Performance analysis with Kognia: RCD Espanyol, La Liga's surprise team

This latest Kognia analysis focuses on the performances of Espanyol, this season’s surprise team in La Liga. 

Espanyol are currently fifth in La Liga. Manolo González's team strengthened well in the summer transfer window and have been able to continue with the style of play that saw them promoted to La Liga and maintain their position in their first season. 

What we have learned from this analysis:

• Espanyol bring a direct approach to LaLiga and frequently look to cross the ball.

• A front-footed pressing approach to winning back possession, resulting in a high number of interceptions for the side.

• In striker Roberto Fernández, Espanyol have a front man who is bringing much more than just goals. Fernández’s style is perfect for Espanyol’s high-crossing approach.

A direct, vertical style of play

Espanyol frequently adopt a style of direct play to progress in the game and reach the opponent's area (79th percentile), and no other team in La Liga cross the ball more often.

Its verticality is evident in the profiles of Espanyol’s players, such as the offensive full-backs like Rubén Sánchez, Omar El Hilali and Carlos Romero. The squad includes fast wingers who get into deep areas near the opposition's box like Jofre Torrents, Thyrys Dolan and Antoniu Roca, and two strikers who stretch the team like Roberto Fernández and Pere Milla. 

As shown in the graphic below, Espanyol are not a team that tend to maintain possession of the ball with an intricate passing game.

A team that likes to press

Espanyol is the team that puts the most pressure on ball holders in the league and one of the teams that puts the most pressure on after losing possession (89th percentile), and their success here is shown in their high rank (79th percentile) for interceptions. The characteristics of its attackers contribute to this. Pere Milla, Jofre Carreras, Edu Expósito, Roberto Fernández and Thyrys Dolan make more than 35 pressures every ninety minutes, clearly standing out in the competition. Espanyol are a team that moves forward in an organised manner (100th percentile) when under pressure, demonstrating a coordinated approach to defending without the ball. 

Roberto Fernández: Espanyol's focal point 

Roberto Fernández has scored four goals in regular competition. However, everything he generates for his team beyond goals is impressive. In terms of getting on the end of chances, there are few players taking more shots (97th percentile) - and his penalty box presence is perfect for Espanyol’s crossing approach, as he ranks in the 97th percentile when it comes to attacking crosses and getting off shots, further shaped by him constantly making forward runs into the box (93nd percentile). In addition, his game varies as he’s happy to come shorter and receive between the lines to support the team’s build-up.