In every MLS Championship-winning side, there are a few players who greatly overperform the contracts they're on. At this point in the season, no one has overperformed their budget hit for Nashville SC more than Patrick Yazbek. Still on a U22 Initiative contract, he hits the cap at only $200,000, but he’s playing like a 2-million-dollar man.
Last year, Nashville’s gritty Aussie was known for his defense in the middle third. He would press hard, win second balls, and cut off passing lanes. This season, though, his role has changed.
More defensive production
Yazbek is averaging one fewer tackle plus interception (adjusted per 90 minutes in MLS play) and more than three fewer defensive actions. And the average height of his defensive actions has dropped by five meters, bringing him closer to Nashville’s goal. It’s worth noting that we’re working with small sample sizes right now, and he’s subbed on three times to defend a lead this season, which leads to more clearances and a lower engagement line.
