Open Data XI, Week 4: The Most Important Player in a High Press

In a high-press 4-3-3, the most important player is the one behind the press.

Week 4 of the Open Data XI ranks WSL 2023/24 defensive midfielders for the pivot: the single 6 who screens the back four and restarts every attack. In this system she has to win the ball back (55% of the score) and move it forward (30%). Carrying and creating make up the rest.

1. Erin Cuthbert (Chelsea): 89.0
2. Maisie Symonds (Brighton & Hove Albion): 85.5
3. Katie Zelem (Manchester United): 82.0
4. Lisa Naalsund (Manchester United): 78.0
5. Vicky Losada (Brighton & Hove Albion): 67.2

There are two ways to play the 6. Zelem is the purest passer in the group (100th percentile) but almost never carries the ball (5th). Cuthbert is the all-rounder: 80th for passing, 70th for carrying and 100th for defending, after adjusting for Chelsea’s possession. She’s also 90th for xG, which the model doesn’t even count.

Symonds is the one to watch: 95th for passing and 90th for defending. But at 966 minutes, she’s a “go and watch” rather than a “go and sign.”

The spine is taking shape: Brosnan in goal, Layzell at center back, Cuthbert in front of them. Two come from the bottom half of the table, one from the champions. The financial model will have something to say about that.

Still a screen, not a verdict: no fees, no wages, no video. The radar comparing the top three is on X.

Next week: the 8s.