It set to be an intriguing battle on Friday night as Melbourne City take on Adelaide United in the penultimate round of the league and with the influence of the puppeteers in the midfield playing such a large role in each side’s style, we’ll look at the midfield dual between Neil Kilkenny and Isaias.
Both players have started in every match they have been available this season, showing their influence in their respective midfields with Kilkenny fronting up in two more matches than the United maestro.
It’s the middle of the park though where the stats matter between the two and the numbers are reflective of the individuals’ attributes and what they bring to their team.
Isaias’ risky creativity comes out in the numbers with the Spaniard recording 789 passes compared to Kilkenny’s 1155, having a 64.6% passing accuracy in the opposition half which is considerably lower than Kilkenny’s at 78.8%.
The reliance of the duo to stifle opposition tempo and attacks are reflective in their discipline stats with Isaias being the second most fouled player in the league (42) behind Bruno Fornaroli but also conceding the most fouls in the league with 41. Kilkenny’s numbers are slightly lower despite having picked up 10 yellow cards, one more than Isaias.
In attack, the numbers are similar again with Kilkenny edging out the Spaniard for goals this season but the Adelaide United man has picked up one more assist.
With the two so similar in what they offer to their sides, there may be no coincidence that the man with the upper hand tonight will be on the winning side.
