Škriniar–Aké Partnership: 18 Duels and 95% Passing Accuracy Leading to Defensive Control

Škriniar and Aké Controlled the Centre of Fenerbahçe’s Defence

Milan Škriniar and Nathan Aké delivered complementary performances at the heart of Fenerbahçe’s defence during the 2-0 victory over Sturm Graz.

Both centre-backs completed the full match. Škriniar received an 8.3 rating, while Aké finished with 7.8.

Their influence went beyond the clean sheet. The pair combined physical dominance with secure distribution, allowing Fenerbahçe to defend aggressively without losing control after regaining possession.

Their combined match output included:

• 20 total duels

• 18 duels won

• 90% duel success

• 11 tackles

• 8 tackles won

• 6 clearances

• 7 ball recoveries

• 3 interceptions

• 160 attempted passes

• 152 accurate passes

• 95% pass accuracy

• 186 touches

• Only eight possessions lost

The partnership worked because the two defenders did not perform the same function. Škriniar stepped forward and dominated direct confrontations, while Aké provided positional balance, read passing lanes and protected the space around him.

Role Distribution: Škriniar Attacked the Ball, Aké Protected the Structure

The clearest feature of the partnership was the difference in their defensive methods.

Škriniar played the more aggressive, contact-oriented role. He frequently left the defensive line to challenge Sturm Graz’s forwards and attempted nine tackles during the match.

Aké operated with greater positional restraint. He produced fewer direct challenges but completed three interceptions, cutting out attacks before they developed into physical duels.

StatisticŠkriniarAkéRating8.37.8Total duels146Duels won135Duel success93%83%Tackles92Tackles won62Interceptions03Clearances42Ball recoveries52Passes7882Accurate passes7478Pass accuracy95%95%

The contrast between Škriniar’s nine tackles and Aké’s three interceptions illustrates their different responsibilities.

Škriniar often reacted after an opponent received the ball. Aké was more likely to recognise the intended pass and stop the move before the receiver could gain control.

This interpretation is based on the distribution of their individual defensive actions, but the figures clearly show that they contributed through different methods.

Škriniar Dominated the Physical Battle

Škriniar won 13 of his 14 duels, recording a 93% success rate.

That was significantly above his season rate of 59%. Sturm Graz’s forwards struggled to secure the ball under pressure or continue attacks after receiving with their backs to goal.

The Slovak defender also recorded:

• 9 tackles

• 6 tackles won

• 5 ball recoveries

• 4 clearances

• 1 blocked shot

• 1 last-man tackle

• Only 1 duel lost

His nine tackles were more than double his seasonal average of 4.33 per 90.

The volume of his defensive actions shows that he was willing to step out of the line and confront opponents early. Rather than waiting for attacks to reach the penalty area, he tried to stop them at the first point of contact.

That level of aggression required security behind him. Aké’s positioning was therefore central to the partnership.

Aké’s Contribution Was Quieter but Essential

Aké did not match Škriniar’s tackle volume, but he was highly efficient in the defensive actions he attempted.

The Dutch defender:

• Won both of his tackles

• Completed 3 interceptions

• Won 5 of 6 duels

• Made 2 clearances

• Recovered the ball twice

• Was not dribbled past

• Made no error leading to a goal

His three interceptions were particularly important.

Rather than repeatedly stepping into physical challenges, Aké anticipated passing lanes and stopped Sturm Graz attacks before they could progress.

That positional security allowed Škriniar to defend more aggressively. When Škriniar moved forward to engage the striker, Aké remained available to protect the space behind and manage the next phase.

They Won 18 of Their 20 Duels

The two centre-backs entered 20 duels and won 18 of them, producing a combined success rate of 90%.

Škriniar won 13, while Aké won five.

Their aerial contribution also strengthened the defensive performance. Škriniar won both of his aerial duels, while Aké won two of three.

Together, they won four of five aerial contests.

This reduced Sturm Graz’s ability to progress through direct passes and made it difficult for their forwards to establish attacks through second balls.

The central defenders did not merely clear the first delivery. They regularly ensured that the next action also remained under Fenerbahçe’s control.

