The statistics of the still young season show what is still lacking at VfL Bochum. In addition to their running performance, Thomas Letsch’s team is also behind in terms of passing.

The international break offers the opportunity to take a closer look at the start of the season. After the 5-0 opening defeat to VfB Stuttgart, VfL Bochum at least collected their first points of the young season against Borussia Dortmund (1-1) and FC Augsburg (2-2).

Even if numbers are not everything, a look at the statistics provides possible reasons why Thomas Letsch’s team has not yet managed to win – because there have certainly been chances.

The VfL scored a total of 45 times in the first three games, which puts them in eighth place in the league-wide ranking (data via bundesliga.com). However, only three of these attempts ended up in the net. By way of comparison, Stuttgart, who had already conceded five goals to VfL on the first matchday and have scored a total of eleven times (best with Leverkusen), only managed to score 41 times.

Worst passing rate, second-worst running performance

However, precision is not only lacking in front of goal. The VfL also still has deficits in its passing game. Only 75.9 percent of the passes reached the man – the worst value in the entire league, even behind 1. FSV Mainz 05 (76.5 percent).

There is also a lot of catching up to do in terms of mileage. Letsch’s team covered 336.3 kilometres in the first three games. Only SV Darmstadt 98, who are still without points at the bottom of the table, have run less (333.8 kilometres).

But there are also figures that are positive. Ivan Ordets in particular stands out: the Ukrainian has won the most headers in the league so far (24). In terms of duels won (43), only one team-mate beats him. Newcomer Bernardo has already won 44 tackles.

As a team, Bochum, with 290 duels won, are only beaten in this category by Mainz (332), Bremen (323), Dortmund (300) and Cologne (292). In terms of headers won, Bochum are in fourth place (77) behind Mainz (98), Bremen (95) and Freiburg (78).

Before the Bundesliga continues, Letsch and his team now have until Saturday, 16 September (6.30 pm) to work on the supposed weak points. Eintracht Frankfurt will then be the guests. Before that, VfL will test against VV ST. Truiden (Thursday, 7 September, 2 p.m.).