On-loan Arsenal defender Konstantinos Mavropanos posted some enormous defensive numbers of Friday as Stuttgart claimed a 2-0 victory over Mainz.
If goals from Saca Kalajdzic and Silas Wamangituka gave the home side the points, the foundation of their success was laid by 23-year-old Greece Under-21 defender Mavropanos in their rearguard.
At the Bundesliga side for the duration of the season, it was display that will surely have caught the eye of Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta.
Stuttgart 2-0 Mainz: Player Ratings, Match Stats, Player Stats
Mavropanos was deployed on the right side of a back three and played a starring role as Mainz were restricted to just a couple of shots on target over the duration of the match.
There is little doubt that he was the game’s telling influence as he mopped up close to everything that came near him.
His figures in duels were tremendous. He won seven of the 10 he contested on the deck – a match-high figure – and he won 11 of the 15 headers that he competed for. Moreover, he made three of four tackles he attempted, executed six clearances, posted 10 ball recoveries and completed a game-high six interceptions.
It was a complete defensive display.
〽️ Mavropanos: Rating Week-on-Week
✔️ IMPROVEMENT
Mavropanos has had a difficult start to life in Germany, in part due to an injury sustained soon after arriving in Stuttgart. Although he was a member of the starting XI that helped to dismantle Borussia Dortmund 5-1 away from home, he has struggled to hold down a regular starting berth.
In recent weeks, he has found himself on the bench but after posting an 8.4 FC Rating on Friday, he will expect to be more heavily involved in the weeks to come.
🗝️ Key Stats
| Statistic |
Value |
Notes |
| FC Rating |
8.2 |
Rank #1 |
| Mins Played |
88 |
|
| Duels Won |
7/10 |
|
| Headers Won |
11/15 |
|
| Tackles Won |
3/4 |
|
| Recoveries |
10 |
|
| Clearances |
6 |
|
| Interceptions |
6 |
Rank #1 |
Mavropanos: What Next?
Quite simply, to earn more regular game time. Third placed Bayer Leverkusen loom next week for Stuttgart, who will face Hertha thereafter. If Mavropanos can perform to a strong standard in those games – as he will surely have his chance – he can look forward to an extended run.
Konstantinos Mavropanos: Player Statistics, Career Stats and Position
Stuttgart 2-0 Mainz: Player Ratings, Match Stats, Player Stats
