# Atlético Madrid's Mario Hermoso's Defensive Statistics: A Comprehensive Analysis
Mario Hermoso is a central defender for Atlético Madrid in Spain's La Liga and the Spanish Super Cup. He has been a key player for the team since his arrival in 2018. This analysis focuses on his defensive statistics over several seasons to understand his impact on the team.
## Career Overview
Hermoso joined Atlético Madrid from Espanyol in January 2018 as a free agent. Since then, he has established himself as one of the club's most reliable defenders. His contributions have not only improved Atlético's defense but also boosted their overall performance.
## Defensive Performance
### Assists and Interceptions
- **Assists:** Hermoso contributes significantly through his creative passing. In recent seasons, he has averaged around 4 assists per season.
- **Interceptions:** His ability to intercept passes effectively has helped maintain possession and disrupt opponents' attacking play. He averages about 6 interceptions per game.
### Blocks and Clearances
- **Blocks:** Hermoso is adept at blocking shots, which prevents direct scoring opportunities. He typically blocks around 5-7 shots per match.
- **Clearances:** He clears the ball off the line efficiently, often making up to 10 clearances per game.
### Positional Play
- **Defensive Line Management:** Hermoso manages the defensive line well, ensuring that Atlético's back four can cover the full width of the pitch without compromising each other’s responsibilities.
- **Support Role:** He provides crucial support both defensively and offensively. His positional awareness allows him to switch roles seamlessly between marking and positioning.
### Team Impact
- **Leadership:** Despite being more of a defensive midfielder, Hermoso often assumes leadership roles during tough periods, contributing to the team's morale and cohesion.
## Season-by-SSeason Analysis
To provide a comprehensive understanding, let's analyze some specific seasons:
### 2020/21 Season
- **Goals Against:** Hermoso played 38 games and conceded 2 goals.
- **Assists:** Contributed 5 assists.
- **Interceptions:** Made 10 interceptions.
- **Blocks:** Recorded 9 blocks.
- **Clearances:** Cleared the ball off the line 12 times.
### 2021/22 Season
- **Goals Against:** Conceded 1 goal in 38 matches.
- **Assists:** Provided 6 assists.
- **Interceptions:** Made 13 interceptions.
- **Blocks:** Recorded 11 blocks.
- **Clearances:** Cleared the ball off the line 15 times.
### Comparative Data
- **Overall Goals Against:** Hermoso's average goals against per 90 minutes (GA) was lower than his teammates, indicating better individual defensive contribution.
- **Passing Accuracy:** His assist rate was higher compared to midfielders, suggesting efficiency in creating chances for his teammates.
## Conclusion
Mario Hermoso's defensive statistics highlight his versatility and reliability as a central defender for Atlético Madrid. His high interception and block rates suggest that he consistently maintains Atlético's defensive structure while also providing significant value offensively. His leadership qualities, combined with his tactical understanding, make him a valuable asset to the team.
As Atlético continues to develop under new management, Hermoso will likely continue to be a cornerstone figure in the team's defensive strategy. His consistent performances across multiple seasons demonstrate his commitment to improving both individually and collectively within the squad.