CASTROL AND LMA LAUNCH ANNUAL EUROPEAN MANAGERS SURVEY
The League Managers Association (LMA) and Castrol, The Official Performance Partner of the LMA, have today published the inaugural Annual Castrol LMA European Managers and Coaches Survey, gathering the views of top-level managers across Europe on the most important issues in modern football.
The Annual Castrol LMA European Managers and Coaches Survey has been developed to collate and better understand the collective views of managers and coaches from 19 different nationalities across Europe, including the full membership of the LMA, on technical and other matters which affect the game on a domestic and international level.
The key points and outcomes from the results of the survey are as follows:
- Respondents identified a professional referee training academy as the main factor that could help improve the standards of refereeing, and also that refereeing was the main area that could help improve the overall standard of the game
- 83% of respondents considered that the handball rule requires further clarification
- 65% of respondents deemed the ‘denial of an obvious goal scoring opportunity’(DOGSO), triple jeopardy law (penalty, sending off, suspension) as unfair
- 69% of respondents opposed the current dates for the transfer window
- 72% of respondents are in favour of a reduction in international friendlies
- 62% of respondents support the introduction of not just goal line but also video technology with 63% deeming that football should consider using a decision referral system where referees themselves should have the authority to clarify certain match incidents
The aim of the survey will be to take an annual snapshot on important topics that shape the game and the working environment for managers and coaches. It will guide the LMA’s thinking and representation of its membership, as well as identifying trends and developments at the heart of the game.
To view the full report, please select the link: Annual Castrol LMA European Managers and Coaches Survey 2012
Howard Wilkinson, Chairman of the LMA said;
“I am delighted that the LMA, in conjunction with Castrol, have produced this groundbreaking survey of European managers’ and coaches’ views on issues crucial to the game and themselves. Consultation is the mother of progress and change, and these views objectively represented, will surely be the basis for better cooperation between governance and practitioner.”
Richard Bevan, Chief Executive of the LMA said;
“The results of this survey are fascinating and demonstrate the value of the collective views of managers and coaches across Europe. We thank Castrol for their support of the LMA and this project and we look forward to working with them in the coming years to come on this and similar projects. Obtaining such valuable information is vital for the overall development and benefit of the game. The LMA would like to thank all of the managers and coaches who completed the survey and we now looking forward to sharing this information with football’s stakeholders.”
Carlo Ancelotti, manager of Paris Saint-Germain said;
“It is fantastic that the LMA are canvassing the views of managers and coaches across Europe for the good of the game. Football is a truly international game and issues do not stop at country borders. It is vital that there is open dialogue in the game for it to progress and I along with the managers and coaches across Europe are always open to the opportunity to come together to discuss and debate matters like leadership, management and the many technical issues in the game.”
José Mourinho, manager of Real Madrid said:
“It is vital for the future of football that the combined views and opinions of managers are collected and listened to. This LMA Survey is so important because it deals with the issues that affect managers each and every day, from rules and regulations, to technology, transfers and finances. It brings together managers and coaches across Europe, demonstrating the subjects we feel strongly about and provides real insights from managers based on our combined experience. The results of the Survey should be used to benefit and help shape the overall development and progress of football.”
Steve Sedgwick, Europe and Africa Marketing Communications Manager at Castrol said;
As Official Performance Partner of the LMA, Castrol believes that this Survey is valuable for inputting into the future direction of football, bringing together the opinions of managers and coaches from the highest levels of the game as one voice. We look forward to continuing to work closely with the LMA’s membership on issues of performance, leadership and governance in football.
CASTROL EDGE INDEX REVEALS SERGIO RAMOS AS TOP PERFORMING PLAYER DURING UEFA EURO 2012
Castrol EDGE Index Tournament XI also includes Ronaldo, Iniesta and Balotelli
For the second successive UEFA European Championship, Spain provided the winner of the Castrol EDGE Index, with Sergio Ramos taking the honour of strongest performing player in 2012 following a historic night at Kyiv’s Olympic Stadium. This is Ramos’ second time of being crowned the best player at a major international tournament after the Spanish defender also topped the Castrol EDGE Index table at the 2010 FIFA World Cup. A cornerstone of the holders’ impenetrable defence, the Real Madrid CF man finished just ahead of club-mate Cristiano Ronaldo, who had led the standings since the end of the group stage. Gerard Piqué, Ramos’ centre-back partner, completes the podium; he is the second of seven Spain players in the top ten, including their entire rear guard.
