The evolution of Real Sociedad: Jon Gorrotxategi is proving an able replacement for the departed Martin Zubimendi

This article by Kognia provides an in-depth comparison of the performances of two Real Sociedad players in two different seasons. Jon Gorrotxategi, a central midfielder who spent last season on loan at CD Mirandés in La Liga Hypermotion from Real Sociedad and who is now the team’s undisputed number 6, having replaced the impressive Martín Zubimendi, who was transferred to Arsenal during the last summer transfer window.

In this analysis, we focus on four tactical in-possession variables that help us better understand the behaviour of a midfielder, as well as a defensive variable that indicates the proactivity of each player profile:

• Overcoming opponents with vertical passes

• Identifying passing lines under pressure

• Filtering passes between lines

• Third man pass

• Pressure on the ball possessor

Jon Gorrotxategi, a defensive midfielder with an ability to spot passing lanes under pressure, beat opponents and find the third man

In the below scatter plot, we can see that Jon Gorrotxategi is above average in both passing variables and, at the same time, ranks in the top three alongside Koke Resurrección (Atlético de Madrid) and Miguel Román (Celta de Vigo) in terms of finding and linking up with the third man.

Jon Gorrotxategi is a defensive midfielder whose output compares favourably to that of Martín Zubimendi, his predecessor in that position at Real Sociedad. Jon Gorrotxategi’s outstanding performance has contributed to Real Sociedad’s improvement this season across various outputs.

Jon Gorrotxategi ranks in the 82nd percentile across these four Kognia’s tactical metrics that help define a central midfielder’s ability on the ball. He is a central midfielder who frequently identifies passing lanes under pressure, standing out for his reading of the game and his ability to respond in challenging moments whilst in possession.

Jon Gorrotxategi identifying passing lanes under pressure

In addition, healso helps to beat opponents and break through lines of pressure with vertical passes. He is a player who often finds the third man, making the pass and helping his team progress in the game. Defensively, he is a very proactive central midfielder who is always ready to step out of line, press the opponent and deny them time to think – an aspect of the game in which he clearly outperforms Martín Zubimendi (95th and 63rd percentiles, respectively).

Jon Gorrotxategi overcoming opponents with a vertical pass

Jon Gorrotxategi finding the third man

Jon Gorrotxategi, a defensive midfielder who, thanks to his proactive approach, is able to press frequently

Jon Gorrotxategi is not only one of La Liga’s higher performing defensive midfielders when on the ball, but he is also among the most proactive midfielders in La Liga out of possession.

Attached below is a video by our analyst Arnau Navarro providing a visual explanation on our platform of Jon Gorrotxategi’s defensive behaviour, as well as a box plot showing the Real Sociedad player’s high rating for defensive proactivity.

https://video.wixstatic.com/video/5fbb06_baf5bf658f374ac38b01aa77b6f3d1c2/1080p/mp4/file.mp4