You’ll be surprised to see just how much the stats tell you about the players!
Introduction
It’s been another tough season for Kaizer Chiefs fans. The club has endured a torrid time on the pitch, and off it things haven’t been much better.
But amid all the turmoil, there have been some bright spots. And one of those has been the form of certain players.
So, with that in mind, let’s take a look at the player ratings for the season. We’ll be using the latest statistics to see who has performed well, and who hasn’t.
The first thing to note is that Chiefs have had a lot of possession this season. They’re averaging 54% possession, which is the second highest in the league. But despite all that possession, they’ve only managed to score 24 goals. That’s just 1 goal every 2 games.
So, clearly, there are some issues in front of goal. And that’s reflected in the player ratings.
The Stats You Need To Know
In their last three games, Chiefs have averaged 2.3 goals per game and conceded 1.0 goal per game.
In the league, they are the second-highest scoring team with 40 goals, and have only conceded 20 goals (the third-best in the league).
Their xG (expected goals) for is 37.35 (second in the league), while their xG against is 18.79 (fourth in the league).
They have an xG differential of +18.56 (second in the league), and an xG/game of 2.48 (third in the league).
In terms of expected points, Chiefs are currently on course for 65 points, which would be their best haul since 2005/06 (when they won 67 points).
Player Ratings – Prologue
In our Kaizer Chiefs Player Ratings series, we take a look at the statistics that matter most for each member of the team. We’ll be starting with the Prologue, which looks at the players’ overall performance in the Absa Premiership this season.
So far, it’s been a mixed bag for Chiefs. They started the season brightly, but then suffered a dip in form and are currently sitting in fifth place. However, there are still plenty of games to go and they will be hoping to climb back up the table.
There have been some stand-out performers for Chiefs so far this season. Siyabonga Ngezana has been rock-solid at the back, while Leonardo Castro has chipped in with some important goals. Khama Billiat has also shown glimpses of his quality, despite being hampered by injuries.
On the other hand, there have been some disappointing displays from certain members of the squad. Willard Katsande has struggled in midfield, while Virgil Vries has made some costly errors in goal.
Overall, it’s been a decent start to the season for Chiefs. They will need to improve on their recent form if they’re to challenge for honours this campaign, but there is enough talent in this squad to suggest that they are capable of doing just that.
Player Ratings – the Players
In any given season, there are always a few players who stand out above the rest. Whether it’s because of their skill, their leadership, or their overall contribution to the team, these players are the ones who make the biggest impact.
When it comes to rating players, there are a few different factors that need to be considered. Skill is obviously important, but so is playing time, consistency, and contribution to the team’s success. With all of that in mind, here are our ratings for the Kaizer Chiefs players this season:
George Lebese: 7/10
Lebese has been one of Chiefs’ most consistent performers this season. He’s been a key player in their attack and has chipped in with a few goals and assists. His ability to beat defenders one-on-one has been a real asset for Chiefs and he’s deservedly been one of their most regular starters.
Willard Katsande: 8/10
Katsande has once again been an indispensable member of Chiefs’ midfield. He provides energy and bite in the center of the park and is always willing to put his body on the line for the team. He may not be the flashiest player, but he does his job extremely well and is a valuable member of the squad.
Sibusiso Khumalo: 6/10
Khumalo has had an up-and
Player Ratings – Conclusion
After a close analysis of the player ratings, it is evident that the team has some areas of improvement. The most notable area is in the midfield, which saw a significant drop in production from last season. Additionally, the team’s lack of depth was exposed in this analysis with several players only appearing in a handful of matches. This lack of depth could be an issue if the team experiences any injuries or suspensions throughout the season. Overall, the team has some work to do but there are definitely some bright spots that can be build upon.