Mattia De Sciglio
Paolo Cesare Maldini was one of the greatest defenders of all time. He won the Champions League five times in his career; and played for the Italian national team for 14 years. Age didn’t seem to affect Maldini; as he won the Best Defender trophy at the UEFA Club Football Awards. He was 39 when he won this award. Nowadays people wonder if their could ever be a defender as phenomenal and versatile and Paolo. Well, there’s a chance we may have the answer.
Mattia de Sciglio; recently played for Italy for the first time; and he gave two excellent performances. In one of those matches he assisted Balotelli fantastically; but in both matches he defended well. I’m not saying it is certain De Sciglio will take on the Maldini legacy; but in my opinion he certainly has the potential. He’s been great for Milan this season; and he has a massive future ahead of him.
De Sciglio was outstanding against Napoli in the thrilling 2-2 draw; he played with great courage and strength; and didn’t let the Partenopei take advantage of his inexperience. During the match; de Sciglio made an outstanding ten tackles. His opposite at right back, Kevin Constant; made one tackle. The fact he made this many successful tackles shows his immense ability; and what a great defender he already is!
Tackling the problem
He also made two crucial interceptions during the match, and won the headed duel he went up for. This again displays his efficiency as defender. 10 successful tackles, 2 interceptions, all headers won (Even if it was one just duel). De Sciglio gets the job done; and he does it well. He also completed 91% of his passes. Two of these were key passes and one assisted a goal. We all know that a good attacking ability is important for a full back; and De Sciglio certainly showed he was offensively able.
Nothing missed
No headers missed
Key passer
De Sciglio averages a key pass per game and has created a very impressive 26 chances in 22 appearances for Milan. For the record, that’s more than Lichtsteiner, Abate, and Constant; and the same as Balzaretti. The fact that he is so effective on the front foot is fantastic, and it is another sign that he has the potential to become a world class full back.
Mattia, The Creator
De Sciglio has also won 77% of his tackles; and 73% of headed duels. This is much better than the fantastic Lichtsteiner; and almost on par with arguably the best full back in the world Phillip Lahm’s 79% tackle success; and much better than his 57% headed duel success. De Sciglio also averages seven defensive actions per game; which is out of this world. Again; if you compare that to the “best full backs in the world” Lahm (3) and Cole’s (5) defensive actions per game, it displays what a brilliant defender he is already; and what a talent he is. He’s also made no defensive errors in the Serie A this season.
Duel winner
Defensively active
So my friends, there is Mattia Di Sciglio. He’s great defensively going forward; and could be the next Maldini. Although now I think about it; he’s far more similar to Phillip Lahm. If that doesn’t display what a huge prospect he is, I don’t know what does! Thanks for reading.
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Reblogged this on Ivan Abram Parsaoran Pasaribu and commented:
Awkay he is officially a hot prospect !