Importance of the Romanian Centerback

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9.5 million Euros is a lot of money. On the other hand, it's only about 10% of the transfer fee that Real Madrid paid Tottenham for Gareth Bale. When Chiriches was signed by Tottenham from Steaua Bukarest for that sum on August 30th, I'm sure I wasn't alone when I said "Who?!" Since then though, the Romanian national team centerback (22 caps) has more than impressed on the pitch. Unfortunately, the defender's time on the pitch has been limited to injuries, but this post will show his importance in the Europa League Group K winner's side in all competitions.

Before I even began any of this research, in the matches I watched, he stood out with his exceptional tackling ability, smart play, safe passing, and his presence overall. He does very well to keep possession and can start attacks as well. Once I took a look at his statistical impact on Tottenham, I realized he may have more importance in the side than previously thought. Here is what I found:

Chiriches has played 6 of the 14 Premier League matches this season since signing for Tottenham for 9.5 million from Bukarest. In those 6 matches, Tottenham won 3 of them, drawing 2 (United at home, Everton at Goodison Park), and losing 1 (Newcastle at home). During his time on the pitch, Tottenham had conceded only 4 goals. In the 8 matches he hadn't played, Tottenham won 3, lost 4 (including 0:6 Man City at the Etihad, and 0:5 at home to Liverpool), and drew 1. In those 8 matches, Tottenham conceded 17 goals. The only time Tottenham have conceded more than once in a match with Chiriches on the pitch was against United. Without Chiriches though, Tottenham have had three matches where they've conceded more than twice in 90 minutes.

His impact in Europa League play may go unnoticed as Tottenham disposed rather easily of all opponents in group play. However, in the 3 of the 6 group stage matches that Chiriches played, Tottenham won, without conceding once. In the other 3 group stage matches, Tottenham still won all 3 but only kept one clean sheet.

In the 2 League Cup matches thus far, with Chiriches on the pitch, Tottenham have only conceded once.

I think it's fair to say; despite the relatively low transfer fee (compared to recent inflation in the transfer market) Chiriches is worth every cent. He has really impressed in each match so far and the statistics show his importance in the side.