Manchester United young right-back Ethan Laird was loaned out to Swansea City at the start of the season. The 20-year old defender has featured in every match for the Swans in the EFL Championship since his signing. He spent a loan time at MK Dons last season in the EFL League One and made 24 appearances for the club.
Ethan Laird has featured in 15 matches for Swansea City and has started in 13 matches. The youngster features as a right wing-back for the Swans, who play a three at the back-formation. He has provided three assists and has already matched his last season’s tally of goal contributions.
When looking at the above chart, the general rule is that the longer the bar, the better the performance – you can see the league average in the middle, and the % is the percentile rank the player is in. The above chart shows the passing and progression stats of the 20-year-old in comparison to the other defenders in the Championship.
Laird averages 0.20 assists per 90 and has three assists to his name. His expected assist rate for the season is 2.97 and averages 0.20 xA per 90. His passes per 90 have been less, with a pass accuracy rate of 75%. The progressive runs per 90 and shot assists per 90 have a high percentile rank. Laird has attempted 50 crosses and averages 3.39 crosses per 90.
The above fixture shows the pass map of Laird in all 15 appearances. He has attempted 50 crosses and is on set-piece duty on corners from the right. The highest threat is created from passes into the opposition’s 6-yard box, and has delivered ten passes into that area. His passing range also includes two smart passes and one through pass against Huddersfield Town.
The above chart shows the attacking and creativity stats of Laird in comparison to other defenders in the Championship. Laird is yet to open his scoring account, carrying an expected goal rate of 0.85. The youngster has attempted 11 shots but only had a single shot on target. His touches in the opposition’s box per 90 and the dribbles attempted per 90 have a high percentile rank in the Championship. He has taken 42 touches inside the opposition’s box and has attempted 148 dribbles with a 64.19% success rate. He has made the most number of attacking actions and has contested the most offensive duels by a defender in the EFL Championship. Laird averages 14.31 attacking actions per 90 and 15.94 offensive duels per 90.
Laird has contested the same number of aerial duels and defensive duels. He has contested 71 duels each, with a success rate of 30.99% in aerial duels and 18.31% in defensive duels. Laird averages 2.92 loose ball duels per 90 with a 37.21% success rate. The right-back has made 71 recoveries, and 28 of these have been made inside the opposition’s half.
The 20-year-old is having a decent season with the Swans in the EFL Championship. His side is ranked 12th in the league and has a negative goal difference of -2. The player has created an attacking threat and looks like a good prospect while going forward.
