In this scout report, we focus on FC Utrecht's seasoned center back, Mark van der Maarel. At the age of 34, his playing style combines a sly technical acumen with a classic defensive mindset. Being a defender, van der Maarel seems to hold ground in the midfield (52.05%) and defensive third (37.91%), ensuring the integrity of Utrecht's defence line in Eredivisie.
Van der Maarel demonstrates a notable strength in his ball retention ability, outperforming a healthy majority of his contemporaries in the Eredivisie. On top of that, his chance creation ability is near peerless, reflecting an unexpected but effective offensive facet in his style of play. Despite a seemingly average pass accuracy, his progressive passing is better than most, painting a picture of a player who isn't afraid to push the play forward when opportunities arise.
However, van der Maarel's player stats reveal a glaring vulnerability in his game – aerial and duel win percentages rank devastatingly low, hinting at struggles in one-on-one situations. His ball recovery and interceptions percentile rankings fall on the lower end too, indicating a deficiency in swiftly regaining control of the game after losing possession.
Simultaneously, his propensity to commit fouls is unmatched in the league – a dual-edged sword that laned him a substantial number of yellow cards. This temperamental aspect of his play demands attention, as it can lead to unnecessary game suspensions, potentially jeopardizing his team's defensive stability.
In summary, Mark van der Maarel is a veteran defender whose style of play is anchored in firm ball retention and the surprising knack for chance creation. The need to improve his duelling skills and recheck his game temperament offers an intriguing area of potential growth in the twilight of his career. His presence on the pitch holds significant strategic implications for FC Utrecht, both in their defensive fortitude and their seamless transition into more offensive plays.
Mark van der Maarel Key stats
Mark van der Maarel Career Trend
Mark van der Maarel Shot Maps
Mark van der Maarel Shot Summary
In the 2023-2024 season, Mark van der Maarel took 6 shots, scoring 0 goals. This output came from an Expected Goals (xG) of 0.97, averaging 0.16 xG per shot.
Right Foot: 0 goals from 5 shots. A 0.0% conversion rate. 0.19 xG per shot.
Left Foot: 0 goals from 0 shots. A 0% conversion rate. 0 xG per shot.
Headers: 0 goals from 1 headed attempts. A 0.0% conversion rate. 0.03 xG per shot.
