Man City vs Chelsea: The UCL final broken down by statistics

Chelsea's Spanish defender Cesar Azpilicueta (L) vies with Manchester City's Brazilian striker Gabriel Jesus (R) during the English FA Cup semi-final football match between Chelsea and Manchester City at Wembley Stadium in north west London on April 17, 2021. - - RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by Adam Davy / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by ADAM DAVY/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) /

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Chelsea’s German head coach Thomas Tuchel (L) embraces Chelsea’s Italian midfielder Jorginho (R) at the end of the English Premier League football match between Liverpool and Chelsea at Anfield in Liverpool, north west England on March 4, 2021. (Photo by Oli SCARFF / POOL / AFP) /

3. Jorginho vs. Rodri

Jorginho and Rodri are unique players that are most than just passing midfielders, as they are often dubbed. They play in a position right in front of the back line, making their roles extremely crucial. Jorginho has been massive this season for Chelsea in many high profile games. Similarly, Rodri has been a vital cog in Guardiola’s system and has kept things tidy.

Jorginho is often called out for supposedly lacking in the defensive phase of the game. However, statistics show that Jorginho has been terrific as far as defence is concerned. In fact, his passing numbers aren’t as great as Rodri, but his defensive metrics are just brilliant. The Italian averages 2.5 tackles and two interceptions per game this season. He has intercepted crucial passes and initiated Chelsea’s attack with an intelligent pass. Discipline is an area where Jorginho struggles at times as he picks random bookings with some rash (and unnecessary) challenges. In attack, he has many goals as he is Chelsea’s penalty taker, and he has been accurate with his penalties this season.

Thanks to @WhoScored for these awesome H2H graphics ahead of the #UCLFinal (3/5) pic.twitter.com/Uvmdf8arEW
— The Pride of London (@PrideOLondon) May 29, 2021

Rodri is known for his accurate passing and his ability to rotate possession. He is the perfect midfielder for City’s system, and he has been a regular starter this season. With a passing accuracy of over 90 percent, the Spaniard has initiated many attacks from the base of midfield. The 24-year-old has lacked a bit in the defensive part compared to Jorginho, and that is one area he could improve further.

This battle could get interesting in the final as both teams like to dictate possession, and these players are at the heart of that strategy. With forwards pressing heavily on both sides, things will get difficult for these two, and they will have to be very careful as even one mistake could expose their back lines.

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