# Saliba's Assists: A Statistician's Perspective from Marseille

William Saliba, the French defender who has become a cornerstone for Olympique de Marseille, has been making waves not just for his defensive prowess but also for his unexpected contributions in attack. As a statistician, diving into Saliba's assist numbers reveals a fascinating story of versatility and tactical awareness.

## The Statistician’s Lens

Statistically, Saliba’s assist tally for the 2022-23 season was one of the highest among defenders in Ligue 1. His ability to pick out precise passes and create scoring opportunities has been a game-changer for Marseille. From a statistical standpoint, Saliba’s assists often stem from his intelligent positioning and composure on the ball. His pass completion rate in the final third is notably high, showcasing his ability to deliver in critical areas of the pitch.

Moreover, Saliba’s expected assist (xA) metric highlights his consistency in creating high-quality chances for his teammates. His long balls and through passes are particularly effective, often bypassing the opposition’s press and finding attackers in dangerous positions. This combination of vision and execution makes him a dual threat in both defense and attack.

## Beyond the Numbers

From a tactical perspective, Saliba’s assists often originate from his role as a deep-lying playmaker. Marseille’s system encourages defenders to take risks and participate in build-up play, and Saliba has thrived in this setup. His defensive instincts also play a role, as his ability to win the ball back quickly allows Marseille to launch rapid counterattacks.

In conclusion, Saliba’s assists are not just a footnote in his stellar defensive performances but a key component of Marseille’s attacking strategy. For statisticians, his numbers offer a compelling case study of how modern defenders can influence the game at both ends of the pitch. As Marseille continues to compete at the highest level, Saliba’s contributions will remain under the microscope, highlighting the evolving role of defenders in contemporary football.

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