Arsenal man leads the players with the best tackle success rate in Europe | OneFootball

Ball-winning is a football art form all on its own but which players have been the most successful tacklers in European football this season?

We’ve ranked the leading players in Europe’s top five leagues this season for tackle success rate, defined as the percentage of attempted tackles that dispossess an opponent. The statistic differs from tackle won percentage, where a player leaves a tackle with possession of the ball.

Best tackle success rates in Europe’s top five leagues this season (20+ attempted):

Martin Zubimendi – Real Sociedad (90.0%)

Liverpool were left disappointed after missing out on the signing of Martin Zubimendi in the summer. The Spaniard snubbed a Premier League transfer in favour of remaining with Real Sociedad and has shown just why Arne Slot was so keen to bring him to Anfield.

Zubimendi has posted a 90% tackle success rate over the season’s opening weeks and also ranks among La Liga’s top 10 players for passes into the final third, progressive passes, interceptions and successful take-on percentage. It’s clear to see why the Spain international is so sought after.

Kelvin Amian – Nantes (90.5%)

Kelvin Amian has had a solid start to the season at Nantes, deputising in both full-back positions for the Ligue 1 side. He ranks fifth in France’s top tier for tackles in 2024/25 and has a tackle success rate of 90.5%. Only three players in Europe’s top five leagues can better that figure.

Tyrick Mitchell – Crystal Palace (91.3%)

There’s something in the South London water when it comes to ball-winning full-backs. Aaron Wan-Bissaka came through the Crystal Palace ranks to establish himself as one of the best one-on-one defenders in the Premier League and Tyrick Mitchell has followed in those footsteps. The 25-year-old has ranked in the Premier League’s top 10 players for tackles won in each of the last three seasons.

Mario Lemina – Wolves (91.7%)

A selfless presence in the Wolves midfield, Mario Lemina’s box-to-box energy has seen him succeed in regaining the ball for Gary O’Neil’s team this season. The former Juventus midfielder has a tackle success rate of 91.7% so far this season, despite a difficult start for Wolves in the Premier League. With Joao Gomes and summer signing Andre also in their ranks, Wolves have an engine room full of tenacity.

William Saliba – Arsenal (100%)

William Saliba leads the way with an immaculate tackle success rate in 2024/25. The Arsenal centre-back has made defending look easy since breaking into the North London side, emerging as one of Europe’s best at the Emirates.

The 23-year-old’s blend of athleticism and anticipation has made him almost impossible to beat in one-on-one duels. He’s been a cornerstone of Arsenal’s defensive record under Mikel Arteta, the best in the Premier League across the last two seasons.

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