A surprising stat involving Luke Shaw and Zinedine Zidane has become a huge talking point since England recorded an emphatic 4-0 win against Ukraine.
Gareth Southgate’s men will face underdogs Denmark on Wednesday night after goals from Harry Kane (2), Harry Maguire and Jordan Henderson sealed their place in the semi-final stages of Euro 2020.
It was a dominant performance from start to finish from in-form England and, like he has done on numerous occasions this tournament, full-back Luke Shaw played a key part throughout.
Just the two assists tonight 😏
Well played, @LukeShaw23! pic.twitter.com/GVAje0q4PT
— England (@England) July 3, 2021
Luke Shaw at #EURO2020 [#ENG rank]:
21 passes into the box [🥇]
8 chances created [🥇]
5 chances created from open play [🥇]
4 big chances created [🥇]
3 assists [🥇]
1.57 xA [🥇]Outstanding. 👏👏👏 pic.twitter.com/S2KCjb3mCE
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) July 3, 2021
He delivered an inch-perfect free-kick to Manchester United teammate Harry Maguire, who headed in to make it 2-0.
Then just minutes later, Shaw assisted Harry Kane with a scooped cross from the left to make it three.
In fact, in the three minutes and 51 seconds it took to record two assists in the quarter-final clash, Shaw achieved a quite remarkable stat involving Zinedine Zidane. You can see it below, posted by Duncan Alexander.
Luke Shaw provided more assists in 3m 51s vs Ukraine than Zinedine Zidane did in 14 appearances at the Euros
— Duncan Alexander (@oilysailor) July 3, 2021
That’s right. The 25-year-old recorded more assists against Ukraine than Zinedine Zidane did in 14 appearances for France at the European Championship.
After the final whistle, Shaw played down the Zidane stat in his post-match interview, calling it a ‘strange’ one.
“A very strange stat,” he laughed. “A nice one, I think. Obviously, Zidane was one of the best midfielders ever and I can’t compare to him, like I’ve said before about different people.
“It’s a nice stat to obviously hear but the most important thing for me tonight was reaching the semi-final, getting another game at Wembley in front of our own crowd and hopefully making them happy again.
Luke Shaw provided more assists in 3m 51s vs Ukraine than Zinedine Zidane did in 14 appearances at the Euros
— Duncan Alexander (@oilysailor) July 3, 2021
Luke Shaw and Zidane in one sentence 😭🤣 https://t.co/xGvTDHgcDP
— Mr L-R (@Jermaine342) July 4, 2021
Probably the most ridiculous comparison ever. https://t.co/MOBBqoMQf5
— Neil Maloney (@neilmaloney1) July 4, 2021
As an England fan, Zidane is better than any player England have ever produced https://t.co/RmyuHmMdHC
— monstarCFC (@monstarcfc) July 4, 2021
The full-back then played down talks of him picking up the player of the tournament award, bringing up the performances of goalkeeper Jordan Pickford instead.
“I think, for me, nowhere near the player of the tournament,” Shaw added.
“I think the concentration in the defence has been unbelievable and of course that starts with Pickers [Pickford].
“For me, Pickers has been outstanding. He’s been unbelievable, one of our best players this tournament. Like I said, it starts with him. I’m really happy for him. He’s been unbelievable.”
Featured Image Credit: PA/Twitter