The Premier League season ending brings to a conclusion the golden boot race as Mo Salah's impressive 32 haul was enough to secure that accolade while Kevin De Bruyne led the assist statistics with 16. There was also a considerable contribution by the Irish contingent to some familiar categories.
Somewhat predictably, the players involved are all defenders, with Brighton's centre-half Shane Duffy in particular excelling. Duffy contributed the most goalline clearances in the league with four. In second place was Newcastle and Irish defender Ciaran Clark with three. Tied with Clark was yet another Irish squad member, Declan Rice. Nine different players trail behind with just two goalline clearances.
Duffy also leads the stats for headed clearances, with an astonishing 237, 85 more than second place Ahmed Hegazi. As a result, Duffy has far and away the most clearances overall this season.
Wernt our day today against a top team. Just a huge thank you to all the Brighton fans for the support this season been unbelievable. We go again next season for more exciting times. Our aim this season was to stay up and we did it 🙌🏻 @OfficialBHAFC 🔵⚪️
— Shane Duffy (@shaneduffy) May 13, 2018
Duffy also had the most blocks.
Brighton's Shane Duffy (No. 22) was almost acting as a second goalkeeper in their game against Liverpool yesterday. #LIVBHA pic.twitter.com/XCIar1SnUx
— James Nalton (@JDNalton) May 14, 2018
Duffy has made no qualms about his ability as a footballer, but there is no doubt what he can do, he does extremely well. Alongside Lewis Dunk he struck up a formidable partnership that saw Chris Hughton's side comfortably avoid relegation, finishing 15th.
