21).
Both of their goals against Atlético last night came in this manner (recovering possession within 40 metres of the opposition goal in open play).
2
11
49
Rayo Vallecano have averaged 11.2 high turnovers per game at Vallecas in La Liga this season. ⚡️
Across Europe's big five leagues, the only sides who average more in home games are Bayern at the Allianz (11.6) and Arsenal at the Emirates (11.5).
2
9
48
From Girona to La Roja: The Rise of Aleix García (
@OptaAnalyst
)
📝
@jamiemkemp
profiles the 26-year-old's ascent, his role change in 2023-24, and how his diverse passing range is making Girona one of Europe's toughest teams to stop.
4
10
48
🎙️ It was Total Football™ on this week's episode, with our first half surrendered to Girona and Las Palmas.
Then
@NealGardner_
joined us to talk
#FCB
's grizzly win, possession problems, the Joãos, Martín Zubimendi, & more!
🔗
🔗
2
8
47
Only Vinícius Júnior (8.1) ranks above Raphinha (7.7) for expected assists in LaLiga this season, despite the Barça man playing 854 fewer minutes than his 🇧🇷 compatriot.
1
9
48
Getafe's pass connections against Valladolid... (Soria > Latasa).
They only completed 65 passes in 98 minutes of play, and didn't give up a single shot on target. Truly, one of Bordalas' finest pieces of work (you may disagree with this statement).
3
12
47
Oh, and he scores goals too.
Aleix García (58) is the only midfielder who's made more progressive passes than Kirian Rodríguez (53) in LaLiga this season.
So impressed with his first 11 games at the top level. For quality and authority on the ball, one of the best directors of play from midfield so far.
4
22
117
0
4
46
🎙️ We're back, with a whole chunk of time dedicated to one of our favourite sides:
@GironaFC
On the agenda: why this is Míchel's long-desired moment, Daley Blind, Oriol Romeu (out), lofty defensive goals, and plenty more roving... (+ listener Q's)
🔗
4
12
47
Only three players have created 5+ open play chances and completed 5+ dribbles in a
#U21EURO
match on record (since 2006, via Opta):
🇪🇸 Rodri Sánchez v Romania (2023)
🇪🇸 Dani Ceballos v Poland (2019)
🇪🇸 Isco v Russia (2013)
Something about Spain and midfielders...
2
7
45
This is not to say that one is better than the other. Pedri is world class but Olmo makes an already dynamic attack even harder to deal with. It might come at the expense of less calm and control but Olmo has been the perfect, if slightly different, replacement for Pedri.
0
3
47
Barcelona have conceded more goals in the opening 20 seconds (2) than Las Palmas have conceded first half goals (1) in LaLiga this season.
2
7
45
Girona have agreed a deal to sign Daley Blind on a free transfer (via
@Nilsola10
).
Coming off an inactive year at Bayern, but points towards the direction in which Girona/Míchel are going w/ incremental steps towards more control. Should pick up Javi Hernández's LCB/LB minutes.
0
5
44
Spain CB Pau Cubarsí completed 96% of his passes at the
#U17WC
(521/541).
The highest completion rate of any player across the last five editions of the tournament (2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2023 - 300+ minutes played).
1
4
45
Barcelona caught offside 14 times against Las Palmas - the most by a team in a match in Europe's big five leagues this season.
To say they knew the (ultra) high line was coming, what a rough job they made of it. No lack of runs either... just poor execution.
2
11
41
Most chances created between duos in La Liga this season:
28 - Vini Jr + Benzema 🇧🇷🇫🇷
26 - Aspas + Veiga 🇪🇸🇪🇸
22 - Rodrygo + Benzema 🇧🇷🇫🇷
19 - Asensio + Benzema 🇪🇸🇫🇷
18 - Kang-In Lee + Muriqi 🇰🇷🇽🇰
17 - Nico + Iñaki Williams 🇪🇸🇬🇭
17 - Mayoral + Ünal 🇪🇸🇹🇷
17 - Trejo + Isi 🇦🇷🇪🇸
3
9
42