Onana V Kepa And Mendy: Would The Inter Keeper Be An Upgrade In Goal? We Take A Look At The Numbers

With reports suggesting that Inter Milan goalkeeper Andre Onana is now Chelsea’s number one goalkeeper target, we thought it would be a good time to look at his strengths and weaknesses.

To do this, we will be looking at five separate metrics from FBRref and then comparing them to both Kepa and Mendy (using the Senegalese’s stats from the 2021/22 season for a fair sample size).

With keepers, you can’t get a full picture just by looking at the numbers but you do get a decent insight as to what the Blues could be getting.

Press the next page as we assess Onana’s goalkeeping credentials.

Save % and xG Conceded

To start with, we will be taking a look at the most conventional metrics in terms of shot-stopping.

Save percentage-wise, there is very little between the three of them. This season, Onana has saved 73.5% of his shots, Kepa was ever so slightly lower at 73.3% while Mendy managed 75.5% during the 2021/22 campaign.

However, if we compare the actual goals they let in compared to the post-shot xG conceded, we see a clear winner among the trio.

Kepa has a +5.0 score, with Mendy (-1.6) and Onana (-.2.7) trailing. It means Kepa is better at saving shots than the average keeper, while the other two shot-stoppers are not (based on recent form).

Crosses Stopped

Being able to claim crosses is a key part of a keeper’s game. It demonstrates their decision-making and takes the pressure off the defenders in front of them.

Mendy is the clear winner on this metric, with the Senegalese international claiming 7.5% of his crosses over the course of the 2021/22 league season.

Onana is the second best, having collected 5.3% of his crosses this campaign, while Kepa is the least inclined to come and take command of his box (4.5%).

The Inter goalkeeper would, therefore, be an improvement on Chelsea’s current number one but it isn’t exactly one of his best traits.

Sweeping

The stats for this may surprise some fans, as many would assume that Onana, considering his reputation, would be streets ahead of the others in terms of coming off his line.

However, in reality, the Cameroon international rarely ventures outside his penalty area to clear his lines, with just ten defensive actions beyond the 18-yard box in Serie A this season.

In contrast, Kepa managed 52 in the Premier League while, last campaign, Mendy racked up 46.

Of course, style of play needs to be taken into account. Inter may sit deeper than Chelsea, so Onana may not be required as often to play the sweeper-keeper role.

Pass Types

Onana is very active in terms of his short, medium and long-range passing, compared to both Kepa and Mendy.

While he did average fewer short passes (9.33 attempts per 90) than Kepa (10.1) this season, he was more active than Mendy (8.29).

Onana is, however, way out ahead in terms of medium range (16.4 attempts per 90) and long-range (16.8).

If you want a keeper who can play an active part in your team’s build-up play then Inter’s number one is definitely the one you would pick.

Key Passes

This is not a stat you would usually mention when talking about keepers but, for Onana, it is something that you have to take into consideration.

This season for Inter, the 27-year-old made three key passes, compared to zero for either Kepa or Mendy.

Even more remarkably, Onana recorded two progressive passes, which only count if you are outside your defensive third of the pitch.

In conclusion, if you want a ball-playing keeper, the Inter star is your man, but don’t necessarily expect him to be outstanding in other aspects of his game. He would be an upgrade on Kepa and Mendy only in certain areas.