Ilya Zabarnyi: Bournemouth’s Brick Wall at the Back
The acquisition of Illya Zabarnyi by Bournemouth in January 2023 from Dynamo Kyiv, was a move that followed the English side’s focus on recruiting young, undervalued and talented players from across Europe. Fast forward 2.5 years, and the 22-year-old has quickly emerged as one of the most promising talents in the Premier League and earned the interest of reigning Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain. But just what makes Zabarnyi such a special talent? Let’s take a look.
Defensive Stability and Aerial Dominance
Zabarnyi’s presence on the pitch is marked by his physicality and defensive reliability. He’s known for his aerial prowess, effectively challenging for headers both in open play and during set pieces. His ability to win aerial duels is a significant asset, providing Bournemouth with a solid defensive wall against crosses and long balls.
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On the ground, he shows a calm and composed approach, often outmuscling or outmaneuvering attackers in one-on-one situations. The Ukrainian uses his lower body strength advantageously which gives him an edge in his ground duels.
Tackling and Interceptions
His defensive approach is proactive; rather than merely reacting, Zabarnyi anticipates the game’s flow, intercepting passes and snuffing out attacks before they fully develop. This skill allows Bournemouth to maintain a high line, knowing they have a defender who can read and react to threats swiftly.
His tackling is not just about stopping play but doing so in a way that often leads to counter-attacks. Oftentimes, he steps into the middle third to snuff out danger, which is beneficial to Andoni Iraola’s pressing system.
Ball Distribution and Build-Up Play
Zabarnyi isn’t just an asset as a pure defender, he’s also an integral part of Bournemouth’s build-up play. His composure on the ball enables him to start attacks from the back, distributing passes with accuracy to bypass the opposition’s press.
His ability to play out from defense is crucial in modern football and for Bournemouth’s style of play, where they look to control possession from the back. He’s adept at finding teammates in advanced positions, contributing to the team’s build-up patterns being more secure. His ability to carry out of pressure is another layer to his ability in the build-up.
Tactical Versatility
One of Zabarnyi’s standout qualities is his versatility. He can adapt to different defensive formations, whether it’s a back three or four, showing the kind of tactical flexibility that is highly valued in today’s game. His ability to cover for full-backs or adjust to the opposition’s tactical setup enhances Bournemouth’s defensive flexibility.
His ability to play auxiliary defensive midfield roles when stepping up to engage in defensive actions or out wide when defending lateral channels give his teammates more confidence in the backline.
Areas for Improvement
While Zabarnyi has shown immense potential, there’s always room for growth. His involvement in carrying the ball forward could be an area for development, as times it comes off awkward, adding another dimension to his game. This isn’t to say he lacks in this area, but expanding his role in ball progression could make him even more formidable.
Data Analysis
Defensive Contributions
Zabarnyi’s defensive stats indicate a player who is solid but not exceptional in some areas when compared to his peers. His clearances per 90 minutes (4.56) place him in the 55th percentile, showing he’s actively involved in clearing the ball from defensive zones.
His tackling (1.44 per 90, 59th percentile) and interceptions (1.00 per 90, 49th percentile) demonstrate a balanced approach to defending, engaging both in proactive and reactive defensive actions. His blocks (1.28 per 90, 50th percentile) further show his commitment to stopping shots and passes.
Aerial Dominance
One of Zabarnyi’s strong points is his aerial ability, with 2.11 aerials won per 90 (56th percentile), indicating he’s above average among centre-backs in winning high balls. This is crucial in the Premier League, where aerial battles can significantly influence the outcome of matches, particularly from set pieces.
Build-up
In terms of ball distribution, Zabarnyi’s stats suggest he’s not the most involved in possession play compared to other centre-backs. His passes attempted (48.61 per 90) and pass completion percentage (82.5%) both sit in the 17th percentile, which might reflect a more conservative role in his team’s build-up or a tactical choice by Bournemouth to use other players for ball progression. However, his progressive passes (3.83 per 90, 63rd percentile) indicate he’s still effective in moving the ball forward when he does engage in this aspect of the game.
Zabarnyi’s involvement in offensive metrics is minimal, which is expected from a centre-back. His non-penalty goals and expected goals (npxG) are low (0.00 and 0.02 per 90 respectively), showcasing his primary focus on defense. However, his shot-creating actions (1.17 per 90, 77th percentile) suggest he plays a part in initiating attacks or setting up plays that could lead to shots, even if not directly from his own actions.
Ball Progression
His ability to make progressive carries (0.56 per 90, 55th percentile) and successful take-ons (0.22 per 90, 54th percentile) show he can occasionally bypass pressure or carry the ball forward, adding an element of unpredictability. While not his strongest suit, these actions contribute to his team’s transition play.
Conclusion
Illya Zabarnyi represents the archetype of the modern defender – strong, intelligent, and adaptable. His defensive solidity combined with his ball-playing capabilities makes him a key player for Bournemouth. As he continues to mature, his career trajectory suggests he could become one of Europe’s elite centre-backs, adapting to and thriving in the ever-evolving tactics of the game. His journey in the Premier League is one to watch, as he continues to refine his ability.
By: @free__flowing
Featured Image: @GabFoligno / Neal Simpson / Allstar / Getty Images