Good point, I’m not sure. The source of the data is here. I guess you could also include aerials won. However, my guess is that recoveries also include collecting loose balls, which could be from another player’s defensive action, so being in the right place to mop up second balls.

Edit: From opta’s definition, “This is where a player recovers the ball in a situation where neither team has possession or where the ball has been played directly to him by an opponent, thus securing possession for their team.”