It was only a few weeks ago that I found myself writing an article about why Serge Aurier has more attack than Bacary Sagna. But times change, as do potential transfer targets. Apparently Wenger has lost interest in Aurier and turned his attention to Newcastle’s Mathieu Debuchy. A deal has now been completed for the French International.
As you’ll see from the statistics in the above Squawka graphic Debuchy ‘s attack performance score (224.49) in the 2013/14 English Premier League, despite playing six fewer games that equated to 568 minutes, is 42% higher than Sagna’s attack performance score (157.34). Goal assist-wise there’s only one between the two players and they stand equal on goals scored. However, in comparison, Sagna’s overall performance score (804.79) and possession (253.05) are both way above Debuchy’s (426.14 and -59.13 respectively).
Looking at World Cup stats it’s impossible to make a fair comparison on attack performance score as Debuchy played four games compared to Sagna’s one, which just happened to be the game that Debuchy missed. Debuchy does, however, have “youth” on his side; at 28 being 2½ years younger.
Debuchy’s attacking prowess may be down to him starting out in midfield as a deep-lying playmaker before moving into the right-wing position. Although Sagna’s has been quoted by Arsene Wenger as “the best right back in the Premier League” he was sometimes deployed in the centre back position.
Despite the statistics it is believed that Wenger chose Debuchy for his defensive skills – although I do wonder whether it was also partly in recognition of Debuchy’s Giroud-style haircut.
Personally, I believe that Aurier would’ve offered more all round as a player. He may not have had the experience of playing in the English Premier League but at 22 he has youth on his side and his attacking performance certainly outshines both Sagna and Debuchy. I sincerely hope that Debuchy does all he can to dispossess me of this belief in the forthcoming season.