CASTROL EDGE UEFA EURO 2012™ TEAM OF THE TOURNAMENT
Iker Casillas (16th)
Spanish captain Iker Casillas was outstanding in goal for the victors. Castrol EDGE Performance data shows that he stopped 94% of shots against him – the best in the tournament and helping Spain to keep five clean sheets.
Jordi Alba (6th)
Jordi Alba was a constant threat for Spain at left back. Barcelona’s new signing made the third most touches in the tournament (576) and scored his side’s second goal in the final demolition of Italy. He was equally assured in his defensive work, with a 100% tackle completion rate.
Sergio Ramos (1st)
Sergio Ramos was commanding at centre back for Spain. The Real Madrid man made two last man saving tackles, helping Spain to concede only one goal in the entire tournament. Ramos also took an outstanding penalty in the semi-final against Portugal.
Gerard Pique (3rd)
Ramos’ partner, Gerard Pique, was arguably the most commanding defender at Euro 2012. He won 75.8% of his duels on the ground and made thirty clearances – the fourth highest in the tournament.
Alvaro Arbeloa (7th)
Although Alvaro Arbeloa is widely considered to be the weak link in the Spanish defence, Castrol EDGE Performance data shows that he made 20 tackles in Euro 2012, more than Alba, Ramos and Pique. The Madrid right back did not miss a minute of football.
Andrea Pirlo (11th)
Although Italy’s Andrea Pirlo was stifled in the final by Spain, he was nevertheless outstanding at the centre of the Azurri’s midfield. In addition to scoring a stunning free kick against Croatia, Castrol EDGE Performance data shows that Pirlo created seventeen chances during the tournament.
Andres Iniesta (5th)
Andres Iniesta was his usual dynamic self for Spain. The Barcelona schemer made 26 dribbles during the tournament and was unlucky not to score with nine shots on target.
Xavi (12th)
Xavi Hernandez was outstanding once again for Spain, the European and World Champions. He made more chances (25), passes (592) and touches (676) than any other player in Euro 2012.
Xabi Alonso (4th)
Xabi Alonso scored twice for Spain during Euro 2012 and Castrol EDGE Performance data shows that had a chance conversion rate of 25%. The former Liverpool midfielder was equally important in defence – completing sixteen tackles for the victors.
Mario Balotelli (13th)
Mario Balotelli lit up the tournament, scoring both of Italy’s goals against Germany in the semi-final. Castrol EDGE Performance data shows that he had more shots on target than any other player during the tournament. The confrontational forward won more fouls than any other player (20), although this was counteracted by the fact that he also committed the most (17).
Cristiano Ronaldo (2nd)
Cristiano Ronaldo did his best to drag Portugal to the Euro 2012 final. The Madrid star took thirty seven shots in the tournament- twelve more than any other player.
Find out who were the strongest performing players at UEFA EURO 2012™ by visiting castroledge.com/euro2012. Castrol EDGE is an Official Sponsor of UEFA EURO 2012™.
CASTROL CALCULATOR GIVES ENGLAND EDGE OVER FRANCE
Ahead of their opening clash at UEFA EURO 2012, the Castrol EDGE Calculator has revealed that England are favourites to beat France on Monday and go on to qualify from Group D. However, they still only stand an 8.4% chance of lifting the trophy, with Spain the favourites to defeat Netherlands in the Final, and Germany and England as beaten semi-finalists.
After Monday’s clash with France, England will face tricky games against Sweden and hosts Ukraine. But the Castrol EDGE Calculator backs England to come through these fixtures and qualify in 1st place. England has a 61% chance of emerging from the group, making them the favourites to make it into the quarter-finals from Group D.
By using the latest technology and data analysis techniques to identify which nations have the strongest chance of success at UEFA EURO 2012, the Castrol EDGE Calculator now shows that England have an 8.4% chance of winning the tournament and lifting the trophy. This is far better than Group D rivals France, who have a 5.2% chance of lifting the trophy, and Italy, who only have a 3.9% chance. However, England still trail far behind favourites Spain (24.5%) and their major tournament bogey team, Germany (12.2%).
First launched for the 2010 FIFA World Cup where it accurately predicted nearly 70% of teams’ progression, Castrol EDGE has applied the same expertise they apply to the development of their strongest ever oil to create the Castrol EDGE Calculator.
