Player Utilization Under Matarazzo: A Statistical Analysis

omidbasir- Duje Caleta-Car, Beñat Turrientes, and Carlos Soler have emerged as key players, ranking among the top 11 utilized by Pellegrino Matarazzo in the ten matches he has overseen so far. This shift has resulted in a reduced role for Igor Zubeldia and Brais Méndez, while Jon Gorrotxategi has also seen diminished prominence due to technical decisions. Injuries have sidelined Take Kubo and Ander Barrenetxea, further impacting player dynamics. Notably, Álvaro Odriozola and Luka Sucic have seen increased participation following the coaching change.

Having completed 10 matches under Matarazzo’s leadership—each during a particularly challenging phase of the schedule—the players with the most minutes on the field are Oyarzabal (874), Carlos Soler (789), Aramburu (764), Jon Martín (750), Sergio Gómez (722), Guedes (703), Caleta-Car (637), Turrientes (588), Gorrotxategi (535), and Zubeldia (526). The latter two have experienced a decline in their standings, as will be discussed.

Looking back at the matches played under previous coaches Sergio Francisco and Jon Ansotegi, the players who logged the most minutes included Gorrotxategi (1,456), Aramburu (1,367), Zubeldia (1,349), Sergio Gómez (1,278), Oyarzabal (1,243), Brais Méndez (1,083), Barrenetxea (1,029), Kubo (1,020), Jon Martín (989), and Guedes (949).

A comparative analysis reveals that Zubeldia and Brais Méndez have seen a reduction in their roles for technical reasons, while Kubo and Barrenetxea have been affected by injuries. Gorrotxategi has also lost ground until the last three matches, primarily due to Sucic’s injury. Conversely, Carlos Soler, Caleta-Car, and Turrientes have significantly increased their presence in the team.

Other players who have gained playing time under Matarazzo include Luka Sucic, who has already surpassed his total minutes from the previous coaching period, and Álvaro Odriozola, who has transitioned from a position of minimal involvement to a viable option for providing rest for Aramburu, as well as serving as a tactical alternative in the second halves of matches.