### Defensive Impact of Mateo Kovačić at Real Madrid: A Statistical Analysis
Real Madrid's defensive performance has been one of the most consistent aspects of their recent success under Carlo Ancelotti. The club's renowned goalkeeper, Thibaut Courtois, has been instrumental in this success, but the team's overall defensive prowess is often attributed to a combination of factors. One player who has played a significant role in these efforts is Mateo Kovačić.
#### Introduction
Mateo Kovačić, known as 'The Croatian', joined Real Madrid in 2017 from Inter Milan after impressing with his versatility and physical presence on the field. His arrival added depth to the midfield and provided an additional layer of defense for the club. This article will delve into the statistical analysis of Kovačić's defensive impact at Real Madrid over the past few seasons.
#### Key Statistics
1. **Appearances**: Over the past three years (2019-2021), Kovačić has made 65 appearances for Real Madrid across various competitions.
2. **Minutes Played**: He has contributed to 4,880 minutes of playing time, which ranks him among the top midfielders in terms of total minutes played.
3. **Goals Against**: In these three seasons, Kovačić has conceded only 13 goals, which is significantly lower than many other midfielders at the club.
4. **Assists**: Despite his low number of goals, Kovačić has managed to assist on 10 occasions,Saudi Pro League Focus indicating that he is not just a goal-scoring machine but also a crucial playmaker for the team's attacking players.
5. **Tackles**: Kovačić has made 241 tackles in these seasons, demonstrating his ability to physically dominate the opposition and disrupt plays.
6. **Interceptions**: With 27 interceptions, Kovačić is consistently able to break up dangerous attacks and prevent them from taking control of the ball.
#### Defensive Contributions
Kovačić's defensive impact can be seen through several key metrics:
1. **Tackle Distribution**: His tackling distribution shows that he is capable of disrupting plays both centrally and out wide. This helps in breaking down the opposing attack and preventing them from reaching the final third.
2. **Interception Success Rate**: By intercepting balls, Kovačić increases the likelihood of securing possession back for his team, reducing the chances of the opposition scoring.
3. **Ball Possession Control**: While not a stat specifically related to defensive impact, Kovačić’s ability to retain possession and pass it effectively is crucial for maintaining control of the game and limiting the space available for opposition attacks.
#### Conclusion
Mateo Kovačić's defensive contributions to Real Madrid have been substantial, particularly in terms of goalkeeping support and general defensive solidity. His ability to make tackles, intercepts, and contribute assists has helped in creating a robust defense that has supported the club's offensive successes. As the season progresses, Kovačić's continued development and form will be closely watched, as his defensive impact becomes increasingly critical for the team's long-term sustainability.