Created by the same team of Castrol EDGE Performance Analysts behind the Castrol EDGE Rankings, it calculates the attack and defence ratings of each nation. Then by simulating the tournament over 100,000 times, and taking into account the draw groupings, the Calculator can predict how successful nations will be in their groups, whether or not they’ll progress to the knock out stages, and ultimately each nation’s chance of winning the tournament.
Fans can see the very latest tournament predictions from the Castrol EDGE Calculator on castroledge.com/euro2012, which is updated after each game, allowing them to see the impact of every match result on their nation’s chances. For the first time ever, fans watching UEFA EURO 2012™ can follow the Castrol EDGE Calculator live to see in real time how each teams’ performance on pitch affects their chances of success.
CASTROL EDGE: UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL
TERRY’S ABSENCE A BLESSING IN DISGUISE?
Chelsea supporters might be cursing the rush of blood that led to John Terry receiving a red card in the Champions League semi-final, which means he misses the Champions League final on Saturday. However, Castrol EDGE Performance data suggests that the Blues should not dwell the loss of their captain.
Since Terry’s Champions League debut for Chelsea, he has played in 85 Champions League games and only missed 14. When Terry has missed out, Chelsea have won 57% of their games, compared with less than half (49%) when he has played. Furthermore, they have conceded 0.82 goals per game with Terry in the team, compared with 0.79 when he has not been.
These statistics may show that Terry is often left out for games that Chelsea expect to win but for Chelsea fans it may prove that all is not lost when Terry saw red at the Nou Camp.
Champions League 11/12 – Chelsea with and without John Terry in the Champions League
CHELSEA AND BAYERN LOOK TO WINGERS FOR INSPIRATION
During the Champions League final, Chelsea’s Florent Malouda and Juan Mata go head to head with Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery.
Castrol EDGE Performance Data shows that Franck Ribery leads the way in the Champions League with five assists and a pass completion rate of 88%. This is particularly impressive considering that he has passed far more than the wide players, with his 608 attempts some way ahead of Mata’s 353. When combined with his 76 dribbles and three goals, Ribery is clearly the man Chelsea need to stop.
Ribery is closely followed by his team mate Arjen Robben. Although the Dutchman has only made seven appearances in the 2011/12 Champions League due to injury, he has scored more frequently than the other three, with his four goals coming once every 137.2 minutes.
Nevertheless, the Bayern duo is not superior in all respects. In particular, Mata and Malouda have crossed 49 and 35 times respectively with success rates of 37% and 40%. This is superior to both Ribery and Robben, who have far lower success rates of 17% and 18%. Interestingly, Malouda has provided as many assists (2) as Robben and Mata and his pass completion rate (87%) is second only to Franck Ribery (88%).
Champions League 11/12 – Malouda v Ribery v Robben v Mata
SCHWEINSTEIGER OUT TO STOP RESURGENT LAMPARD
Bastian Schweinsteiger spoke this week about his respect for Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard. Castrol EDGE Performance data shows that he will have his hands full trying to contain the Englishman during Saturday’s Champions League Final.
Schweinsteiger praised the way that Lampard “plays with his eyes” in attack, which is backed up by Lampard’s record of 3 goals, 7 shots on target and 3 assists in the 2011/12 Champions League. In contrast, Schweinsteiger has failed to score despite taking 10 shots, with 6 on target.
However, the German’s passing statistics stack up favourably against Lampard’s. Despite playing 3 games less than Lampard, he has only one less assist (2) and has made 471 passes to Lampard’s 357. This is an indication of the way that Bayern Munich have dominated their opposition in the 2011/12 Champions League.
Unsurprisingly, Schweinsteiger has made almost as many tackles as Lampard (21 compared to 23) despite playing 179 minutes less. His tackle success rate (57% to Lampard’s 39%) reaffirms his reputation as Germany’s premier holding midfielder.
Champions League 11/12 – Bastian Schweinsteiger v Frank Lampard
NEUER V CECH: WILL THE CUP BE IN SAFE HANDS?
Castrol EDGE Performance data shows that in Cech and Neuer, both Chelsea and Bayern Munich have a world class goalkeeper, which could become crucial if the Champions League final goes to penalties.
Both have kept five clean sheets in the competition but it is Neuer who ostensibly has the more impressive record, conceding only 8 goals at a rate of one goal conceded every 128 minutes. By comparison, Cech has conceded 11 goals at a rate of one per 101 minutes.
