Leighton Baines or Luke Shaw? The Statistics

Manchester United are apparently in the hunt for a new left-back depite having Patrice Evra and Alex Buttner on their books. The two candidates seem to be Everton’s Leighton Baines and Southampton’s Luke Shaw, but which would offer more to United? We take a look at the statistics from last season.

Leighton Baines was one of the most creative outlets in Europe last season despite plying his trade at the back, sculpting 116 opportunities for his colleagues. He also made five against Norwich on the opening day of the season. Shaw, who is still only 18, created just 10 last term.

Switching our attention to what the full-backs are predominantly paid for, defending, and we can see massive similarities. Baines edges the duel success by just 1% (64%) but Shaw has a slightly higher tackle success (84%). The youngster completed 43 of his 51 tackles, while Baines 73 in 92 (79%).

Baines completed five defensive actions per game, Shaw seven, while the former’s pass completion was far superior than the latter’s – Baines 83% – Shaw 72%.

Baines is the better player right now, I am sure few would argue that. But Shaw is an incredible talent and has the potential to be one of the best full-backs in the country, if not Europe. Shaw recently signed a long term deal at St Marys, so a deal for Baines looks more credible to me, especially with his former boss David Moyes at the helm at old Trafford.

All statistics provided by Squawka.