“Top-Ranked Talent” | New Hammers Signing Poised for Significant Impact
Analytics United Unveils New Column Analyzing What Aaron Wan-Bissaka Brings to the Hammers
Aaron Wan-Bissaka has signed a long-term contract with West Ham, moving from Manchester United.
The 26-year-old defender spent five years at United, winning both the FA Cup and the EFL Cup.
Originally from Croydon, Wan-Bissaka began his career at Crystal Palace, making his Premier League debut during the 2017/18 season.
Known for his exceptional one-on-one defending and strong tackling, he quickly established himself as one of the league’s most formidable fullbacks.
Last season, Wan-Bissaka had a tackle success rate of 73.1%, ranking behind only Ben Davies of Tottenham and Ezri Konsa of Aston Villa, underscoring his consistent defensive prowess.
With West Ham’s new manager Julen Lopetegui likely to use a back three, Wan-Bissaka may adapt to a slightly more central role alongside Jean Clair Todibo and Max Kilman.
This setup could leverage his strong defensive skills and tackling ability, contributing to a robust defensive unit.
In terms of ball distribution, Wan-Bissaka averaged 27.24 short passes per 90 minutes last year, placing him in the top 17% in Europe for this metric. He also ranks similarly high for overall pass completion.
Although he may not drive the ball forward as frequently, when he does, he maintains possession effectively, ranking in the top 11% in the top five European leagues for retaining the ball during dribbling.
Overall, Wan-Bissaka’s exceptional defensive capabilities make him a valuable addition to West Ham.
His solid defensive skills will complement the team’s attacking talents, and his reliable ball control is likely to fit well within Lopetegui’s tactical system.
