The race is on! England's midfield is buzzing with competition as players vie for a spot alongside Declan Rice, the team's linchpin. But who will it be? Let's dive into the contenders and break down their strengths.
Alex Scott, the newest addition to Thomas Tuchel's squad, has stated his preference for the No. 8 role, but he's likely to be battling for a more defensive position this week.
The real drama unfolds at the No. 6 position, the defensive midfielder role. Scott's World Cup dreams could hinge on his performance in this area, should he get the chance. However, he's already facing an uphill battle after being excluded from the 23-man squad for the game against Serbia.
Scott's experience in a deeper role at Bournemouth and Bristol City suggests he's well-suited. But here's where it gets controversial: Elliot Anderson of Nottingham Forest, who has dominated the No. 6 role since his debut in September, leads the defensive stats among English Premier League midfielders.
Let's compare the four defensive midfielders in Tuchel's squad: Anderson, Scott, Jordan Henderson, and Adam Wharton, excluding Declan Rice, whom the coach intends to utilize further upfield.
The data clearly indicates Anderson's dominance, especially in defensive aspects. He leads in total touches, forward passes, duels won, tackles, and recoveries.
However, Scott is close behind Anderson in duels won and tackles, while he surpasses Anderson in winning possession in the final third and making interceptions.
Heat maps reveal that Henderson and Wharton naturally play the deepest in Tuchel's midfield. Wharton might be the most natural No. 6, rarely venturing into the opponent's half.
Scott is the most dynamic, roaming across the pitch, but he'll need to be defensively disciplined if he makes his England debut. Anderson tends to gravitate towards the left flank, which could be an issue as Rice also favors that side.
Henderson currently excels in blocks and ranks high in long balls and forward passes, which Tuchel prioritizes to maintain tempo in international matches.
In attacking areas, Wharton's strength lies in his ability to break down defenses and his passing quality. He's created 14 chances this season, just one fewer than Anderson, despite playing fewer Premier League games.
And this is the part most people miss... It will be interesting to see how Wharton adapts if he plays alongside Rice in the World Cup qualifiers against Serbia and Albania this week.
Based on the statistics, particularly the defensive qualities, Elliot Anderson is the standout performer this season.
Tuchel is expected to select four or five central midfielders for the World Cup. With Rice a guaranteed starter, Henderson looking secure, and Anderson increasingly looking like an international midfielder, the final spot may come down to a choice between Wharton and Scott.
Rice, as England's No. 8, will influence play both offensively and defensively. His deeper-lying midfield partner will need to adapt to him, be a key playmaker, and act as a defensive shield.
Tuchel will be assessing which of Anderson, Wharton, and Scott can best support Rice, build a strong partnership, and possess the positional awareness to cover for him.
With only four matches remaining before Tuchel finalizes his World Cup squad, this international break could be crucial in shaping England's midfield.
What do you think? Who should partner with Rice in the midfield? Do you agree with the statistical assessment of Anderson's performance? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
