Alessandro Bastoni: Europe’s Top Ball-Playing Defender

Alessandro Bastoni: The Best Ball-Playing Defender in Europe

Alessandro Bastoni, a defender for Inter Milan and the Italian national team, is recognized as the best ball-playing defender in Europe. Recent statistics highlight his exceptional performance this season, which includes three assists, 75 successful long passes, and 185 touches in the final third.

On September 22, 2024, Bastoni provided his third assist in a match against Hellas Verona, contributing to Inter’s 5-0 victory. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, his statistics exceed those of other defenders in Europe and show his importance to the team.

Bastoni’s average expected assists per game stand at 0.8, ranking him highest among centre-backs across Europe. He leads with 75 long passes, 185 touches in the final third, and 69 progressive passes in 12 matches, averaging 2.8 per game. His closest competitor, Amir Rrahmani from Napoli, has recorded 43 progressive passes this season.

In total, Bastoni has made 15 appearances for Inter this season. He made his debut for the Italian national team in 2020 and has played 33 matches for the Azzurri. His ability to play from the back and influence the game offensively sets him apart as a standout defender in football today.