Thalente Mbatha
CM
Box-to-Box
Mar 6, 2000 (26)
Right
5'10"
157 lb
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Leads defensive effort
Mbatha had two shots (one on goal) and one cross (zero accurate) in Wednesday's 1-0 victory against South Korea.
Analysis: Mbatha was South Africa's most defensively active midfielder in Wednesday's 1-0 win over South Korea, registering three interceptions, one tackle, two shots and one cross across his 90 minutes as the deeper of the two central midfielders in a compact shape. The midfielder completed 30 passes and contributed one foul won in a disciplined display that reflected the collective defensive organization which frustrated a South Korean attack featuring Lee Kang-in and Hwang Hee-Chan throughout the match. His defensive intensity, reading of the game and ability to break up play before it becomes dangerous make him the defensive foundation of South Africa's midfield structure, and his performances across all three group games have established him as an essential starter heading into the round of 32 against Canada.
Limited impact in draw
Mbatha had one shot (zero on goal) and two crosses (zero accurate) in Thursday's 1-1 draw versus Czech Republic. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 40th minute and registered three tackles.
Analysis: Mbatha made his first start of the WC campaign but didn't provide a lot of upside from a fantasy perspective. That was probably expected, as Mbatha had a holding role in a game where South Africa were once again the underdogs on paper. With Teboho Mokoena suspended for the match against South Korea on June 24, Mbatha could keep his place in the lineup.
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