Igor Zubeldia Scout Report
Igor Zubeldia, of Real Sociedad, has emerged as a sturdy anchor in the La Liga. The Spaniard, 27-years old, has demonstrated consistent performances this season, according to our latest scout report. Zubeldia excels in progressive carrying, averaging in the 98th percentile, making him one of the league's leading center-backs in this regard. He's not only adept at possession but also in progressive passing, ranking in the 70th percentile, a testament to his competence in initiating attacks from the back.
Although he's not renowned for his goal threat or efficiency, those aren't his prime responsibilities given his center-back position. However, his assist metric catches the eye - it's in the top tenth percentile, a rare feat for a defender. Nevertheless, the pitch isn't always lush for Zubeldia - his limited possession pattern confines him mainly to the midfield and defensive thirds, with just a minuscule percentage venturing into the attacking area.
Defensively, his foul record appears to be Zubeldia's Achilles heel. With a spot in the 92nd percentile for fouls committed and a similarly high yellow card rate, it's evident that his aggressive style of play often flirts with overly combative conduct. Conversely, his interception and recoveries rate show his combative style does yield fruit, as he ranks well above numerous peers in both categories.
Zubeldia's aerial duel and overall duel win percentage doesn't flatter him, with both values alarmingly low for his position. Such a glaring weakness in the air could be exploited by opponents and could cost his team in set-piece situations. His ball retention stats also paint a mixed picture, reflecting an area where his game could benefit from further refinement. That said, this season underscores Zubeldia's value to the team as a combative, play-initiating center-back, albeit with room for improvement in select areas.