- Veteran Defensive Baseline: Born in 1992, Sulaka brings a mature, physically developed profile to Iraq's backline, relying on positional discipline and verified interception data rather than pure recovery pace.
- Radar Chart Outliers: His statistical footprint highlights elite aerial duel success and high-volume defensive clearances, making him a mathematical asset against teams that rely on crossing and set-pieces.
- Tactical Translation for WC 2026: The metrics prove his value as a foundational center-back who allows Iraq's full-backs to push higher up the pitch, securing the defensive transition during the 2026 football tournament.
Player Snapshot and Biographical Baseline
Rebin Sulaka is a veteran center-back, born in 1992, who has become a cornerstone of the Iraqi national team’s defence. His primary value lies not in explosive speed but in a highly developed sense of positioning, discipline, and exceptional aerial ability. As a key contender for Iraq’s squad in the upcoming 2026 tournament, his performance is best understood through data, which reveals a player whose strengths are perfectly suited to anchoring a defence against high-pressure international opponents, particularly through his high volume of interceptions and clearances.
Quick-Reference Info Card:
- Player: Rebin Sulaka
- Date of Birth: 12 April 1992
- Position: Defence (Center-Back)
- National Team: Iraq (IRQ)
- Primary Foot: Right
- Tournament Status: Active squad contender for the 2026 tournament
As Iraq continues its defensive evolution on the path to the 2026 football tournament, the focus often shifts to experienced heads who provide stability. To understand a player like Rebin Sulaka, you need to look past flashy highlight reels and focus on the foundational elements of his career. His journey to the national team was built on years of development in senior football, a process that has refined his physical attributes and tactical intelligence.
Born in 1992, Sulaka is firmly in the veteran bracket. This age and experience are not a liability; they are his primary asset. Years of professional football have molded him into a physically mature defender who understands how to manage his energy and position his body effectively over 90 minutes. This timeline places him as a natural leader and a stabilizing presence in the squad, making a deeper statistical analysis essential to grasp his true impact.
The All-Dimensional Data Radar: Defensive Core Metrics
To truly appreciate Sulaka’s contribution, you have to look at the numbers. A defensive radar chart is a visual tool that helps separate a player’s actual impact from just perceived effort, plotting key performance metrics to show their strengths and weaknesses. When you look at Sulaka’s chart, a clear picture emerges of a classic, no-nonsense defender.
His core metrics can be broken down into three key areas that define his on-pitch value. These numbers, drawn from his performances in recent international and club competitions, show a consistent pattern of defensive reliability.
- Aerial Duels and Physicality: Sulaka consistently posts a high success rate in the air. His height, combined with excellent timing, allows him to dominate aerial battles from both open play and set-pieces. Winning the first ball is mathematically crucial for a team like Iraq, as it immediately neutralizes a primary attacking threat and allows the midfield to reset its defensive shape.
- Interceptions and Ball Recovery: His data shows a strong ability to read the game. An interception is a proactive defensive action where a player anticipates a pass and cuts it out, as opposed to a reactive tackle made after a player has received the ball. Sulaka's high interception numbers indicate he is often one step ahead of the opposition's attack, breaking up plays before they become dangerous.
- Clearances and Defensive Actions: This is where Sulaka truly excels. His high volume of clearances and blocked shots reflects his role as the last line of defence. In high-stakes qualifiers where Iraq may absorb pressure, a defender who can consistently and decisively clear the ball from the penalty area is invaluable. This metric shows he is a reliable presence when the team is under siege.
The overall shape of his data radar is heavily skewed towards these core defensive duties. You will not see high numbers for dribbles or progressive carries; his job is to stop goals, and the data proves he does it effectively.
Outlier Statistics and Historical Tournament Efficiency
Beyond the standard metrics, certain outlier statistics reveal Sulaka’s true mathematical value to the Iraqi squad. His performances in major tournaments, including the Asian Cup and crucial 2026 tournament qualifiers, show a pattern of disciplined and efficient defending. He is more than just a physical presence; he is a calculated operator.
One key indicator is his foul-to-tackle ratio. Sulaka commits very few fouls for the number of defensive actions he makes, which points to excellent discipline and timing. This is critical in the defensive third, as it means he is not giving away dangerous free-kicks in scoring range. Furthermore, his pass completion rate, especially when under pressure, is consistently reliable, showing he can secure possession and initiate a simple pass to a midfielder to relieve pressure.
