Mansfield Town star is leading the way in this particular League One stat so far this season
We may only be six games in but this League One season is already providing nail-biting action, dramatics and surprises.
Mansfield Town’s latest efforts saw them halt promotion candidates Huddersfield Town, even when they were reduced to ten men. Stags forced the plucky Terriers to return home with just one point, after digging in their heels for a 0-0 draw at the One Call Stadium.
Stags’ defensive play was the star of the show and the starting back three of Elliott Hewitt, Deji Oshilaja and Ryan Sweeney all put in a solid shift to ensure Huddersfield’s attack was kept at bay.
Now, Sweeney tops the tally for most interceptions made so far in League One this season. According to official EFL stats, the Stags skipper has put in 13 interceptions, the same as Bromley’s Kamil Conteh and Arley Kay of Barnsley.
The three defensive-minded players lead the pack for this statistic, showcasing their commitment to getting stuck in in order to break up opposition play.
That has been a real strength of Sweeney’s so far this season. The captain’s eye for danger is very noticeable as he’s often quick to threatening balls and will rush to throw his body ahead of the opposition attacker to diffuse their chance at progressing towards goal.
Sweeney is also solid in the air and uses his stature well to win duels and overpower his opponent.
After the draw against Huddersfield, the centre-back praised the whole team for their combined effort, which saw them break a two-game run of defeats.
“It was just about doing a job to a man and seeing it through. For the whole squad it is a brilliant point and a fantastic clean sheet for us. It is incredible and a whole squad effort,” Sweeney said.