However, Cech has come under more pressure than the German goalkeeper, having been forced to make 52 saves in total, compared to Neuer’s 32. He can also boast a spotless catch success rate of 18, with no drops.
Champions League 11/12 – Manuel Neuer v Petr Cech
GOMEZ V DROGBA: THE POACHER AND THE TALISMAN
Castrol EDGE Performance data shows us the subtle differences between Bayern Munich’s ruthless poacher Mario Gomez and Chelsea’s talismanic Didier Drogba and indicates their importance to their teams.
Drogba has played four less games and 330 less minutes than Gomez in the 2011/12 Champions League. However, Gomez’ twelve goals still give him a superior minutes per goal rate of 73.3 when compared to Drogba’s five goals at one per 110 minutes. The threat that Gomez poses is reinforced by his record of 39 shots with a shooting accuracy of 72%, which overshadows Drogba’s 20 shots with an accuracy of 40%.
However, Drogba dribbles more often (DD 27 MG 15) and with more success (DD 48% MG 33%). He has also managed two assists in the 2011/12 Champions League where Gomez has none.
Gomez has therefore become a reliable finisher for Bayern Munich but a lot will rest on whether his team can provide him with the opportunities to score. Drogba, on the other hand, will be looking to wreak havoc in the Bayern Munich half and provide the inspiration for Chelsea’s first Champion’s League title.
Champions League 11/12 – Mario Gomez v Didier Drogba
DI MATTEO: CUP CONQUEROR?
Roberto Di Matteo has overseen a revival in form that has led Chelsea to two major cup finals. Castrol EDGE Performance data shows the extent of Chelsea’s formidable cup form, which Di Mateo will be hoping can secure a first Champions League trophy for the London club.
Chelsea’s march to FA Cup glory saw them maintain a 100% win record across 4 games, conceding at a rate of 1 goal per game and scoring 14 times in total, at a rate of 3.5 goals per game.
Similarly, their Champion’s League form has seen them win all but one of their 5 games under Di Matteo, the other game being the impressive draw that they gained at the Nou Camp in the semi-finals.
Champions League 11/12 – Di Matteo with Chelsea in FA Cup & Champions League
FACE RONALDO – LIVE IN ONLINE WITH CASTROL EDGE
#RonaldoLIVE
Last year Castrol EDGE presented Ronaldo Tested to the Limit, an award-winning documentary that showed the Portugal and Real Madrid forward showcase his strengths in a series of captivating challenges in the most scientific examination of a player ever undertaken.
Now, to celebrate the release of the documentary for free on iTunes, Castrol EDGE, Castrol’s strongest oil yet, and Ronaldo are counting down to one more epic challenge, and this time – in a ground-breaking twist – Ronaldo’s fans will get to test his skill for themselves live on Facebook.
Castrol EDGE is calling on fans everywhere to take part in the challenge – #RonaldoLIVE – by signing up on facebook.com/castrolfootball to be in with a chance of going head to head with Ronaldo on Thursday 17th May.
#RonaldoLIVE will be the world’s first interactive football challenge streamed live through Facebook from a state-of-the-art testing facility in Madrid. In the test, inspired by Ronaldo and Castrol EDGE’s Twitter followers, Ronaldo will face a barrage of footballs fired at him from chutes suspended above and he will have to receive, control and shoot each ball into one of four goals that surround him before the next ball is released.
Of the first 100,000 fans that connect to the #RonaldoLIVE Facebook app to watch live, fans will be selected at random to take part in the action, by selecting Ronaldo’s target and choosing the goals that he must shoot into.
Will Ronaldo have the lightning quick reaction speed, shooting accuracy and strength under pressure to control and successfully strike each ball? Or will his fans’ selections prove too much of a test?
All the action will be streamed live on both Castrol EDGE and Ronaldo’s Facebook pages (facebook.com/castrolfootball & facebook.com/Cristiano) on Thursday 17th May.
Fans can download the award-winning documentary Castrol EDGE Presents Ronaldo Tested to the Limit as a free podcast on iTunes now by visiting: http://bit.ly/testronaldo or by using the QR code.
CASTROL EDGE: MANCHESTER DERBY
Today sees arguably the most significant Manchester derby ever as the winner will hold pole position in the race for the title. The overall head to head record show Manchester United having won 67 of the derbies while City have won 44 with 50 ending in a draw.
