HAMMERS ADD A TOUCH OF BREEN TO DEFENCE
West Ham United have boosted their defence with the acquisition of World Cup star Gary Breen.
The Republic of Ireland international was rumoured to have turned down a move to Inter Milan in favour of the Hammers and he should prove to be a wise purchase by Glenn Roeder.
Opta Index monitored Breen's every touch of the ball in the World Cup and can reveal some fascinating facts about the former Coventry City star.
Rank | Player | Tackle Success % |
1 | Gary Breen | 83% |
2 | Steve Finnan | 81% |
3 | Steve Staunton | 80% |
4 | Matt Holland | 77% |
5 | Mark Kinsella | 75% |
He was his country's most effective tackler, emerging with the ball in 83% of his challenges. Also Breen was dominant in the air making more headed clearances than the rest of his team-mates put together.
However, may face a battle to get into the Hammers line-up with the likes of Christian Dailly and Tomas Repka performing well in the second half of the 2001-02 campaign. Ian Pearce also returned to the fold in the later stages of last season after a long absence through injury.
But if he can maintain his high level of distribution as he did in the Far East then Breen could well become a first-team regular at Upton Park.
Rank | Player | Passes | Accuracy % |
1 | Matt Holland | 198 | 88% |
2 | Mark Kinsella | 254 | 87% |
3 | Gary Breen | 143 | 87% |
Only midfield duo Matt Holland and Mark Kinsella had a superior distribution rate than Breen.
