Clearances & Blocks Stats: The Ultimate How-To Guide for Football Analytics

Ever watched a defender throw his body in front of a shot and wondered, “Is that just bravery, or is there a pattern here?” You’re not alone. Clearances and blocks are the unsung metrics of defensive analytics—they tell you who’s actually preventing goals, not just who looks busy.

In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to read, interpret, and use clearance and block stats. No fluff, no insider claims—just public data from Opta, FBref, and WhoScored, broken down step by step.

---

Step 1: Understand What a “Clearance” Actually Measures

A clearance is recorded when a player deliberately kicks the ball away from his own goal area without a specific intended recipient. Sounds simple, but context matters.

• Under pressure clearances: High number often means the team is defending deep—think a low block in a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 system.
• Aerial clearances: Dominant in set-piece situations; a center-back with 5+ per game is likely a header specialist.
• “Safe” clearances vs. “Progressive” passes: A clearance isn’t a pass. If a player clears instead of passing, it signals either high pressure or poor composure.

Checklist for reading clearance stats:

• Compare to team possession: If possession is below 40%, expect high clearance numbers.
• Check match context: A 3-5-2 with wing-backs often has fewer clearances because the back three stay compact.
• Look at FBref’s “Clearances per 90” – anything above 4.0 for a CB is above average in top leagues.

---

Step 2: Decode Block Stats – Shots Blocked vs. Passes Blocked

Blocks are split into two categories, and they tell very different stories.

Why this matters: A defender with 2+ shots blocked per 90 is likely playing in a deep defensive line. A midfielder with 3+ passes blocked is probably in a high-pressing system like a 4-3-3 with aggressive triggers.

Checklist for block stats:

• Distinguish between shots blocked and passes blocked on FBref or WhoScored.
• Cross-reference with PPDA (passes per defensive action). Low PPDA + high passes blocked = intense pressing.
• Watch match footage: A block near the six-yard box is more valuable than one 30 yards out.

---

Step 3: Compare Clearances & Blocks Across Formations

Different formations create different defensive demands. Here’s a quick comparison based on public data trends (Opta, 2023-24 season averages):

Takeaway: A 3-5-2 system naturally inflates clearance numbers because the back three face more crosses. Don’t compare a 3-5-2 CB’s clearances to a 4-3-3 CB’s without adjusting for system.

Checklist for formation-aware analysis:

• Identify the team’s base formation before evaluating individual stats.
• Use expected goals (xG) conceded to contextualize—high clearances + high xG conceded = busy but leaky defense.
• Check Transfermarkt valuation: A defender with high clearances but low blocks might be overvalued if playing in a system that inflates stats.

---

Step 4: Use Clearances & Blocks to Spot Defensive Weaknesses

You can’t just look at raw numbers. Here’s how to find the real story:

• High clearances + low blocks: The defender is clearing but not blocking shots. This often means he’s positioned too deep or reacting late.
• Low clearances + high blocks: The defender is proactive—he’s intercepting before the shot happens. This is typical of a sweeper in a high line.
• High clearances + high blocks: This defender is under siege. His team is likely defending a lead or facing a dominant opponent.

Checklist for weakness detection:

• Compare clearance rate to team’s average possession. If a CB clears 6+ times per 90 in a team with 55%+ possession, he’s either error-prone or his team invites pressure.
• Cross-reference with aerial duel win rate. A CB with high clearances but low aerial win rate is clearing poorly—often heading to the opponent.
• Look at contract expiry and release clause: A defender with inflated clearances in a weak system may be overpriced in the transfer market.

---

Step 5: Integrate with Other Defensive Metrics

Clearances and blocks don’t live in a vacuum. Pair them with:

• Tackles and interceptions per 90: A defender with high clearances but low tackles is reactive, not proactive.
• Aerial duels win rate: High clearances + low aerial win rate = poor positioning.
• Goalkeeper save percentage: If your GK has a high save percentage but your CBs have high blocks, the defense is funneling shots into safe areas.
• Clean sheets by defensive line: A high block count often correlates with clean sheets in low-block systems.

Checklist for integration:

• Pull stats from FBref or WhoScored for at least 5 matches.
• Create a simple radar chart (you can use free tools) to visualize a defender’s profile.
• Compare to league average for the same position and formation.

---

Step 6: Avoid Common Misinterpretations

Here’s where most analysts get it wrong:

• “High clearances = good defender” – Not always. It can mean his team is constantly under pressure.
• “Blocks are always valuable” – A block that deflects the ball to an opponent is worse than no block.
• “Stats from one match define a player” – Always use a 5+ match sample. One game against a dominant team can skew numbers.

Checklist for honest analysis:

• Use a minimum of 5 matches for any conclusion.
• Note match context (home/away, opponent strength, scoreline).
• Remember: Public data (Opta, FBref) doesn’t track “intent” – a clearance might be a failed pass.

---

Step 7: Build Your Own Defensive Rating (Simple Model)

You don’t need a PhD in analytics. Here’s a practical checklist you can apply:

1. Collect data: 5+ matches from FBref or WhoScored.
2. Normalize for formation: Adjust expectations based on system (see Step 3).
3. Weight blocks higher: A shot block is worth roughly 2x a clearance in terms of goal prevention.
4. Add context: Check PPDA, possession, and xG conceded.
5. Compare to league average: Use Transfermarkt or league stats for baseline.

Example rating (scale 1-10):

• Clearances per 90: 4.0 (league avg: 3.8) → Score: 6/10
• Blocks per 90: 1.5 (league avg: 1.2) → Score: 7/10
• Aerial win rate: 65% (league avg: 58%) → Score: 8/10
• Overall defensive rating: 7/10 – solid, but not elite.

---

• Clearances and blocks are context-dependent – always factor in formation, possession, and opponent.
• Shots blocked > clearances in terms of goal prevention value.
• Use a minimum 5-match sample to avoid single-game noise.
• Combine with tackles and interceptions per 90, aerial duels win rate, goalkeeper save percentage, and clean sheets by defensive line for a full picture.
• Never rely on one stat alone – the best analysts always cross-reference.

Final thought: Clearances and blocks are the defensive equivalent of a goalkeeper’s save percentage – they tell you what happened, not why. Use them as a starting point, not a conclusion. And always, always watch the tape. The numbers are a map, not the territory.

Remember: This guide is for educational purposes. If you’re using these stats for betting, please gamble responsibly. No metric guarantees a match outcome.