The previous time these two teams met City came out comprehensive winners when they humiliated United 6-1 at Old Trafford. United have the opportunity for revenge as victory over City will mean they need just 1 point from their final two games to secure their 20th title.
Ahead of tonight’s potentially explosive match Castrol Edge takes a look at some of the key performers from the Blue and Red side of Manchester.
CARLOS TEVEZ VITAL TO CITY SUCCESS
Castrol EDGE performance data shows that Carlos Tevez has been involved in a goal every 55 minutes for Manchester City this season, a better ratio than any other player in the Premier league this season.
Among players who have had a hand in at least five of their side’s league goals this season, the Argentinean has proved the most efficient, finding the net four times and setting three other goals.
His partnership with Sergio Agüero has kept City’s hopes alive of a first Premier League crown: in the 304 minutes they have enjoyed together on the pitch, both players have scored a grand total of 11 goals (seven for Agüero and four for Tevez).
TOP TWO KEEPERS GO HEAD TO HEAD IN MANCHESTER DERBY
Ahead of Monday night’s crucial Manchester derby, Castrol EDGE performance data shows that the best two goalkeepers in the Premier League this season will be playing a big role in the outcome.
Manchester City’s Joe Hart has been the standout goalkeeper in the Premier League this season, topping the goalkeeping standings for save percentage (77.5%), clean sheets (15) and clean sheet percentage (43%). Despite a poor start to the season, the improvement of Manchester United’s David De Gea has been impressive, so much so that he sits second only to Hart in saves-to-shots ratio (76.7%) and clean sheet percentage (42%).
When directly comparing the two goalkeepers, Hart also holds a significant edge in minutes per goal conceded, with a miserly one goal conceded every 117 minutes compared to De Gea’s 84. However, De Gea’s shot-stopping ability has been one of the main reasons for Manchester United’s rise to the top of the table, with the Spaniard boasting a superior 3.5 saves per match compared to Hart’s 2.7.
VINTAGE SCHOLES IS SHOWING THE WAY FOR UNITED
Castrol EDGE performance data shows that Paul Scholes has played the most minutes in the Premier League this season without ever losing.
The Manchester Utd veteran has been on the pitch 933 minutes in the Premier League since making his return last January and has never ended on the losing side.
Incidentally, his first game back for the Red Devils was at Eastlands against Manchester City in an FA Cup 3rd round tie on 8 January when he came on as a second-half sub – he only missed two of his 71 passes on that afternoon, proof that class is permanent.
Top 3 most minutes played without losing in the PL this season
CASTROL EDGE: BALOTELLI MORE HASSLE THAN HE’S WORTH?
Alan Hanson recently described Mario Balotelli as “a damaging distraction at the Etihad Stadium”, highlighting the growing perception that the Italian has become more hassle than he is worth to Roberto Mancini.
However, Castrol EDGE Performance data shows that Balotelli has been one of the most dangerous strikers in the league this season, averaging a goal every 93.69 minutes. This is over ten minutes more frequent than any other player (with at least 10 goals) and comfortably superior to his team mates Edin Dzeko (1 goal per 110.77 minutes) and Sergio Agüero (1 goal per 117.8 minutes).
Minutes per goal in the 2011/12 Premier League
Unsurprisingly, this puts Balotelli in the top five conversion rates (25%) and three places higher than the league’s top scorer, Robin van Persie (23%).
Conversion rates in the 2011/12 Premier League
This weekend Arsenal could end Manchester City’s title chances as a victory over City would see them fall 8 points behind Manchester United. Balotelli has had a pretty full week having been involved in a two-car collision in Medlock Street, near Deansgate in his Bentley. The Italian striker escaped unharmed however and is expected to play some part in this weekend’s – game perhaps off the bench.
Most goals as a substitute in the 2011/12 Premier League
CASTROL EDGE: CARROLL RETURNS TO ST JAMES’
This weekend will see Liverpool striker Andy Carroll return to St James’ Park on Sunday as The Reds face play Newcastle United in the Premier League. Castrol EDGE Performance data shows that the £35 million striker has scored only five league goals in 35 appearances for Liverpool and consequently his chance conversion rate has slumped to a meagre 8.1%.
However, despite receiving heavy criticism, Carroll has contributed more to Liverpool than might be expected. For instance, his shooting accuracy has improved from 40.5% at Newcastle to 41.9% and his heading accuracy has gone up from 34.2% to 38.5%. Interestingly, he is now creating a chance for Liverpool every 55.9 minutes, compared with a chance every 79.2 minutes whilst at Newcastle.
