Maguire, Gomez, or other: Who is England’s best center-back?
England are seeing some quality players pop up in many positions, and center-back is no exception. But which one is England’s best?
Their last golden generation failed to live up to the billing at international tournaments, and now, many believe England has another one on the way, with the hope that this lot can do what the previous one couldn’t.
The likes of Phil Foden, Declan Rice, Marcus Rashford, Mason Greenwood, Bukayo Saka, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Callum Hudson-Odoi, and Joe Gomez are all part of a superb generation of young English footballers, which is being led by the ridiculously talented Jadon Sancho.
It seems likely that this group will challenge for significant international trophies in the future, and while England have had a reputation of hyping up their young stars too much and subsequently setting them up for failure, this group feels different – most of them are already performing at extremely high levels for top, top teams.
Let’s focus in on the backline though – England have a plethora of great right-backs, hardly any decent left-backs, and a few good center-backs.
https://twitter.com/Squawka/status/1229537557144330240
Center-back is a position that England have been spoiled in for generations. Whether it be Bobby Moore, Tony Adams, Sol Campbell, Rio Ferdinand or John Terry, they have had a strong history in the position. While this golden generation doesn’t quite have the center-backs of legendary status like the 5 I just mentioned, they still possess immense quality in the position.
But which of their center-backs is the best? This is a difficult question that has been floating around social media this week.
At one point, John Stones would have been in this conversation, but his poor form leaves him out of the equation, with Joe Gomez and Harry Maguire being the only real contenders for the title of England’s best center-back.
https://twitter.com/AnfieldWatch/status/1255113427456086016
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Some tend to lean towards Joe Gomez in this argument because he plays for the better side in Liverpool, and of course, he is an excellent player as well. However, Harry Maguire is simply a better player. Not by a lot, but he is, and the stats back it up as well.
Let’s start out with a general stat – defensive challenges won. In this department, Maguire wipes the floor with Gomez, with the Manchester United captain winning a whopping 78%, while Gomez wins 65%.
As you would expect, Maguire is also better in the air, winning 77% of his aerial challenges compared to Gomez’s 64%. The tackle success rates of the pair are a bit closer, but Maguire’s 71% just pips Gomez’s 67%.
Believe it or not, but Harry Maguire has actually created the most scoring chances out of any center-back in the Premier League this season as well, highlighting his influence on the other end of the pitch too.
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It’s quite clear that Joe Gomez is a more dynamic player who is also better on the ball, making him a more modern player, but Harry Maguire’s sheer excellence as a natural defender makes him England’s best in the center-back position.