Got this infographic from Reddit. Source is FBref.
I have been suspecting this to be true. We have improved defensively in terms of shots on target, ie opponents' chances.
Its better than every season since 2014, except 2022 when Xavi played us very defensively, and even then we only conceded 6 shot more on target more than 2022.
Massive props to Fuhrer Flick, and our 2 CBs, Inigo and Cuba, and our backline.
Now, having said that, it also shows we conceded more goals from those shots except for the 2023 season. That shows that the quality of chances from the chances created are of higher lethality. 1v1 and such.
I was right in looking for a keeper that is better at 1v1 and those type of situations. Safe to say Garcia will be a massive improvement in this aspect than Tek and Mats. I believe he can at least save 5-6 of those 1v1s that we conceded this year.
So we are improving on this front.
Now in terms of CBs, we really need Tall and fast-paced CBs in our backline. Most of the chances we create is the result of counter or simple 1v1. If we have a fast cb we can easily mitigate a few of them. Both Inigo and Cuba are not the fastest of the bunch, and hence they have to perform way above and beyond in the initial season,n and will always drop off when crunch time comes in April.
All in all, getting Garcia or looking for a new GK is a step in the right direction. Flick has implemented a system that Maximises the attacking output a team can have, while also reducing the amount of risk it generates. The only problem with this system is that the risk we generate is of higher quality. I believe this risk can be mitigated with correctly profiled personnel in the team rather than changes in the system. GK that is good in 1v1 with decent enough shot-stopping ability. One or Two CB that are fast paced and quick at their feet, who can nulify those Counter attacks and 1v1 more effectively.
Going for a CB of this profile should be our priority this summer. Either a Backup or even a starter like Van de Ven or Bastoni like fast and tall CBs. Getting a good RB would enable Kounde in CB, who is also quite fast.
