It is no hidden fact now we saw many surprise performers last season in the Premier League, who have largely been one season wonders, fading out as the new campaign started. The most glaring example would be Jamie Vardy, who took Leicester City to win the title last season and has become less than an average striker this season.
Similarly, there were many defenders who were a solid rock last season and seemed like they could never set a foot wrong and now facing difficulties to even stay in the first team.
Here are 3 defenders who have been a disappointment this season.
Robert Huth
The towering defender was one of the main reasons for Leicester City’s fairytale run last season. There is absolutely no one who could break past Leicester’s defence in the final few game weeks and Huth was one of the reasons why. He defended, he intercepted, cleared and when his team needed him, he even scored from indirect set pieces.
But this season his presence has been fully absent. The Foxes have lost more matches this season already than they had lost in the full of last season. Where he had won 55 percent of the average duels last season, it has reduced to 37 percent. The average defensive actions, which was 11 last season has come to 8.
John O’Shea
Sunderland is currently enduring the worst start to their Premier League campaign ever. It is just 11 matches and they have already conceded 21 goals.
O’Shea, who is the leader at the back has seen a dip in his performance this year. It seems his intent is missing. Where he had won a decent 56 percent of the aerial duels last season, it has reduced to 40 percent this season. Although it also needs to be said that owing to numerous injuries, David Moyes has often played him out of position in the pivotal area. As a result, his average defensive actions have also reduced.
Branislav Ivanovic
After the humiliation against Arsenal in the Emirates Stadium, Ivanovic hasn’t really got into the team. Conte doesn’t see him in his 3-man defence. He has won nine tackles this season with a success rate of 56%. This sums up his lacklustre performance this season.
While his performances were cringe-worthy in Chelsea’s last Premier League campaign, the Serbian was still a regular in the lineup and had a good 83% passing accuracy. He had even won 54% of his average duels last season, but this season he is one of those Chelsea stars who has failed fit under Antonio Conte and has lost out to Azpilicueta who has done a fine job.
Stats Credits: Squawka
