Anatoliy Trubin Stats: The Data-Driven Proof of Benfica’s New Wall

Stepping into the shoes of a fan-favorite is one of the most daunting tasks in football. When Anatoliy Trubin arrived at the Estádio da Luz, he wasn’t just joining a European giant; he was tasked with replacing Odysseas Vlachodimos, a goalkeeper etched into the recent history of SL Benfica. The pressure was immense, but the towering Ukrainian didn’t just fill the void—he redefined it. Through a compelling blend of commanding presence and modern technique, Trubin has cemented his place, and the statistics tell a story of a goalkeeper on a rapid ascent to the top.

This isn’t just a story of a successful transfer. It’s a deep dive into the numbers that showcase why Trubin has been so effective. We’ll move beyond simple save counts and clean sheets to explore the advanced metrics that separate the good from the great, proving that Benfica has secured a truly elite talent between the posts.

The Wall of Lisbon: Analyzing Trubin’s Core Shot-Stopping Numbers

At the heart of any goalkeeper’s evaluation is their fundamental ability to stop the ball from hitting the back of the net. For Trubin, this is where his journey to win over the Benfica faithful began, and the data provides a formidable foundation.

Save Percentage: A Mark of Elite Consistency

One of the most telling statistics for a keeper is their save percentage. In his inaugural Primeira Liga season, Trubin consistently posted figures that placed him among the league’s absolute best. A high save percentage, often hovering well above 75%, demonstrates not just reflex ability but also excellent positioning and anticipation. It’s a measure of reliability; it tells a defense that they have a last line of defense who can be counted on to deal with the majority of threats he faces.

This consistency is crucial for a team like Benfica, which dominates possession in most domestic matches. It means the goalkeeper might face fewer shots, but the ones they do face are often from high-quality chances on the counter-attack. Trubin’s high save rate proves he maintains concentration and delivers when called upon.

Clean Sheets: The Ultimate Defensive Metric

Clean sheets are a team achievement, but they are impossible without a goalkeeper who exudes confidence and makes crucial saves. Trubin’s impressive tally of shutouts for Benfica is a testament to his ability to organize his defense and make the decisive interventions that preserve a scoreless scoreline. Each clean sheet is another brick in the wall he’s building at the Estádio da Luz, solidifying his reputation as a dependable guardian of the goal.

Goals Conceded vs. Expected Goals on Target (xGOT)

Here’s where we see Trubin’s true value. The ‘Expected Goals on Target’ model assesses the likelihood of a goal being scored based on where the shot was taken from and where it was placed on target. A truly elite keeper will concede fewer goals than their xGOT suggests. Trubin consistently overperforms this metric, meaning he makes saves that an average goalkeeper would be expected to concede. These are the match-winning, point-saving stops—the fingertip save onto the post, the sprawling stop on a one-on-one—that turn draws into wins.

More Than a Shot-Stopper: Trubin’s Role in Benfica’s Build-Up Play

In the modern game, a goalkeeper’s responsibilities extend far beyond their own penalty area. They are the first attacker, the starting point of possession. Roger Schmidt’s system demands a keeper who is comfortable with the ball at his feet, and Trubin’s stats in this area are just as impressive as his shot-stopping.

Distribution and Passing Accuracy

Trubin is the epitome of a modern ball-playing goalkeeper. His passing accuracy, particularly with short passes to his defenders, is consistently high. This composure under pressure allows Benfica to confidently build from the back, drawing the opposition press before exploiting the space left behind. He isn’t just clearing the ball; he’s initiating structured attacks.

His long-range distribution is equally potent. Rather than aimless kicks upfield, Trubin has demonstrated the vision and technique to launch precise long balls to forwards like Rafa Silva or Arthur Cabral, turning a defensive situation into a dangerous counter-attack in a matter of seconds. His ability to switch the play effectively is a key tactical weapon for Benfica.

Command of the Area: Crosses Claimed and Aerial Duels

Standing at an imposing 6’6" (1.99m), Trubin’s physical presence is a massive asset. Statistics on crosses claimed and high claims showcase his dominance within his own box. He doesn’t stay rooted to his line; he is proactive, coming off his line to collect crosses and relieve pressure on his defenders. This assertive style reduces chaos in the penalty area and instills a sense of calm in the backline, who trust him to handle aerial threats.

Thriving Under the Brightest Lights: Trubin in European Competition

Performing in the domestic league is one thing; replicating that form on the cold, high-stakes nights of the UEFA Champions League is another. It’s a stage that separates the contenders from the pretenders, and Trubin has shown he belongs.

A Baptism by Fire: Key Performances

While Benfica’s Champions League campaigns can be challenging, Trubin has often been the standout performer. His performances against top-tier opposition like Inter Milan and Real Sociedad were remarkable. Even in defeat, he frequently recorded a high number of saves, many of which were of the highest difficulty. These matches, broadcast globally, served as his coming-out party to a wider audience, highlighting his ability to perform under the most intense pressure.

Penalty Saving Prowess

Even before joining Benfica, Trubin had cultivated a reputation as a penalty specialist during his time at Shakhtar Donetsk. This is a skill that is part psychological, part analytical, and part athletic. His large frame makes the goal seem smaller, and his track record in shootouts and in-game penalties is a significant advantage. Knowing you have a keeper with a strong chance of saving a spot-kick gives the entire team a massive psychological boost in knockout competitions.

Putting the Numbers into Context: A Comparative Analysis

Stats are most powerful when viewed with context. How does Trubin stack up against the man he replaced and his peers across the continent?

The Vlachodimos Comparison

A direct, data-driven comparison shows a clear evolution in the goalkeeping position at Benfica. While Vlachodimos was a phenomenal shot-stopper, Trubin’s statistics often show an improvement in areas crucial to modern football. His passing range, comfort in possession, and command of his area represent a stylistic shift. Trubin is more of a ‘sweeper-keeper,’ more involved in the game’s flow, which aligns perfectly with the coach’s tactical philosophy.

Benchmarking Against Europe’s Elite

When you place Trubin’s key metrics—save percentage, xGOT overperformance, passing accuracy—alongside other top young goalkeepers in Europe’s top five leagues, he holds his own. He is statistically in the same conversation as names like Giorgi Mamardashvili of Valencia or his Primeira Liga rival Diogo Costa of Porto. This demonstrates that Benfica didn’t just buy a good goalkeeper; they invested in a player with a world-class ceiling.

Beyond the Spreadsheet: The Unquantifiable Impact

While data provides a compelling case, some of a player’s greatest assets cannot be captured in a spreadsheet. Trubin’s impact on Benfica also includes these crucial intangibles.

Leadership and Composure

For such a young player, Trubin displays a remarkable sense of calm. He is never flustered, and this composure permeates through to his defense. His body language is confident, and he communicates effectively with his backline. This quiet leadership is invaluable and provides a stable foundation upon which the team can build.

The Verdict: Benfica’s Definitive Number One

So, do the stats confirm Anatoliy Trubin’s status as an elite goalkeeper? The answer is an unequivocal yes. The numbers paint a vivid picture of a complete, modern goalkeeper who excels in every key facet of the position. From his elite shot-stopping and overperformance on expected goals to his calm distribution and commanding presence, Trubin has passed every test with flying colors.

He is more than just a replacement; he is an upgrade and a perfect fit for the club’s modern ambitions. The statistics are not just numbers on a page; they are the data-driven proof that in Anatoliy Trubin, Benfica has found its undisputed number one for the present and a cornerstone for a successful future.