From following various soccer blogs, it seems that defensive stats aren't as polished and explored as offensive ones. I'm curious what stats beyond things such as tackles/interceptions are looked at. For example, Maldini has the reputation of being one of the top defenders ever, but also is known for his quote "If i have to tackle, then I have already made a mistake" (paraphrased). His tackling stats seem to support that style of play in that he made fewer challenges than most. Perhaps he made tons of interceptions, and in that sense, never had to tackle? I'm unable to find a good source of his playing stats.
Anyways, what sort of things do you look at for defensive players? It seems that its when I look at things such as WhoScored's statistical team of the season, it has players such as Mustafi, who generally has a negative reputation for his play. I suspect he is so high because the rating metric used by whoscored overvalues offensive contributions of defenders, vs. pundits more likely look for a defender's defensive contributions. Are there any form of 'advanced stats' for defenders beyond the basic measured stats of challenges, interceptions, etc, that you and/or the industry looks for?
Anyways, what sort of things do you look at for defensive players? It seems that its when I look at things such as WhoScored's statistical team of the season, it has players such as Mustafi, who generally has a negative reputation for his play. I suspect he is so high because the rating metric used by whoscored overvalues offensive contributions of defenders, vs. pundits more likely look for a defender's defensive contributions. Are there any form of 'advanced stats' for defenders beyond the basic measured stats of challenges, interceptions, etc, that you and/or the industry looks for?
https://www.whoscored.com/Statistics