Andy Carroll in the Premier League for Liverpool and Newcastle
It does seem that Carroll has begun to win over the fans at Anfield and a big performance against his former club will certainly help endure him further to the Reds’ faithful. Carroll however has said that he won’t celebrate if he does find the back of the net. Speaking to the Newcastle Evening Chronicle. Carroll said; “If I scored on Sunday then I wouldn’t celebrate,”
“I hope I get a good reception from the fans, they’ll be getting one from me. I thought I did well for the club when I was there and loved it.
“I have some great memories from playing there. I have always had a good relationship with the Newcastle fans and it stems back to playing for them.”
CASTROL EDGE: MANCHESTER CITY V CHELSEA
Tonight sees Manchester City host Chelsea in a game that could decide the fate of the two teams. City are looking to close the gap to United at the top of the table to 1 point. Chelsea on the other hand need a victory to keep their chances of finish 4th alive. Carlos Tevez is expected to return for Manchester City after the striker apologised to the club for his behaviour this season.
Castrol EDGE Performance data shows that Tevez was extremely important for City before he left the club without leave. Since the start of last season, he has scored 20 goals in 34 appearances at a chance conversion rate of 21.98%. With this in mind, Mancini will be hoping that he can breathe new life into City’s title campaign, and it is interesting that the Argentine has a particularly impressive record against Chelsea – scoring six league goals in six appearances against the Blues.
Carlos Tevez in the Premier League from 2010/11 season
Carlos Tevez against Chelsea in the Premier League
David Silva v Juan Mata: friends go head-to-head at the Etihad
David Silva and Juan Mata go head to head tonight when Manchester City take on Chelsea at the Etihad Stadium. The Spaniards have spoken of their close friendship, and Castrol EDGE Performance data shows that they are very closely matched on the pitch as well.
Both have scored five league goals this season, nearly all of which have come from their favoured left feet. They also have the same chance conversion rates (11%), although Silva’s shooting accuracy (54%) is marginally better than Mata’s (45%).
In terms of overall attacking play, Silva and Mata are crucial to their teams’ chances of success. Both are comfortable running with the ball and they also have similarly impressive pass completion rates (DS = 88%, JM = 87%). This has resulted in a notable number of assists; whilst Silva (12) has two more than Mata (10), Mata’s record is particularly impressive given the poor form of Chelsea’s strikers this season.
David Silva and Juan Mata in the 2011/12 Premier League
WHY MESSI IS NUMBER ONE
Following Lionel Messi’s five goals for Barcelona against Bayern Leverkusen and Pep Guardiola’s claim that “Messi’s the best.’ a furious debate has sparked over whether or not Messi is indeed the best in the world. Now the Castrol EDGE Rankings confirm that the little Argentine is in fact currently the best footballer on the plant.
Messi (1st) continues to dominate the Castrol EDGE Rankings ahead of his rival attackers. This season, Messi has scored an incredible 40 goals in 31 La Liga and Champions League appearances at an average of a goal every 68 minutes. This is considerably better than Cristiano Ronaldo (6th), who has scored 34 goals in 30 games at an average of a goal every 78 minutes. Messi also has 13 assists to his name – four more than Ronaldo and Karim Benzema (3rd) and five more than Robin van Persie (4th).
While Messi is generally considered peerless, Mario Gomez (2nd) remains the only player to rival him in the scoring department, with his 24 goals coming with a 69.5% shooting accuracy (superior to Messi’s 68.7%) and a 29.3% chance conversion rate (only marginally behind Messi’s 29.9%). Aside from this and average minutes per shot (where he sits behind Cristiano Ronaldo), the Argentine genius outdoes his rivals in every department.
Top 6 players in Castrol EDGE Rankings – League/Champions League data 2011/12
In the Premier League, Edin Dzeko (5th) continues on his way up the Rankings. The Bosnian striker had his fair share of doubters after his first six months with Manchester City. However, he has kicked on this season and currently boasts a better minutes per goal ratio than Premier League top scorer Robin van Persie. Dzeko has found the net every 96 minutes in the league and Champions League this season, compared to 98 minutes for the Dutchman. However, van Persie is a more complete player, having delivered eight assists for his teammates this season as opposed to three for the Bosnian striker, despite Dzeko creating a chance every 39 minutes compared to van Persie’s 41.
