Read on Twitter
Brendan's Stats: Malaysia 2-1 Thailand (WCQ, 2019)
One year ago, Brendan Gan produced one of the finest performances we've seen in a Malaysian shirt to help Harimau Malaya outclass Thailand 2-1 at the Bukit Jalil Stadium.
Here's a glimpse into the numbers from that game:
One year ago, Brendan Gan produced one of the finest performances we've seen in a Malaysian shirt to help Harimau Malaya outclass Thailand 2-1 at the Bukit Jalil Stadium.
Here's a glimpse into the numbers from that game:
Tan Cheng Hoe went with a 4-5-1 formation that night, but with one caveat:
The wingers would tuck inside a lot more often, allowing room for the full-backs (Syahmi & Corbin) to push forward.
Sumareh and Safawi were a lot more central, esp Safawi, who was like a 2nd striker
The wingers would tuck inside a lot more often, allowing room for the full-backs (Syahmi & Corbin) to push forward.
Sumareh and Safawi were a lot more central, esp Safawi, who was like a 2nd striker
The midfield remained compact for much of the game, with Syamer and Azam sitting deep, whilst Brendan operated as a box-to-box midfielder. Shahrul Saad and Aidil Zafuan were also super deep as CBs
Average Formation Line:
Malaysia - 50m
Thailand - 59m
Average Formation Line:
Malaysia - 50m
Thailand - 59m
But the one player who stood out for Malaysia in this game was Brendan. To the naked eye, he was EVERYWHERE on the pitch and completely ran the show.
Best part? The stats say the exact same thing. For starters, Brendan completed more passes than any other M'sian players.
Best part? The stats say the exact same thing. For starters, Brendan completed more passes than any other M'sian players.
Amongst all Malaysian players that night, Brendan also had:
1) Most Forward Passes - 13
2) Most Passes Into Final Third - 7
3) 2nd Most Dribbles: 4
4) 2nd Most Progressive Passes: 6
A quick look at his pass map shows you how progressive he was, with the ball.
1) Most Forward Passes - 13
2) Most Passes Into Final Third - 7
3) 2nd Most Dribbles: 4
4) 2nd Most Progressive Passes: 6
A quick look at his pass map shows you how progressive he was, with the ball.
But Brendan wasn't just creating that day. As a box-to-box midfielder, he was also doing A LOT defensively.
Only two Thai players made more ball recoveries than Brendan (12) that night. But nobody made more recoveries in the opposition half, than him (6).
Only two Thai players made more ball recoveries than Brendan (12) that night. But nobody made more recoveries in the opposition half, than him (6).
Brendan was also dominant in the air. Only Shahrul Saad (5) and Corbin-Ong (4) - both of whom are defenders - won more aerial duels than Brendan (3) did, amongst all M'sian players.
My favourite moment from the game, wasn't even the goal Brendan scored.
On the 55th minute, Brendan made this incredible recovery run and produced a clean tackle. And less than 10 seconds later, he was already combining with Syamer and Sumareh down the left.
Transitions.
On the 55th minute, Brendan made this incredible recovery run and produced a clean tackle. And less than 10 seconds later, he was already combining with Syamer and Sumareh down the left.
Transitions.
Speaking about combinations, here's a breakdown of all his 'pass targets' during the game
Safawi: 10 passes
Sumareh: 4 passes
Syafiq: 4 passes
Rest of the team: 11 passes
Brendan knew who the danger men were and wanted to find them at every opportunity.
Safawi: 10 passes
Sumareh: 4 passes
Syafiq: 4 passes
Rest of the team: 11 passes
Brendan knew who the danger men were and wanted to find them at every opportunity.
The tickets weren't sold out that night, I think there were about 40k people. But it really felt like there were 80k people that night. Brendan's monstrous performance got everyone out of their seats.
Look at him roaming everywhere on his heat map.
Look at him roaming everywhere on his heat map.
On paper, Brendan scored one goal, and assisted Mo Sumareh's winner. The best player on the park. A master of progressive passes.
But what the numbers also tell you is that he was the heartbeat of the team that night. Up the pitch. Down the ditch.
What a night!
But what the numbers also tell you is that he was the heartbeat of the team that night. Up the pitch. Down the ditch.
What a night!
P/S: Here's an appreciation tweet for Tan Cheng Hoe and the boys that night. 
As Thailand pushed hard in the last 20 minutes, TCH's boys kept cool and didn't allow the intensity of their pressing to drop drastically. In fact, PPDA numbers went up in the final 15 mins.
As Thailand pushed hard in the last 20 minutes, TCH's boys kept cool and didn't allow the intensity of their pressing to drop drastically. In fact, PPDA numbers went up in the final 15 mins.
