Here’s one for the stat nerds.
Canadian winger-turned-right back Fraser Aird, 21, is now five games into his young Major League Soccer career. It’s not a huge sample, but it’s enough to at least start seeing certain trends. We know Aird is still learning the position, but how has he fared so far?
Let’s take a look at the numbers.
16 Aird leads Whitecaps FC with 16 tackles, including a season-high five last weekend vs. LA Galaxy. Aird’s 16 tackles are the fifth highest among MLS defenders so far this season. Part of this would be a natural result of opponents choosing to attack down Aird’s side. So if nothing else, he’s been busy.
8 Not only does Aird lead Whitecaps FC with eight successful crosses, six more than the next closest player, he also leads the entire league. Opta defines a successful cross as a cross that reaches a teammate. Whitecaps FC head coach Carl Robinson said that one of Aird’s strengths is his delivery from the flank – and this proves it.
5 Along those lines, Aird has created five chances for his teammates so far this season (defined as a pass or cross instrumental in creating a goal-scoring opportunity). The only Whitecaps FC player who has created more chances so far this season is Pedro Morales (7).
Did you know?
Aird is also among the top five ‘Caps in blocks, interceptions, successful passes, passes into the final third, and duels won.
NOTE: All statistics courtesy of Opta Sports.
Whitecaps FC visit D.C. United on Saturday at RFK Stadium (2:30 p.m. PT on TSN1).
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