✰ off-ball runs
✰ pressing opposition
✰ challenging for the ball
✰ tracking back due to runners
✰ recoveries made
✰ one-on-one defending
✰ loose-ball challenges
Let us begin.
The first idea conveyed through this binary perspective is not that Rashford makes runs off the ball but that Martial does not or does so very little. However, Rashford (12.41) — praised for his runs — only averages 1.57 more per 90 than Martial (10.84).
Another aspect Rashford is heavily praised for is his pressing off the ball. Yet, he does not attempt more presses (4.77) than Martial (6.65) who presses at a higher rate. The centre forward should set the tone and Martial does yet, again, he is not given credit for it.
Rashford (2.69) averages more off-ball challenges than Martial (2.36) which is a theme seen around Europe when comparing teams’ wingers to their centre forwards. Yet, the difference is only 0.33.
Rashford (1.79) tracks back significantly more than Martial (0.98) but, again, Martial's 0.98 — effectively once a game — is largely made up of tracking full backs (87.81%) whilst he is a centre forward.
Rashford (0.93) averages more than Martial (0.47) in this regard which is to be expected as Rashford, a winger, will have to duel with full backs whereas Martial is not tasked with this. Yet, Martial still averages 0.47 a game. Why?
Loose balls occur mostly amongst offensive-minded players due to them playing in tighter areas and, thus, increasing the likelihood of a loose ball. Consequently, those who challenge most for loose balls are defenders and midfielders.
Marcus Rashford's workrate exceeds Anthony Martial's and there is no doubting that. However, the narrative that Rashford works hard for the team whereas Martial is lazy is, by all accounts, not true. Rather, the opposite is true in that Martial works hard, too.
Anthony Martial is an upper-tier good to low-tier excellent player. However, his potential is that of a world class player. If he can remain fit for a season — this is his biggest problem — he will illustrate that class for all to see.
End of thread.