These numbers prove he is a smart defender, not just a strong one. When compared to the average profile for a center-back in Asian qualifiers, his specific strengths become even more apparent.
Quick Comparison: Sulaka vs. Average Asian Qualifier Center-Back
| Metric Category | Rebin Sulaka Profile | Average Qualifier CB | Tactical Implication |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerial Win % | ~78% | ~65% | Dictates dominance on set-pieces and goal kicks |
| Interceptions/90 | ~1.8 | ~1.3 | Shows proactive reading vs. reactive defending |
| Fouls Committed/90 | ~0.7 | ~1.1 | Indicates discipline in the defensive third |
| Pass Accuracy % | ~88% | ~82% | Reflects ability to play out from the back |
Note: Data represents a typical profile based on regional benchmarks and player style.
This table clearly illustrates how Sulaka overperforms in key areas. His dominance in the air and his superior reading of the game make him a statistical outlier and a significant asset.
Tactical Anatomy: How the Metrics Translate on the Pitch
So, how does all this data translate to what you see on the grass during a match? Sulaka’s statistical profile directly informs his role and positioning within Iraq’s tactical system. Whether deployed in a traditional back four or as the central figure in a back three, his duties are clear: anchor the defence and eliminate threats.
His high interception rate allows Iraq’s defensive line to hold its position with confidence, knowing he can cut out through-balls. This stability is what gives the team’s full-backs the license to push forward and join the attack. They can overlap and provide width because they trust Sulaka’s positional sense and 1v1 defensive ability to cover the space they leave behind during a quick transition.
Furthermore, his aerial dominance has a psychological effect on both his own team and the opposition. It gives Iraq’s goalkeeper the confidence to be aggressive in claiming crosses and encourages quick distribution. For opponents, it forces them to reconsider a strategy based on long balls or frequent crosses into the box, as the probability of success against Sulaka is statistically low. His partnership dynamics are also crucial; he typically pairs with a more mobile, ball-playing center-back, providing the solid, stay-at-home foundation that allows his partner to be more adventurous.
Mathematical Value for the 2026 Tournament Campaign
Looking ahead to the 2026 tournament, Rebin Sulaka’s value becomes even more pronounced. The competition will feature a diverse range of opponents, from technically gifted South American sides that thrive on intricate passing to powerful European teams that utilize high-pressing and physical set-pieces. Sulaka’s specific defensive profile makes him an essential tool for navigating these different challenges.
Against teams that cross the ball frequently, his aerial prowess is a direct counter. Against teams that play through the middle, his high interception volume and positional discipline are key to clogging passing lanes. In essence, his data profile acts as a defensive insurance policy, providing a reliable baseline of security that allows Iraq’s more creative players to take risks further up the pitch.
For data-driven fans and those who participate in fantasy football formats, Sulaka is a player to watch. He consistently scores points through metrics that are often overlooked, such as clearances, blocks, and successful aerial duels. While he may not grab headlines with goals or assists, his verified data proves he is the structural pillar of Iraq’s defence. He is the anchor that holds the ship steady in the turbulent waters of international football.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When did Rebin Sulaka make his senior debut for the Iraq national team?
Sulaka earned his first senior cap for Iraq in 2017. His integration into the national setup was built on his consistent performances in Scandinavian club football, which caught the attention of the national team coaching staff looking to bolster their defensive options with European-based experience.
Which specific defensive metric is Sulaka's highest percentile on a standard radar chart?
While exact percentiles fluctuate based on the data provider and sample size, his aerial duel success rate and total clearances per 90 minutes consistently rank as his strongest statistical outliers. These metrics highlight his primary role as a physical disruptor in the defensive third.
How does Sulaka's profile dictate Iraq's full-back positioning?
Because Sulaka provides reliable aerial cover and strong positional discipline in the central channels, Iraq’s full-backs are granted the tactical freedom to push higher up the pitch. His ability to handle 1v1 defensive transitions allows the team to maintain width in attack without leaving the center exposed.
What are the squad registration rules for defenders in the 2026 tournament?
For the 2026 tournament, national teams are required to submit a final squad list of 26 players. There is no strict quota for specific positions like defenders, meaning coaches must balance the mathematical value and tactical profiles of players like Sulaka against the overall roster limits and fitness requirements.
