Only 21 years of age, the Newcastle United defender looks like he’s the experienced Premier League defender at the moment.
It’s no wonder Steve McClaren has singled Chancel Mbemba out for praise after his start to life at St James’ Park.
There hasn’t been much to praise elsewhere at Newcastle – and certainly not within the Magpies’ back four.
The starkest comparison is provided, embarrassingly really, by McClaren’s skipper.
Indeed, Fabricio Coloccini’s struggles are only further highlighted when you pit them against Mbemba’s form so far on Tyneside.
| 2015/16 | Tackles | Interceptions | Clearances | Headers | Passing Accuracy | Blocks | Errors For A Goal | Errors For A Shot | Minutes Played |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chancel Mbemba | 18 | 16 | 45 | 12 | 81% | 6 | 0 | 0 | 540 |
| Fabricio Coloccini | 8 | 10 | 23 | 6 | 88% | 10 | 0 | 1 | 540 |
As Opta stats show, Mbemba has won more than double the amount of tackles Coloccini has so far this Premier League season (and more than any other Newcastle player).
The 21-year-old has also won more interceptions, made almost double the amount of clearances and won twice as many headers as the Argentine.
Coloccini does have a higher passing accuracy and has made more blocks – his only saving graces, if that’s anything to cling to in defence of the Newcastle skipper – but he has committed one error that led to a shot, which is one more than the so far major error-free Mbemba.
Overall, the stats don’t say much for age and experience…
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
