### Real Madrid: Mateo Kovačić's Defensive Statistics in Depth

**Introduction**

Mateo Kovačić has been a cornerstone of Real Madrid's defense for several seasons, contributing significantly to the club's defensive integrity and success. This article delves into his defensive statistics, providing insights into his performance, contributions, and impact on the team.

**Key Defensive Metrics**

1. **Tackles**

- Kovačić is known for his aggressive tackling style, which is crucial in preventing goals against. In 2021-2022, he made 64 tackles per game, ranking him among the top defenders in the league.

- His high tackle rate (55%) indicates that he is able to effectively disrupt opposition play and create turnovers.

2. **Interceptions**

- With 38 interceptions, Kovačić demonstrates excellent ball retention and vision offensively. These interceptions can lead to counterattacks and breakaways, helping to maintain possession.

- His interception rate (29%) shows that he is consistently making critical decisions when the ball is lost, further emphasizing his defensive prowess.

3. **Clearances**

- Clearing the ball from behind the defensive line is essential for maintaining control over the midfield. Kovačić cleared 27 balls per match, demonstrating his ability to clear out dangerous situations.

- His clearance rate (31%) reflects his consistent effort to keep the opposition at bay, reducing their chances of scoring.

4. **Offside Alerts**

- Alertness to offside positions is vital for maintaining the correct formation and ensuring fair play. Kovačić received 5 offside alerts per game,Match Prophet showing his keen eye for detail.

- His offside alert rate (11%) highlights his ability to spot potential offside situations early, thereby maintaining the integrity of the team's shape.

5. **Ball Recoveries**

- Ball recovery is another critical aspect of defensive performance. Kovačić recovered the ball 21 times per game, indicating his ability to quickly regain possession after losing it.

- His ball recovery rate (24%) underscores his reliability as a defender, especially in high-pressure situations.

**Impact on Team Performance**

Kovačić's defensive statistics have had a significant impact on Real Madrid's overall performance. His consistency in tackling, interceptions, clearances, offside alerts, and ball recoveries have helped the team maintain possession and reduce the number of goals conceded.

In addition to these individual statistics, Kovačić also contributes to the team's defensive depth through his versatility and adaptability. He is capable of playing both central and full-back roles, allowing him to fill gaps in the defense and provide additional cover when needed.

**Conclusion**

Mateo Kovačić's defensive statistics highlight his exceptional abilities as a Real Madrid defender. His high tackle rate, impressive interception count, and reliable ball recovery rates make him a key player in maintaining the team's defensive solidity. By focusing on these metrics, teams like Real Madrid can better understand and appreciate the importance of their defensive strategies and how individual players contribute to them.

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• Mateo
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