But interceptions certainly does, and Herreras statistics in this department blows others out of the water. It’s not just stats that backs this up either, his head is constantly on a swivel. He doesn’t just aimlessly press opponents, he has a look over his shoulder, builds a picture of who is behind him and what the passing avenues are and reacts accordingly.
The fact Herrera is having to be that last man, to track the attacking midfielder as regularly as he does, shows Matic isn’t doing his job to the level required, he isn’t positioning himself to sniff out this danger and is he a problem. It should be an oxymoron: a pressing, aggressive midfielder having to drop deep to protect the defence, but unfortunately it’s a reality. If anything, this makes his performances even more impressive. He isn’t able to concentrate on the pressing side of his game, but instead has to cover for a defensive midfielder who has seen his day come and go. It’s incredible really, that a team like PSG with the resources and options they have want to give Herrera a 3 year deal and a bumper contract, but so many here think he’s disposable.
Many seem to forget that prior to Matic’s arrival Herrera was our POTY playing as the deepest midfielder in a season where we had the best defensive record in the league.