Posted by werdernews on April 9, 2008
Just three wins in ten matches: Werder Bremen have hardly set the world alight in 2008.
The Green-Whites looked certain Champions League qualifiers during the winter break, but fourth place at the moment would only be good enough for a place in next season’s UEFA Cup.
Not enough goals
Werder’s trademark attacking football has faltered. They haven’t managed more than two goals in any of their games in 2008 (exception: the crazy 6-3 defeat in Stuttgart).
Werder have also been eliminated from the UEFA Cup by Scottish side Glasgow Rangers.
Diego’s dip in form
Goes Werder’s game hand in hand with the form of playmaker Diego? A look at the Brazilian’s season statistics at least suggests that.
Diego, too, has seemingly lost his form during the winter break.
Diego was outstanding in the first half of the season, scoring nine goals and creating a further six. In 2008 the Brazilian has scored three goals and failed to create a goal so far.
His last assist (for Hugo Almeida) came in the home match against Hertha on October 24, 2007. Diego hasn’t been creator in Werder’s last 33 goals.
It had been similar last season: eight goals and nine assists in the first half of the season were followed by just five goals and four assists after the winter break.
Diego set up his team-mates for 3.9 shots per game in the first half of the season. That ratio has dropped to 2.6 in 2008.
His dribblings are less successful, too. He completed 40 per cent in the first half of the season compared to 31 per cent in 2008. His crosses (36 per cent to 21 per cent) are less accurate, too.
Despite his dip in form Diego is still second in the Bundesliga’s scoring charts. His 18 points (twelve goals, six assists) are only surpassed by Luca Toni (19, 16 goals and three assists).
source: bundesliga.de
This entry was posted on April 9, 2008 at 9:13 pm and is filed under Team news.
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