Maximilian Arnold is a German midfielder currently playing his 12th season for Wolfsburg in the Bundesliga and has made over 300 appearances for the club. He is an academy graduate from Wolfsburg and was the youngest player to make his debut for the club back in 2011. He plays a key role for his side as he captains the team, which is currently in eighth place and looking to close the gap between the spots that earn them a chance to play in Europe. The 28-year-old clearly has the experience and right to wear the armband and has effectively played a major role in helping his team up to eighth in the current Bundesliga 2022–23 standings. With hopes of getting into the top six, the German surely needs to max out and give it his all to make it happen. Below are some of Maximilian Arnold’s stats from the Bundesliga along with an analysis of his current performances.
Maximilian Arnold is known for his ability to contribute both offensively and defensively and has become an integral part of Wolfsburg‘s attack. His technical abilities, tenacity, and vision, allow him to create chances for his teammates, score goals, and defend against the opposition. The 28-year-old has played 23 matches for Wolfsburg in the Bundesliga 2022/23. He is maxed out in terms of expectations when it comes to contributing towards goals, coming in the top 90.2 percentile among other defensive midfielders for expected goal contributions per match. An aggressive shot-taker who has contributed to seven goals this season, Maximilian Arnold is among the top 80.2 in goal contributions. The key aspects behind his numbers in the attack are linked to his gameplay with the ball, ranking well in terms of progressive and dangerous passes per match and thereby assisting his team to create chances and find the back of the net.
The long-range way
He displays his aggressive nature in front of the goal by shooting from a long distance. The above shot map displays how the German has taken only one shot from inside the box and the remaining 22 have been efforts from long range. He has found the target nine times, and each of those shots has been an aggressive attempt from long range, netting twice in the process. Arnold does have a few goals from inside the box in the form of penalties, having scored three out of four attempts. His tendency to go all out and display aggression is an example set for his teammates by their leader. Maximilian Arnold averages 1.14 shots per 90 (44.4% accuracy) and has an overall xG of 0.75.
Actively assisting
Scoring goals, taking set pieces, and performing active corner duty, the German is surely maxed out. One aspect that still remains is the ability to assist, having provided two assists from open play, the Wolfsburg captain is giving it his all. It can be seen in the above viz that his assists have come in the form of diagonal passes into the box. Maximilian Arnold averages 39.03 passes (83.5% accuracy), out of which 1.89 are directed into the penalty box.
Maximum progression
As a defensive midfielder, the captain provides plenty of stability in the middle third and likes to make dangerous passes into the box, averaging 11.65 forward passes per 90 minutes. The German is active in making passes from various areas and uses every available inch of space, looking to make a positive impact during the attack. Through passes, diagonal passes, and cutbacks, the player has a variety of services to offer for his side and does not let an opportunity to generate an attack go by empty footed.
Pressing and recovering
Looking at his aggressive intent, Maximilian Arnold makes his presence felt in the opponent’s half by constantly putting pressure on and leading the press. He has made a total of 48 counter-pressing recoveries and barely gives the opponent time on the ball. Most of his action is in the middle third, where he is conservative in terms of pressing too high up the pitch and mindful of his actual position. A total of 13 dangerous recoveries leading to a shot within 20 seconds and 25 high regains by the German indicate his intent to win the ball for his team. He averages 9.88 recoveries per 90 minutes on the pitch.
Big expectations
Looking at the German’s shooting performance and aggressive intent to shoot from distance, it is safe to say that his ability to help his team score is more valuable for Wolfsburg. Instead of giving away possession, the solution is to help teammates and forwards score by providing accurate passes, either into their feet via through balls or onto their heads from crosses and corners. The above viz depicts Maximilian Arnold’s assist map from the last three seasons, and the German is a master at doing exactly that. With 15 assists to his name, he has an overall xA of 16.83, which is more favourable for his team as compared to his xG numbers.
In conclusion, a maxed-out Maximilian Arnold is key to Wolfsburg’s success, as he leads, scores, and provides on the pitch. His aggressive intent in the opponent’s half combined with the ability to progress the game make him truly special. It remains to be seen if the player is able to influence the team with stronger performances on the pitch, but the German needs to fire from all guns in order to help Wolfsburg attain some European minutes.
Visuals via TFA data viz engine
