Open Data XI, Week 3: Why Katie McCabe Ranks Third

Katie McCabe was the best passing full back in the league. In this system, she ranks third on the left.

Week 3 of the Open Data XI ranks WSL 2023/24 full backs for one job: a direct, high-pressing 4-3-3. Here a full back has to carry the ball forward (30% of the score), defend (30%) and create chances (20%). Passing counts for 15%, and xG for the last 5%.

That’s why McCabe, at the 100th percentile for progressive passing, sits behind Niamh Charles, who carries and defends more. It isn’t a knock on McCabe. It’s the difference between best and fits.

Right back

Heather Payne (Everton): 82.6
CJ Bott (Leicester City): 76.9
Ashley Lawrence (Chelsea): 63.6

Left back

Niamh Charles (Chelsea): 81.4
Ashleigh Neville (Tottenham Hotspur): 75.2
Katie McCabe (Arsenal): 73.4

Payne is the standout: 100th percentile for both carrying and defensive actions. That makes Everton’s second top pick in three weeks.

The pattern is getting hard to ignore. Last week exposed a gap at right center back. At right back, the scores drop sharply after the top two, and the next three all played under 1,100 minutes. All five left backs have solid samples. The left side of this back four is strong and deep; the right side is where the money would go.

Still a screen, not a verdict: no fees, no wages, no video. The radar comparing Payne, Charles and McCabe is on X.

Next week: the pivot.

Link to Week 2: Center Backs.