The number of aerial duels a player wins — important for predicting set-piece danger, defensive solidity, and physical matchups.
Aerials won (or aerial duels won) counts the number of times a player wins a challenge for a ball in the air — whether from a cross, a long ball, a goal kick, or a set-piece. The metric is typically expressed as both raw totals and as a win percentage of all aerial duels contested. A central defender winning 70%+ of aerial duels is considered strong; one winning under 50% is a defensive liability in the air.
Aerials won is particularly relevant for set-piece analysis — corners, free-kicks, and long throw-ins produce most of the aerial duels in a match. Teams with dominant aerial players in the penalty area are more dangerous from dead-ball situations and may also defend set-pieces more securely.
Matches featuring physically powerful, aerial-threat teams tend to produce more corners and set-piece situations — which in turn creates more goal-scoring opportunities from dead balls. Approximately 25–30% of all football goals come from set-piece situations, making aerial data a meaningful input for corner betting markets and set-piece threat assessment.
For specific player markets (anytime goalscorer, first goalscorer), tall, physical centre-forwards who consistently win aerials from crosses are prime set-piece targets — particularly from corners and free-kicks. Monitoring aerial win rate combined with xG from headed shots gives a clear picture of set-piece threat.
xG (Expected Goals)
A metric that scores every shot by its probability of resulting in a goal, based on factors like shot location, angle, and assist type.
Set Piece
A restart of play from a static position — corners, free kicks, throw-ins, and penalties — which account for roughly 25–30% of all goals in top leagues.
Shots on Target
Attempts that require a save or result in a goal, excluding blocked shots and shots that miss the frame.
Clean Sheet
When a team concedes no goals in a match — a key metric for defenders and goalkeepers in fantasy football and defensive analysis.
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