Westfield Matildas: defensive stats analysis for ToN

Successful teams are often built on solid defence – and our Tournament of Nations-winning Westfield Matildas proved that in recent weeks.

Today we mine Opta Data to look at three key Aussie defenders in the tournament and assess their contribution to the team’s success in the USA.  

Elise Kellond-Knight

“KK” is in career-best form right now. And her versatility is an added bonus with the midfielder shifting to left back when needed.

The Queenslander played all three games and was phenomenal in her distribution and composure. 

Tournament stats

  •           Minutes played: 268
  •           Total passes: 154
  •           Successful passes: 106
  •           Key passes: 10
  •           Duels won: 8
  •           Tackles won: 2

Elise Kellond-Knight celebrates with Tameka Butt after a Westfield Matildas goal at the recent Tournament of Nations.

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Ellie Carpenter

What a star of the future. The western Sydney defender played all three games and provided great energy from deep with her tackling a real bonus too.

Tournament stats

  •           Minutes played: 194
  •           Total passes: 71
  •           Successful passes: 53
  •           Duels won: 10
  •           Tackles won: 8

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Stephanie Catley

Another who played all three games. The versatile Portland Thorns star shifted centrally from her usual left back spot and showed again why she’s so highly rated.

Tournament stats

  •           Minutes played: 270
  •           Total passes: 117
  •           Successful passes: 96
  •           Duels won: 8
  •           Tackles won: 5
  •           Tackles lost: 0