Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) have been a dominant force in French football, but their recent struggles in European competitions highlight a glaring weakness: their defensive frailty. Bernat's tackle data, provided by the club's official website, sheds light on this vulnerability.
A Closer Look at Bernat's Tackle Numbers
In the 2023-24 season, Bernat has attempted a total of 87 tackles across all competitions. However, he has only successfully completed 38 of them, resulting in a tackle success rate of just 44%. This puts him behind other PSG defenders such as Marquinhos (62%) and Ramos (56%).
The chart below provides a breakdown of his tackle attempts by competition:
| Competition | Tackles Attempted | Tackles Won | Success Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ligue 1 | 56 | 24 | 43% |
| Coupe de France | 7 | 4 | 57% |
| Coupe de la Ligue | 4 | 2 | 50% |
| UEFA Champions League | 20 | 8 | 40% |
The numbers paint a clear picture: Bernat is struggling to win tackles, particularly in high-stakes matches like those in the UEFA Champions League.
Why Are His Tackle Numbers So Low?
There are several potential reasons for Bernat's defensive struggles. One possibility is that he is simply not as aggressive as he should be. Another is that he lacks the pace to effectively close down attackers. Finally, it is also possible that he is being targeted by opponents who are exploiting his weaknesses.
The Impact on PSG's Defensive Record
PSG's defensive record has suffered as a result of Bernat's poor tackling. In Ligue 1 this season, they have conceded 28 goals in 29 games, which is the third most in the top eight. In the UEFA Champions League, they have conceded 14 goals in eight games, which is the second most among the teams that have reached the round of 16.
What Can PSG Do To Fix This?
PSG need to find a way to improve Bernat's tackling numbers if they want to challenge for European glory. They could try to provide him with additional training and support, or they could consider signing a new defender to partner him in defence.
The Bottom Line
Bernat's low tackle success rate is a major concern for PSG. If the club wants to succeed in Europe, they need to address this issue urgently.
Key Statistics:
Tackles won: 38
Tackle success rate: 44%
Ligue 1 tackles won: 24
Ligue 1 tackles attempted: 56
UEFA Champions League tackles won: 8
UEA