How is Akpoguma proving to be a good centre-back for Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga?

 Super Eagles defender Kevin Akpoguma has been in good form for his club side, Hoffenheim, in the Bundesliga.

He has been deployed mainly as a right-back for the Super Eagles, featuring four times in that position in his six appearances for Nigeria, but it is at centre-back that he is showing his potential for Hoffenheim.

He ranks first for tackles made despite ranking 8th for minutes played for Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga. The Hoffenheim defender is also winning a fair share of his tackles, winning 75% of them.

​

The 27-year-old has made 28 blocks so far, the second-best among his teammates, demonstrating his ability to put his body on the line.

Hee has made 57 defensive actions (tackles plus interceptions) which is the second-best of all Hoffenheim players.

​

The Super Eagles defender has also demonstrated to be a good passer of the ball, which is one of the traits of a good modern centre-back.

​

He has completed 78.7% of his passes, making 52 passes into the final third and 57 progressive passes(any pass made into the opponent's penalty area). His traits will be useful when playing against bus-packing teams. 

​

Paseiro has quickly identified that he is a good centre-back and being the only manager to have played in that position so far as a Super Eagles player is a good step in the right direction.

​

The Portuguese coach must now give Akpoguma a run of consecutive games as a centre-back to determine whether he can play consistently in that position for Nigeria.

​​

Abdulkareem Abdulhamid

Copyright ANS

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com