Hatem Ben Arfa vs Jose Enrique: Will the explosive winger dominate Liverpool’s left-back?

Liverpool travel to Newcastle today, and amongst the many quality players involved, a key battle that could decide the outcome of the game is Hatem Ben Arfa against Jose Enrique.

This season, Enrique has won seven of his ten tackles, giving him a tackle success rate of 70%. This implies that the left-back has been solid in the tackle and is able to confidently win the ball off the opposition. Enrique’s ability to tackle will be key against Ben Arfa, this is because the attacker loves to dribble and so far this term, he has completed 21 take-ons, with a success rate of 60%, this is the fifth best in the Premier League.

Premier League Top Five Dribblers This Season

Ben Arfa’s desire to dribble should strike fear into Liverpool and Enrique. The Frenchman’s silky feet often result in him committing defenders and therefore creating space for others. This will be a big problem for Liverpool’s left-back, especially as The Reds play a 3-5-2 system which demands the full-back to be very progressive in their starting position and when on the ball. The gaps in behind Enrique could provide Ben Arfa with the room to run into and make things happen.

Jose Enrique Heat Map v Palace

Furthermore, as most fans are aware, Ben Arfa loves to shoot. He really does. This term, he has taken 15 shots, scoring twice. The Newcastle man has a 47% shot accuracy and has taken eight of his 15 shots from outside the box. This shows the confidence and desire Ben Arfa has to score, Liverpool should be cautious of this, as the player loves to cut-in and take the early shot.

Ben Arfa Shot Accuracy (Click on the image to enlarge)

However, perhaps one saving grace for Liverpool is the fact Ben Arfa tends to not create as many chances as one would expect him to. This term, he has created just four chances in seven games. On the other hand, Enrique has created eight chances, getting two assists. Perhaps this indicates that Ben Arfa must keep his eye on Liverpool’s marauding full-back. If Enrique is allowed to bomb-on forward and the Frenchman does not provide adequate cover, Newcastle’s right-back could be extremely exploited by Liverpool.

Ben Arfa Duels Won

Ben Arfa’s lack of tracking back is vividly clear in the stats. The French wizard has only attempted two tackles and has attempted just one aerial duel. Furthermore, he has also made just three interceptions. Alan Pardew will be demanding that his creative spark puts a shift in defensively, especially against a fluid side like Liverpool who are happy to commit players going forward.

Ben Arfa against Enrique could the defining battle in tomorrow’s early kick-off. Although the Frenchman loves to float from his starting position it is Liverpool’s left-back who will have to keep a close eye on him, as his desire to make things happen could cause havoc to Liverpool’s defence. But on the other hand, if the Reds set the tempo and enforce themselves onto Newcastle, Ben Arfa must therefore contribute defensively. If Ben Arfa fails to track back, he could leave a sector of Newcastle’s back four open for Liverpool to capitalise.