Under the microscope: How the Brazilian has led PSG from the back

The captain usually plays as a right centre-back, but on occasion, he can also slot in as the right-back or the left centre-back. The viz above shows the percentile rank of the player’s stats compared to other centre-backs in Ligue 1 in 2022/23. He has played 22 matches and ranks in the top 60.3 percentile for aerial duels won per 90 minutes and in the top 85.7 percentile for defensive duels won. Other areas where the player does well include accurate passes per 90 and dangerous passes per 90.

As a centre-back, Marquinhos’ defensive gameplay is on top of the game. From the viz above we can see that his average position along the defensive line is well within his own half. He has made more than 80% of his interceptions inside his own box, which has been crucial for his team on numerous occasions. The player makes 8.35 recoveries and 3.92 interceptions per match. Furthermore, he contests 4.29 defensive duels with a win rate of 73.1%. As for aerial duels, the centre-back contests 2.4 per match with a 50% win rate.

He has a shot block xG of 2.04 and has blocked 14 shots. Most of his blocks have come from inside the box, but some are also outside the box. He averages 1.38 clearances per 90 minutes. The centre-back makes maximum tackles in the defensive third, in and around the box.

The above viz is a representation of the passes made by the player. It can be seen that most of his work rate is again on the right side of the defence and in the middle third of the pitch. The player makes 65.68 passes per 90 with a high 95.5% accuracy. Additionally, he makes 4.34 passes into the final third on average. Marquinhos makes 19.89 forward passes with 91.4% accuracy per 90 minutes. He possesses fine passing ability in terms of passes attempted and pass accuracy. As a man with plenty of experience in the back, the Brazilian provides a reliable option in defence and frequently demonstrates maturity on the field by leading the backline. He makes progressive passes as well and makes contributions by making central and through passes to the midfielders near the half-line.

The French Champions have had a rough start to 2023 in Ligue 1, but after being deemed favourites to go all the way at the beginning of the season, the team finds itself in a familiar position. No one is sure whom to blame for such a situation in the club, but the ones who wear the boots are always aware that it all comes down to giving it all in the 90 minutes on the pitch. Similarly, at France’s capital club, the leader of the pack is attempting to keep the team together from the back. Marquinhos will need to bring the pack together in order to ensure more wins. He has been a huge influence in the back and has constantly shown his impressive defensive abilities for PSG on the pitch.