Brighton Vs Man Utd: The Four Stats That Prove Balogun Was The Best Defensive Player

Published: August 19, 2018

Leon Balogun brought something different following his introduction in the 20th minute in Brighton & Hove's 3-2 win over Manchester United in the Premier League on Sunday evening.

Apart from being praised by the well respected commentator, Andy Townsend, during the game at The American Express Community Stadium, four key stats prove that the Nigeria international had a big impact in the game, more than the other defensive-minded players that tasted action.

According to the stats gurus at OPTA, Balogun was the statistical leader in tackles, interceptions, clearances and blocked shots combined with 12.

The former Mainz star recorded 4 tackles, 3 interceptions, 5 clearances and zero blocked shots to place first ahead of second-placed Shane Duffy and Davy Pröpper who both totaled 8 each in the four stats.

Duffy, who partnered Balogun in central defense for 70 minutes, finished the game with 0 tackles, 2 interceptions, 4 clearances and 2 blocked shots, while Pröpper made 7 tackles, 1 interception and scored 0 in clearances and blocked shots.

Statistically, Manchester United's best defender today was Luke Shaw with 4 tackles, 2 interceptions and 1 clearance, followed by Ashley Young with 2 tackles and 4 clearances.

Balogun made a game-high five clearances, one more than Shane Duffy, Ashley Young, Paul Pogba and Victor Lindelöf

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit : brightonandhovealbion.com