While the sight of Barcelona at the top of La Liga after six rounds of matches is only really to be expected, the team sitting in second place has raised more than a few eyebrows. Equal on points with Pep Guardiola’s side, with an identical record of four wins and two draws, Levante’s start to the new Spanish campaign has been as refreshing as it has surprising.
Their end to last season offered little hint at what was to come; three points from the final six games of the 2010/11 La Liga campaign meant Juan Ignacio Martinez’s side finished in 14th place, just two points above the relegation zone, after losing 17 games over the course of the season. A series of valiant displays this time round, however, has seen them defeat Real Madrid, amongst others, and as we take a fortnight’s break for the upcoming internationals, WhoScored takes a look at just how Levante have managed it:
Team Stats:
Analysis of Levante’s stats highlights just how defiant their performances have been. An average of just 37% possession per game, the second-lowest in La Liga behind third-bottom Santander (35%) and a pass accuracy of only 67%, again the second-worst tally in the division. Just 10 shots per game, with only 3 on target, have produced 8 goals thus far.
Defensively, an incredible 26 tackles per game is bettered by no other team in Spain’s top division and with 33 interceptions also thrown in, it’s clear to see the work-rate that has helped Levante concede a mere 3 goals so far this season; the joint-best record at the back, alongside Sevilla. Levante have picked up three clean sheets from those six matches, never having conceded more than a single goal in any game, and with such resolute performances it’s no surprise to see their key performers are mainly in defensive areas:
Venta - Key on the right
35-year-old right-back Javi Venta is the highest-rated Levante player in WhoScored’s rankings (7.29) and it’s easy to see why. He’s rolled back the years with a series of superb defensive displays- 6.2 tackles, more than any team mate, 5.8 interceptions per game and 100% successful aerial duels highlights just how key he is to the success of the back-four.
With Levante producing 47% of their attacks down the right, he is also pivotal when they break forward on occasion; 28 passes, while lowly in comparison to other clubs, is the third-highest within the team.
Ballesteros The Rock
Sergio Ballesteros is battle-hardened in the heart of the back-four. He’s earned a rating of 7.25 from WhoScored, just behind Venta, for some brilliant defensive work as Levante defy opponent after opponent. He’s averaged 2 tackles but Ballesteros’ reading of the game has been impeccable- 5.3 interceptions and 4.5 clearances are more than any team mate for either category, though central-defensive partner Nano is not far behind on 3.5 and 3.3 respectively. Ballesteros has also won 67% aerial duels and even bagged a goal for good measure, in the 2-1 win at Rayo Vallecano.
The Graft of Iborra
Vicente Iborra is the battler in the double pivot of Levante’s 4-2-3-1. As this player position map (right) from last weekend’s 1-0 win at Betis shows, Iborra (10) sits deep, with the full-backs pushing level and the centre-halves entrenched almost on their own eighteen-yard line. As a result, he sees more of the ball than any Levante player, averaging 33 passes per game, though with just 0.2 key passes per game, his game is not about creating chances for team mates.
Instead, he knuckles down and battles in the key central midfield area, showing a will to win that has produced 3.7 tackles, 4.5 interceptions and 3.7 clearances as he sets about breaking up opposition attacks time after time.
Juanlu, the Goal Threat
With just eight goals to their name so far, the left winger is joint-top scorer with lone forward Ruben Suarez on two goals, though the latter’s tally has been the result of his spot-kick duties. Juanlu has been Levante’s main goal threat, though, averaging 1.7 shots per game from his position on the flank. With 31% of play coming down the left side, he rarely sees the ball, making a mere 12.8 passes per game, resulting in only 0.5 key passes in addition to 0.5 successful dribbles.
Keeping in line with his side’s work-ethic, Juanlu’s game is far from just efficient from an offensive perspective. His 2 tackles and 2 interceptions is indicative of Levante’s busy style of play, defending from the front and harassing opponents, closing down and winning the ball back whenever his side are without the ball. Given their mere 37% possession and the fact Levante spend just 22% of the time in their opponents’ final third, his defensive contribution to the team’s cause is as essential as it is exemplary.
