Wolfsburg have been one of the giants in German football. However, over the years they have struggled to compete with the best. They are building a strong team and aiming to reach the top. In the summer, Wolfsburg were looking for a full-back and brought an exciting talent from Italy.
The German club signed 26-year-old Danish right-back Joakim Maehle from Atalanta in the summer. He played for a very attacking team in Italy and caught the eye of many. Maehle has shown a lot of versatility by playing as a right-back and left-back for his new club this season. With the season heading into the second half, we take a look at how this Danish national player has settled into the team.
Versatility on the field
Joakim Maehle has over 20 appearances for the German club this season. He is a natural right-back and can also play as a left-back. On some occasions, he has even played as a wing-back. This versatility eases the job of any manager and gives him a lot of options.
Playing on both sides of the field means that the player needs to be good with left and right foot. The above viz shows the defensive territory of the player combined in the Bundesliga and DFB Pokal this season.
It can be observed that the full-back has shown a lot of discipline by not giving away any silly fouls. He is strong while contesting challenges on the ground. The full-back has won 63% of his defensive duels and around 52% of his aerial duels. Maehle also makes around five interceptions per 90 minutes.
A full-back is usually involved in a lot of recoveries. These recoveries often lead to a goal-scoring shot and keep their attacking momentum. Maehle averages around 7.7 recoveries per 90 minutes and 32% of these were made in the attacking half.
The above viz evaluates a full-back’s ability to break opposition plays and regain possession. Effective full-backs will appear in the top right quadrant. Joakim Maehle has a high recovery rate but lacks a bit in breaking the opposition’s play.
Attacking threat
Playing as a full-back means that the player makes a run down the flanks and runs past the opposition. Maeehle averaged around 2.5 progressive runs per 90 minutes and 52% of his dribbles have been completed this season.
In the current season, Maehle averages 43.5 passes per 90 minutes and his accuracy rate is also decent at 83.5%. Around 2.5 passes were attempted to the opposition penalty box. The Danish national has provided an assist and also has a goal to his name this season.
Joakim Maehle will aim to provide more assists and make more involvement in the game. Wolfsburg are sitting in the bottom half and will look to end in the European places.
Visuals via TFA data viz engine