Quick summary up front: the raw figures tell part of the tale, but minutes and role matter. Raskin has significantly more playing time, which lifts his totals. Tavernier has fewer minutes yet still shows strong chance creation. You can see why the conversation gets heated on the boards.

Minutes and why they distort totals

To be fair, playing almost 500 minutes more than anyone else — roughly 20% extra — will push a player up the totals charts. Totals are fine when you want to show aggregate contribution, but they don’t normalise for opportunity. That’s where per-90 numbers are handy: they give context to what a player does when he’s on the pitch. Still, per-90 isn’t perfect either. Fatigue, game state and role within the team will all influence those rates.

What the key stat lines tell us

You laid out the numbers neatly: Raskin with 2.5 tackles per 90 and Tavernier 2.2, Raskin 56 passes per 90 versus Tavernier’s 50, and Tavernier with 62 big chances to Raskin’s 51 despite the minutes gap. Assist totals were noted as 6 to 4 in Raskin’s favour, and accurate passes per 90 put Raskin behind Souttar and Djiga. Those comparisons show different strengths. Raskin looks busier defensively and in general passing volume. Tavernier, with fewer minutes, still contributes more big chances, which flags his creative value.

So who comes out on top?

Truth is, both points are valid. If you prize per-90 chance creation, Tavernier’s numbers are impressive given the minutes. If you value sustained influence and higher total involvement, Raskin’s extra minutes and tackling/pass rates stand out. Context matters: position, when each player is used, and set-piece or crossing responsibilities will all change the picture. I’m not trying to split hairs — just saying stats are a tool, not the whole argument. Fans saying one is clearly better are simplifying things. Look at both measures and you get a fairer sense of contribution.

At the end of the day it’s about what you value: consistency and work-rate, or creativity and chance creation per minute. Both players have roles that the numbers reflect, and both deserve the credit those stats show.

Written by Angus1812: 6 June 2026

Tags: transfers