Routinely winning fouls from the opposition is an aspect of a player’s game which can often be underrated. If you’re a forward it means you’re often setting your team up to sling the ball into the box from a set-piece or have a direct shot at goal. For a midfielder it invariably means they’re able to keep hold of the ball in tight spaces while also holding the aforementioned potential from a set play. Then there are the defenders who relieve the pressure when opponents threaten in the final third.
We’ve rounded up those who’ve won the most fouls in the Scottish Premiership so far this campaign thanks to advanced stats provided by Wyscout.com. The final list features one departed hero from Hibs and a couple of stars from Tynecastle.
The top 10 follows in ascendancy order...
1. Ryan Porteous (Hibs)
Fouls suffered - 46 Despite leaving Easter Road at the end of last month, the now-Watford centre-back is still leading the Scottish Premiership for the most fouls suffered this season. Photo: Ewan Bootman - SNS Group
4. Ryan McGowan (St Johnstone)
Fouls suffered: 41 The former Hearts man also lands himself in this list. He's played at centre-back, wing-back and centre-midfield for the Saints this season. Photo: Paul Devlin - SNS Group