The heat map above is of our boy Højbjerg, and it’s interesting (most heat maps are a bit dull and difficult to use to illustrate much beyond the obvious) in the respect that we can see how the Dane was pulled across to cover our backline, specifically when Reguilon was ‘going wrong‘ for want of a better term.
When you’re in a tight spot, you need men you can count upon, and when your #1 defensive midfielder is busy and yet only makes 4 passes, then you have a true stalwart on your books.
Pierre won a lot of duels and enjoyed further success with aerial duels, hitting 67% in that discipline.
Further evidence in favour of Pierre and against our backline comes in the form of Interceptions and just look at where the bulk of these had to be made.
José Mourinho’s bench and wider squad contain those that cannot be trusted, Pierre has to be one of those he couldn’t operate without.