Mats Hummels, one of the most highly praised German defenders in recent history, has had an interesting career. He’s switched between the Bundesliga’s top teams, won a World Cup, and induced bouts of panic in strikers everywhere. He is now, at 35 years of age, signed to AS Roma. Here are the football tactics in which Hummels operates and what makes this player so special.
Mats Hummels’ role for Germany, Dortmund and Bayern
Part modern defender, part ole-fashion destroyer, Hummels’ style of play has always gone down easily with each of the teams in which he has played.
Technically operating as a center-back, his extensive knowledge of the game, his strength, and his not-oft praised ball control, make Mats Hummels capable of taking on a defensive midfielder role when needed, and can even operate in wider areas at different times during the game.
At one point, or another, sought after by some of the world’s biggest clubs, the defender’s fate has been to be identified exclusively with the development of German football during the last decades.
Famously, Hummels was a starting player for die Mannschaft‘s World Cup-winning side of 2014, a team that ravaged tournament favorites Brazil, and won the trophy outright thanks to Mario Gotze’s goal in the final.
In that squad, he operated as a central defender with ball-playing duties, forming a strong partnership with future Bayern Munchen teammate Jerome Boateng.
What to Expect from Matts Hummels at AS Roma, the Serie A
Matts Hummels’ transfer to AS Roma caught many observers by surprise. Sure, it was practically common knowledge that the defender had not enjoyed his time at Borussia Dortmund for a while. It was also known that some of the older players, like Marco Reus, were slowly being forced out of the team for a while.
Hummels played his farewell game for Borussia Dortmund in the Champions league final against Real Madrid. What a way to go out!
He then left as a free agent. He only signed for AS Roma at the start of September despite suggestions that the 35-year-old might be heading to the MLS, or even retiring.
However, Hummels has already seen a change of manager at AS Roma and no minutes on the pitch. Current manager Ivan Juric, has hinted at the fact that the German defender, as well as the other new addition to the squad, Mario Hermoso, will need to be brought up to the same level of fitness as his teammates before he will be allowed to start. At the time of writing, it looks like Hummels may get a few minutes in AS Roma’s Europa League clash against Dynamo Kyiv.
Hummels Can Perform Well in Serie A and Fantacalcio. Here’s Why!
Mats Hummels played in the Champions League final last year. He is a player of extraordinary experience, one that could’ve easily been called up to the German national team at this Summer’s Euro without much complaints from fans. Furthermore, Serie A is known as a league where veteran players can shine.
What are some Hummels’ greatest strengths? At one time, the German defender was one of the best tacklers in the world. He is also very easy to provide tactical instructions to. Lastly, he is a ball-playing defender who can still use his physicality in aerial duels.
Last season’s stats prove all of this. Mats Hummels was in the top 1% of the top leagues’ best tacklers. He also had great numbers for interceptions and blocks. There are few players that dribble past Hummels. And even now, he can contribute to the team’s offensive actions.
In what areas have Hummels’ performances decreased? The defender won far fewer aerial duels last season in the Bundesliga than he used to do. He has also been slower in springing the press and stopping the opposition’s progressive passes. And while he is still a good passer of the ball, he doesn’t advance with it in the way that he once did.
Who is Hummels up against? The defender does have some competition for the starting position, although this will have been made clear before signing. Furthermore, at the moment, AS Roma is ninth in the table and performing poorly. The team needs all the help it can get.
AS Roma tends to play in a three-man defensive system with Evan Ndicka at the centre of the defence. Gianluca Mancini and Angelino play out wide.
Ndicka‘s stats this season have not been stellar. He makes only 1.1 interceptions per 90s minutes, 1 interception and also fouls 1.4 times per game. In FootballCoin, the defender has earned 247 points in total, fewer than Angelino but more than Mancini.
Those are reasons to continue monitoring Mats Hummels’ activity and consider using him within your FootballCoin fantasy football teams going forward. Remember that FootballCoin offers daily contests and prizes.
Mats Hummels’ Stats for Borussia Dortmund
The defender is especially famous for his highly physical display. Mats Hummels‘ height, strength, and stamina make him a tough defender to play against. His aggressive nature on the pitch and willingness to dive into tackles remind viewers of the defending strongmen of old, no nonsense, kick your head in type of players.
At 31 years of age, during the 2019/20 season, Hummels’ stats have been as impressive as ever. Per game for Dortmund, he registered 1.7 tackles, 1.9 interceptions, 0.5 blocks, and committed only 0.9 fouls per match.
Impressive as they are, these stats do not tell the entire story. While Hummels is principally known as a rough and ready defender, in fact, his positioning and ball control are the traits that account for his successful career more than anything else.
When out of possession, Hummels’ knowledge of where to move will force strikers, no matter their skill, to move wide, or within an area where the defender can attempt a tackle. The player almost always looks calm and collected, qualities befitting of a world-class defender.
Hummels on the ball is no different. Resembling classic German defensive midfielders like Franz Beckenbauer, or Matthias Sammer, Hummels is usually the player that begins buildup for Borussia Dortmund. It’s not uncommon for him to register a near 90% rate of successful passes throughout an entire campaign.
Golden Period: Hummels in the Bundesliga in 2019/20
Mats Hummels has once again proven vital to Borussia Dortmund this season. He has played nearly every match this season, with his passing and tackling nearly outmatched throughout the Bundesliga.
No doubt, the player himself must breathe a sigh of relief at his rediscovered form. Hummels’ controversial transfer from Dortmund to Bayern, arch-enemies of German football, was not as successful as anticipated. Furthermore, the national team’s poor performances in the 2018 World Cup, got Hummels castigated within the national press.
But, in 2020 Mats Hummels is back to his best and looks certain to have more years in him of playing the role of tough as nails tackler meets passing director.
