Are Sociedad feeling the void left by the influential Illaremendi?

Real Sociedad achieved an incredible feat last season by qualifying for the Champions League after finishing fourth in La Liga.

La Real qualified for the Champions League for the first time since 2003 with their incredible run of just two defeats in 28 Liga matches after a disastrous start of six defeats in the first 10 matches.

Asier Illarramendi was a main component of the solid Sociedad side but, after impressing in their run to European qualification, and his performances for Spain in the European Under-21 Championships, Real Madrid signed the Spaniard for €39 million.

Many thought €39m was steep for a player not yet tested at the highest level but Madrid paid the money for who they, allegedly, believe could one day replace Xabi Alonso.

With Sociedad losing their main central midfielder – the man who plays all the passes and keeps the team ticking nicely – questions were raised as to whether La Real could launch another assault on the top four in La Liga.

They signed Esteban Granero from Queens Park Rangers but he has since injured his ligaments, meaning he sits on the sidelines for the next few months. His absence has allowed youngster Ruben Pardo to emerge as the main midfield man, as well as the almost-forgotten man, Markel Bergara.

For Sociedad last season, ‘Illarra’ played 32 Liga matches, creating 31 chances and completing 81% of his passes. He also helped defensively, winning 61% of his duels. Of those duels, Illarra won 97 out of 121 tackles, earning a success rate of 80%.

Asier Illarramendi Duels Won (Last Season)

While Illarramendi was playing for Sociedad, their average possession was 51%. They finished the 2012/13 La Liga season with an average of 78% passing accuracy. They won 55% of their duels, too.

Without him in 12 matches this season, La Real have had an average of 51% possession and a pass accuracy of 80%, winning 57% of their duels. So with and without Illarra, Sociedad have been slightly similar.

However, in terms of chances created, they created 393 last season – an average of 10 per game. However, this season they are averaging 9.3 per game.

Due to Illarra’s departure and Granero’s absence, Pardo and Bergara have been allowed a stint in midfield, with the former playing all 12 matches in the league this season. Bergara has played in eight.

Pardo has performed admirably, scoring once and creating 8 chances (two assists). In comparison, Illarramendi has played eight La Liga games, scored none and created just three chances with zero assists.

Rubén Pardo Chances Created (This Season)

However, this is down to the fact that Pardo is more of an attacking threat than Illarra, who prefers to sit deep and dictate the play. Comparing him to the defensive midfielder that has taken his place – Bergara – they are slightly similar this season. Bergara has a 66% average of winning duels, compared to Illarra’s 62%.

Pardo is also ahead of Illarra on Squawka’s Performance Score with 175, almost 50 points ahead of the former Sociedad midfielder. Bergara is also leading Illarra by 12 points.

Pardo also comes out on top when comparing the three players’ passing figures. Illarramendi has completed 85% of his 275 passes, compared to Pardo’s 88% from an attempted 308, and Bergara’s 86% from 254.

However, it is duels won that Bergara leads. He has won 35 duels to Illarra’s 33. The former has won 92% of his tackle so far this season.

So, as you can see, Illarramendi was an important player for La Real last season but in Pardo and Bergara, they seem to have found the right balance to make up for his absence. They are not the same standard of player as the current Real Madrid midfielder, but their performances are making up for his absence.

Manchester United’s midfield will need to keep a close eye on both Ruben Pardo and Markel Bergara if they are to return from Spain with three points.