EURO24: Dunk vs Konsa – The centre back decision England face
In this article, the physical profiles, and key 2023/24 Premier league statistics of Lewis Dunk and Ezri Konsa, will be compared and analysed. These are Southgate’s main candidates to replace the suspended Guehi, for Englands Euro Quarter Final against Switzerland.
Physical Profile
Ezri Konsa is 1.83m tall, 10cm shorter than Dunk, however, Guehi isn’t the tallest centre back in the world, at just 1.82m, so height shouldn’t be a major determining factor. Dunk (88kg) also weighs a massive 15kg more than Konsa (73kg), which could give him the advantage against Switzerlands striker Embolo, who is taller, and weighs more than Konsa (1.87m, 84kg).
Statistical Profile
Both players started over 30 games for their respective clubs last season, with Konsa making 54 tackles, significantly more than Dunk’s 27. This can be put down to their clubs styles of play, with Dunk beating Konsa in interceptions (31-28), and recoveries (180-142).
Against a physically dominant striker, and physically dominant centre backs on set pieces, aerial victories will be key. Dunk won 63.33% of his aerial duels last season, with Konsa only winning 53.33% of his aerial duels.
Accompanying these statistics, Dunk had less errors leading to goals last season than Konsa (1-2), over 1000 more passes, and over 100 more accurate long balls. This would suit Southgate’s low block, possession based football.
Decision
From the physical attributes and statistics analysed, it would be most beneficial for Lewis Dunk to replace Guehi in the starting lineup against Switzerland.
One thought on “EURO24: Dunk vs Konsa – The centre back decision England face”