The revealing statistics behind Daniel Ayala's Middlesbrough absence

Ayala has played in 25 of Boro’s 33 league games this season, and had only missed the 2-2 draw at Bristol City before injuring his ankle at Preston on New Year’s Day.

Since then the Teessiders have gone seven games without a win in the Championship – highlighting the Spaniard’s influence.

Using statistics from football database Wyscout, we take a closer look at the defender’s value.

The most obvious figure which stands out is the goals Boro have conceded when Ayala hasn’t played.

On average the Teessiders have let in 1.3 goals per game in the Championship this season, yet that figure increases to 1.63 when you tot up the eight league games where Ayala has missed out.

Interestingly, Boro have conceded more shots at goal when Ayala has played this campaign, with opponents taking an average of 11.45 shots per game against Jonathan Woodgate’s side.

In the eight games Ayala has missed, Championship opponents have averaged 10.88 shots per game against the Teessiders, yet that doesn’t just reflect the Spaniard’s performances.

So how does Ayala compare to Boro’s other centre-back options?

In terms of defensive duels won, both Ryan Shotton (73.1 per cent) and Jonny Howson (75.3 per cent) are ahead of the Spaniard who is on 69.3 per cent.

Surprisingly, Ayala doesn’t lead the way when it comes to aerial duels either.

The 29-year-old has won just 54.6 per cent of his aerial battles this season, less than Dael Fry (60.6 per cent) and Paddy McNair (64 per cent).

Ayala’s no nonsense approach has proved valuable though, and the Spaniard has averaged 5.07 clearances per game this term.

That’s significantly higher than Boro’s other centre-backs, with McNair next on the list with 3.65 clearances per game when he’s played in defence.

Crucially, though, Ayala has started seven of the Teessiders’ eight league wins this season and came off the bench in September’s 1-0 victory over Reading.

That alone shows just how important the player has become.