Vincenzo Grifo is a professional footballer who plays as a winger or midfielder for the Bundesliga club Freiburg and the Italy national team. He has been instrumental in helping Freiburg achieve the top-four spot in the Bundesliga this season. Grifo, an Italian winger, joined the club in 2017 and has quickly become an integral part of Christian Streich‘s side. Grifo has been a driving force in Freiburg’s attack this season, as he has netted 11 goals and provided four assists in 20 league appearances. Grifo has also been a threat from set pieces and is an active free-kick taker. Freiburg are currently in fourth position, having amassed 40 points from 21 matches played and scoring a total of 34 goals this season. The Italian has been instrumental for the team going forward this season and has set an example for his teammates with his impressive display on the pitch. Below are some stats of the player for Freiburg in the Bundesliga.
Impressive performance this season
Vincenzo Grifo has played in 20 matches for Freiburg in Bundesliga 2022/23. He has played in an attacking midfield role for his side and occasionally as a left winger as well. The above viz shows the percentile rank of the player in comparison to other left-attacking midfielders in the Bundesliga. It can be observed that the Italian has contributed well in attack, with a high rank in indicators like goal contributions, expected goal contributions, and shots per 90 minutes. In the possession department, he has excelled in terms of passing and retaining the ball, as well as his ability to find dangerous passes. In defence, the midfielder does well in terms of winning defensive and aerial duels.
Attacking contributions
Another area where the midfielder can contribute is in his ability to score goals. For Freiburg, the 29-year-old has found the back of the net 11 times. This season, he has scored five goals from open play. The player averages 2.42 shots per 90 minutes in the 2022–23 Bundesliga season and has an accuracy rate of 26%. The xG map above shows that Grifo has taken most of the shots from the left edge of the penalty box. He has scored most goals from inside the box and has some to show for from a distance. He has taken 32 shots, of which 13 have been on target.
The Italian’s ability to pass the ball has contributed well to his four assists for Freiburg. The above viz shows the shot assists delivered by the midfielder in the 2022–23 season. It can be observed that most of the assists have come as a result of his corner kicks. The player has an overall xA of 3.57 for the season, averaging 0.25 assists per 90 minutes.
His ability to find the back of the net, coupled with his creative play, has been instrumental in helping Freiburg remain competitive in the Bundesliga.
Progression up the pitch
Grifo also possesses decent dribbling and penetrating ability; his attacking prowess has been essential to Freiburg’s success. The above viz shows the ball progression performed by the player this season. He attempts most of his dribbles in the final third and likes to break into the opponent’s penalty area. The player averages 3.86 dribbles per match with a 55.7% success rate and makes 1.58 progressive runs per 90 minutes. It can be seen that most of his actions take place on the left flank in the middle and final third.
Defensive doings
Grifo’s defensive abilities have also been invaluable. He is a composed and intelligent player who reads the game very well. This has enabled him to help Freiburg maintain a decent defensive record in the Bundesliga, with the team conceding 31 goals in the current season. The visual above shows the defensive territory of the player. It indicates that Grifo is involved in a lot of defensive actions in the defensive third and makes interceptions near the defensive third and midfield. It can be observed that the player has not given up many fouls and has averaged only 0.13 fouls in the current season. Overall, he has an average of 2.97 defensive duels per match and a 59.6% win rate. Additionally, he averages 2.21 interceptions per 90 minutes and makes a lot of movement in the opposition’s half to put high pressure on the opposition’s midfield and final third. He makes 5.31 recoveries per match, and over 50% of them are in the opposition’s half.
Ability to provide assists
In his last two seasons so far in the Bundesliga with Freiburg, Vincenzo Grifo has provided 15 assists. He has been more of an attacking midfielder who plays box-to-box and gives the team support in front of the goal and composure in midfield. Overall, he has accumulated an xA of 15.56. From the shot assist viz above, it can be observed that his assists have come through progressive passes as well as crosses delivered from wide positions. The Italian has also been on corner delivery duty and provides 0.25 shot assists per match.
Overall, Grifo‘s performances this season have been key in helping Freiburg reach the top four. His ability to create chances, contribute defensively, and take set pieces has been invaluable to the side, and he has undoubtedly helped them achieve their current position in the Bundesliga for 2022–23. Grifo’s leadership has also been a key factor in Freiburg’s success. His enthusiasm and commitment to the team have been inspiring for his teammates. This has helped Freiburg stay focused and motivated as they compete for a spot in the top four of the Bundesliga.
Visuals via TFA data viz engine
