For me the number one quality in a right back is defending. Defending involves one main thing and that is tackling and breaking up attacks. When it comes to defending I was shocked to see that Kyle Walker, the man who is going to be dealing with Suarez and Cavani does not even make the top 20 tacklers in the premier league. Do not tell me any excuses about the fact he plays for a team that needs to do less defending because Tottenham have conceded many goals this season and only one less than Crystal Palace.
Now look at Joel Ward who has 74 tackles (walker has 40) the most in the premier league joint with Claudio Yacob. That mans he also has the third most in Europe. Joel ward also has a tremendous range in positions being able to play in the midfield if required and has therefore got the versatility. As a defender you need to win your duels and Joel Ward has won 63% of them which is impressive considering that last season he was playing Championship football. Kyle walker has only won 59% of his duels. Whilst I may appear to be biased towards my clubs’ players I cannot emphasise enough how consistent Ward has been this season and his work rate is always off the charts. Despite being in so many tackles he has yet to be booked this season whilst Walker has been booked 5 times.
please note that all stats I have included are from Squawka and it is clear than Kyle creates more chances however is this enough in an England side that are going to have their work cut out defensively? Even if you still believe that Walker is better you have to admit it, Joel is better than Johnson. Stats don’t lie.
Head to head: Ward 22 games, Walker 23 games
- Tackles:74-40 Ward
- Interceptions:52-50walker
- chances created:29-15walker
- Yellow cards:0-5Ward (zero yellows)
- Blocks:6-5ward
- Clearances: 100-74ward
- Defensive actions:7-6ward
- Duels won:63%-59%ward
- Pass accuracy:80%-76%walker
- Ward 6-3Walker
Puncheon above our weight 