Scouting with Kognia: Kervin Arriaga: a modern, physical ‘number 6’ with superb defensive skills

In this Kognia analysis, we want to analyse the performances of one of La Liga's best defensive midfielders, Kervin Arriaga, who played for Real Zaragoza in the Spanish second division last season on loan from Partizan. At the same time, we want to show some of our most important defensive metrics that help to define this player in depth. 

What we have learned from this analysis:

• Kervin Arriaga is one of the La Liga midfielders who puts the most pressure on the ball carrier, demonstrating that he is a daring number 6 who does not hesitate to jump in to disrupt the opponent.

• Kervin Arriaga combines physical and tactical qualities that allow him to help his team by defending spaces and the area effectively.

• Kervin Arriaga makes perfect use of his height and strong build to win every individual duel he is involved in, whether on the ground or in the air.

• Kervin Arriaga is an intelligent central midfielder with the ability to win second balls thanks to his good positioning in direct play.

Kervin Arriaga, an all-round midfielder who stands out for his defensive skills

Kervin Arriaga is a defensive midfielder with a brilliant defensive output. His tactical metrics show that his behaviour is not limited to one area of the pitch, but rather he is a player who strives to drive forward, jump out of his comfort zone, press the ball carrier (89th percentile) and recover a significant number of balls in midfield (90th percentile). 

Kervin Arriaga's intelligence and good positioning allow him to excel as a defensive midfielder who is very effective at winning second balls in direct play, a style of play his team is most accustomed to (94th percentile). 

His strength helps him to be extremely successful in the vast majority of individual duels in which he participates, both on the ground (87th percentile) and in the air (92nd percentile). His timing in anticipation is very good, and this factor allows him to get there first and take action. This instinct also allows him to recover a very high number of balls (96th percentile) and to contribute to defending the spaces created by opponents behind defenders and neutralise the advantages that the opposing team's attackers try to build. 

It is very important to emphasise that Kervin Arriaga is a central midfielder who covers more distance than average and does so by reaching top speeds of over 32 km/h at times, which is high for a “number 6”. This physicality allows Arriage to get there before his opponent, recover balls in midfield, but above all to press hard and well, even covering long distances if necessary. 

A quick comparison with two other of La Liga's most outstanding defensive midfielders

It is not easy to achieve the performance that Kervin Arriaga has achieved in just half a year at the elite level. An objective comparison of his defensive abilities with those of elite midfielders such as Tchouameni or established players in the competition such as Lucas Torró favours him. 

• Kervin Arriaga is performing very well at Levante UD in terms of recovery and pressing. 

• Kervin Arriaga is winning a considerable number of second balls thanks to his good positioning, even outperforming specialists in this area such as Tchouameni and Lucas Torró.

• Kervin Arriaga excels at blocking opportunities inside the box as a result of his efforts to help his team, and clearly stands out from the aforementioned midfielders.