xGunners: Mohamed Elneny stats vs Uruguay

Mohamed Elneny was the first Arsenal player to take the field at the 2018 World Cup as his Egypt took on Uruguay. (Nacho Monreal’s Spain was also in action but he did not get any game time in that cracking match.)

Egypt was without their best player in Mohamed Salah and ended up losing on heartbreaking last minute goal by Jose Gimenez.

Elneny looked a lot like he normally does for Arsenal, using his stamina to cover a lot of ground and make him self available as an outlet for teammates. His passing was solid but rather unspectacular, completing 44 of his 50 attempts. He had a passing value added (scaled to goals where higher is better) at 0.14 which is good but not great,

He also added two shots for Egypt worth 0.19 xG which was 42% of their total.

On defense he added a tackle (of two attempted), an interception, a clearance and two fouls. Overall a very solid game but wit a heartbreaking loss, it looks like there will be a up hill battle to make it to the knock out rounds.

—BONUS COVERAGE—

Arsenal target, Lucas Torreira also featured in this match coming on in the 86th minute attempting four passes and totally changing the game so Uruguay could snatch victory.

This small sample obviously means he is the key to Arsenal’s season and will lead the team to glory. I hope everyone enjoys the FOUR matches tomorrow featuring a lot more Arsenal players getting into the swing of things.