Statistics can often be somewhat misleading, especially when taken out of context. Chelsea’s John Terry, for example, is considered to be one of the best centre-backs in England, yet he averages just 1.3 tackles and 0.8 interceptions per match in the Premiership. In the Champions League, this drops down to 0.4 and 0.7 respectively.
When using OPTA-inspired statistics as a comparison however, they tend to be very revealing. Just take a look at Newcastle’s Jack Colback, for instance, when stacked up against the other midfielders that have somehow made their way into Roy Hodgson’s latest England squad:
One mistake is forgivable, but two are not. And somehow, ol’ Woy has now overlooked the 25 year-old twice in just a matter of days, opting for Spurs novice Ryan Mason as replacement to Adam Lallana, who pulled out on Monday due to a groin injury.
As you can see, Colback trumps his native counterparts on every front – even Manchester United’s experienced Michael Carrick – with the exception of tackles. Congrats to Mason then, whose headless-chicken approach in midfield is clearly paying off.
Hodgson’s often been accused of bias towards the Premier League’s top sides, and Colback’s bizarre exile from the England scene is undoubted proof; a Magpies star with 141 top flight appearances under his belt, compared to a Spurs academy product with just 23, who didn’t feature once in the Premier League under Harry Redknapp, Andre Villas-Boas or Tim Sherwood.
Facing continental minnows Lithuainia tomorrow evening and Italy in a friendly next week, the current international break would have been the perfect opportunity to ease the former Sunderland man into the England team.
Easily one of Newcastle’s best performers thus far this term, it makes you wonder what Colback has to do – or how many Three Lions regulars need to be injured – to earn a spot in Hodgson’s squad.
At the moment, a call up for David Beckham seems more likely.