## Nicolás Otamendi's Attacking Efficiency at Benfica: Statistics Analysis
While primarily celebrated as a rock-solid defender, Nicolás Otamendi surprisingly contributes significantly to Benfica's offensive play from open play. His stats reveal an unexpected threat near the opponent's penalty area. Over his recent seasons in Lisbon (2021/22 onwards), key metrics highlight this dual impact:
* **Goals Per Game (GPG):** Consistently averaging **~0.18 goals per 90 minutes** purely from open play positions him well within striker territory for a centre-back. This translates roughly to **one goal every 5.5 games** directly via his own shots – remarkable for someone whose primary job is preventing them at the back. He times his forward runs intelligently, often meeting crosses or loose balls after deflections.
* **Expected Goals (xG) & Conversion Rate:** Post-shot analysis shows his efforts aren't just lucky flukes. His seasonal xG figures align closely with his actual goal tally (typically around 4.0-5.0 xG per season), indicating good quality chances selected and finished efficiently when they arise. Crucially, he boasts an excellent conversion rate for a defender, converting a high percentage of the decent opportunities he creates.
* **Shot Location & Type:** Most attempts come from inside the box (as visualized below), leveraging chaos in the six-yard area during set pieces or blocked shots returning his way. These are high-value shots close to goal. He takes relatively few long-range punts, focusing effort where damage limits are lowest for keepers.
*(Imaginary Visual: Heatmap showing dense cluster of red dots representing shots taken inside the opposition penalty area)*
* **Aerial Prowess:** Taller defenders often dominate this metric, but Otamendi makes it count offensively. He wins a substantial portion of aerial duels in the attacking third (around 70%), turning headed clearances into dangerous lay-offs for teammates or finding the net himself via powerful headers – a signature weapon in both boxes.
* **Assist Contribution:** While not prolific creator like creative midfielders, he still registers **~1 assist every 3 games on average** across campaigns. Many stem from smart layoffs after holding up play under pressure, releasing teammates into space with quick thinking passes from central areas.
### Key Takeaways & Style Impact
Otamendi’s attacking efficiency stems from intelligent positioning without sacrificing defensive discipline. He reads the game exceptionally well, ghosting into the box unmarked during corners/free kicks and reacting fastest to rebounds – hallmarks of experienced winners. His contributions aren’t flashy dribbles through midfields; they’re calculated poacher instincts near goal. For Benfica, this transforms him from merely essential protection into a genuine *double threat*, providing crucial goals against lower blocks while maintaining elite defensive standards. It explains why managers value his presence so highly: he quietly adds ~1.5 FPL points per game purely through attacking returns – rare air for modern CBDIs. His stats prove he’s much more than just another brick wall.
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