Deeney for England? A closer look at the Watford man’s stats

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We examine the statistics to see whether Troy Deeney deserves an England call-up.

It is is that time again, for Watford supporters to call on Gareth Southgate to name Troy Deeney in his England squad for the games against Scotland and Spain.

So let uss take a look at the statistics behind Deeney’s time in the Premier League and ask whether they support the Watford captain’s claim for an England spot.

Arguably, the most impressive part of Deeney’s game is his build-up play and the statistics suggest he is one of England’s best in this respect.

The ex-Walsall man played a vital role in Watford’s form last season and collected seven assists in the process – more than another other England striker.

He finished top of the English strikers in terms of shooting opportunities created for his teammates with 55, beating Jamie Vardy (48), Rooney (43) and Harry Kane (44). Deeney also created the joint most clear-cut chances alongside Vardy (10).

Part of Deeney’s tremendous link-up play is his ability in the air. And the statistics support the notion that the 28-year-old is one of the Premier League’s best aerial forces.

Last season, Deeney ranked the highest in the division for headed passes (435) and flick-ons (349). The nearest England striker to these stats was Vardy (194) and (114).

Importantly, Deeney added goals to his game, with 13 in his debut top flight season. This meant he was England’s fourth highest goal-scorer behind Kane, Vardy and Jermain Defoe.

Notably, Watford’s skipper missed considerably less clear cut chances than his fellow English forwards. Vardy (19) and Kane (17) both missed squandered more of these opportunities than Deeney (3).

And Deeney’s clinical form is only reaffirmed by the statistic that he converted 10 of his 13 clear cut chances.

Although, his stats aren’t as favourable in the early stages of this season, he still ranks higher than most of his competition for an England place. Deeney has continued to do well in terms of headed passes (third behind Christian Benteke and Sam Vokes) and flick on’s (second behind Vokes).

His link-up play has no’t been as sharp this season with no clear cut opportunities created and only nine assisted shots.

Deeney has scored three times for Walter Mazzarri’s side and missed two of his four clear cut opportunities. The likes of Charlie Austin, Theo Walcott and Vardy have missed more.

If stats are anything to go by, Southgate should finally hand Deeney his first England call-up this weekend. It has been well earned.