The Same Quality in Build-Up

The partnership was equally reliable in possession.

Both defenders completed the match with 95% pass accuracy.

Škriniar recorded:

• 78 attempted passes

• 74 accurate passes

• 94 touches

• 4 possessions lost

Aké produced:

• 82 attempted passes

• 78 accurate passes

• 92 touches

• 4 possessions lost

Together, they completed 152 of their 160 passes.

Their combined 186 touches show how heavily Fenerbahçe relied on the centre-backs during the first phase of possession. Despite that involvement, they lost the ball only eight times.

That security was important because a defensive action is not fully completed if possession is immediately returned to the opponent.

Škriniar and Aké did more than stop Sturm Graz’s attacks. They retained the ball afterwards and allowed Fenerbahçe to rebuild with control.

Aké Was Perfect With His Long Passing

The two centre-backs used long passes in different ways.

Škriniar attempted nine and completed six, producing a 67% success rate. Aké completed all four of his long passes.

Their combined long-ball record was:

• 13 attempted

• 10 completed

• 77% accuracy

Škriniar took greater responsibility for attempting direct progression and bypassing the first pressure line. His volume was higher, although this naturally reduced his accuracy.

Aké was more selective. He attempted fewer long passes but completed every one.

The contrast supported Fenerbahçe’s build-up. Škriniar offered greater vertical ambition, while Aké provided control and reliability.

Both Centre-Backs Contributed in the Final Third

Their influence was not limited to defence and circulation.

Škriniar completed:

• 1 key pass

• 1 chance created

• 1 big chance created

Aké recorded:

• 1 shot

• 1 shot on target

• 0.07 xG

• 1 key pass

• 1 chance created

• 4 passes into the final third

It would be an exaggeration to describe either player as a primary attacking contributor. Their main responsibilities remained defensive stability and first-phase progression.

However, both showed that they could support attacks without compromising the team’s structure.

Aké’s four passes into the final third were especially notable compared with Škriniar’s one. This suggests that Aké took a slightly more active role in connecting the defensive line with advanced areas, while Škriniar concentrated more heavily on defensive confrontation.

Why the Partnership Worked

The effectiveness of the Škriniar–Aké pairing can be explained through three main elements.

Aggression and cover

Škriniar stepped out of the defensive line and attempted nine tackles. Aké remained more positionally controlled and completed three interceptions.

One defender engaged the ball carrier, while the other managed the space behind the challenge.

Physical dominance

The pair won 18 of 20 duels.

Sturm Graz’s central attackers struggled to protect possession, turn under pressure or maintain attacks through direct play.

Security after regaining possession

Both players completed 95% of their passes and lost possession only eight times in total.

Their defensive success therefore did not end with the tackle, interception or clearance. They converted regained possession into controlled Fenerbahçe attacks.

The Foundation of Fenerbahçe’s Clean Sheet

Fenerbahçe’s clean sheet was the result of collective defending, but the efficiency of the centre-back partnership provided a strong central foundation.

Škriniar and Aké:

• Made no error leading to a goal

• Lost only two duels between them

• Won four of five aerial contests

• Produced six clearances

• Completed three interceptions

• Recovered the ball seven times

• Passed with 95% accuracy

The numbers show a partnership capable of defending both through direct confrontation and positional control.

Škriniar provided aggression, physical authority and last-line interventions. Aké supplied anticipation, balance and secure distribution.

Conclusion: Two Different Methods, One Complete Partnership

The success of the Škriniar–Aké partnership against Sturm Graz did not come from the two defenders having identical qualities.

It came from their differences.

Škriniar led the physical battles, stepped forward aggressively and dominated direct duels. Aké protected the structure, intercepted passes and provided greater control when circulating possession.

Their combined 18 duels won and 95% pass accuracy brought together two essential parts of modern centre-back play: stopping attacks and building the next one.

Fenerbahçe’s goals determined the scoreline, but Škriniar and Aké ensured that the two-goal advantage remained protected throughout the match.

StatsLook Match Profiles:
Milan Škriniar: Aggressive centre-back | Duel dominance | Last-line defending
Nathan Aké: Covering centre-back | Spatial control | Secure distribution