Aaron Wan-Bissaka walking out for West Ham
Aaron Wan-BissakaImago

The metrics which prove West Ham's Aaron Wan-Bissaka should be untouchable

Scott Mason

Correspondent AUTHORITY Sports journalist with experience at GamingINTEL and GRV Media; University of Wolverhampton graduate. FOCUS Data content, opinion, and general news coverage across the Breaking Media network. THE INSIGHT Scott utilises a network of club and industry contacts to deliver verified, broad-spectrum reporting. He provides the data and opinion foundations behind the headlines to ensure fans get the full story as it happens.

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Aaron Wan-Bissaka's future at West Ham United has been a much-discussed topic.

The DR Congo international has previously been touted to be on the lists of many Premier League clubs this summer.

It isn't just mid-table clubs either, with those at the very top starting to circle around the defender.

The fullback can often be a divisive figure, as his defensive qualities are top-notch, but he can leave a little to be desired on the other end of the pitch.

However, Wan-Bissaka's issue may not be down to how good he is going forward but by how often he does.

Why Aaron Wan-Bissaka's performances could be deceiving

As things stand, Wan-Bissaka looks set to begin the next season at London Stadium as the Hammers eye promotion.

Of course, everything could change between now and the end of the summer window.

But, Nuno Espririto Santo may think twice about letting the 28-year-old leave.

Wan-Bissaka's defensive qualities are well documented and it will come as no surprise that among Premier League fullbacks, he topped the list for slide tackles per 90 (1.12) and interceptions per 90 (5.57) as per Data.MB.

But, more interestingly is two attacking statistics that the West Ham man tops the charts for as well.

The defender led the way in terms of crossing accuracy last season with 57.5 per cent

Additionally, he also was first in pass completion to the penalty box with 68.75 per cent

So, it seems when he can affect the final third, he can do so effectively.

It may simply be a matter of what Wan-Bissaka is being instructed to do on the pitch.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka walking out for West Ham
After World Cup heartbreak for Aaron Wan-Bissaka, what comes next for West Ham ace?

What about Kyle Walker-Peters?

When it comes to the same influence in those attacking stats, Kyle Walker-Peters does face quite a drop-off to Wan-Bissaka.

He came in 45th among all Premier League fullbacks last season for crossing accuracy (27.27 per cent).

Meanwhile, he was 14th in pass completion to the penalty box (52.63 per cent).

James Tavernier has been linked with West Ham, which could point towards one of the Irons' right-sided fullbacks being sold.

But based on the data, Wan-Bissaka should be untouchable as he clearly has plenty to offer on both ends of the pitch.

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