Football is under constant evolution and shows no signs of slowing. Being in the heart of the digital era, we have seen monumental changes in the once simple game enjoyed by all. We have seen changes to the way the game is played, as well as to how data and statistics can impact the game and fans’ perceptions.
Once, statistics were just a number that offered not much value. If we compare that to today, the metrics used in statistics, when combined with context, can shape opinions on a specific team or player. Stats have become the forefront for footballing debates, have become key points for footballing analysts, and have also become impactful for managers and coaches. In this article, we will cover how stats are taking over football.
Recruitment and Scouting
Stats and data have become a revolutionary tool when it comes to clubs looking to improve their squads. Previously, clubs would rely on traditional scouting methods, consisting of sending individuals to watch players and potentially making transfers solely on an individual’s perception of a player.
Modern recruitment strategies are underpinned by expansive data and stats that can tell coaches the type of profile the player possesses. When this is combined with the evolution of video footage, traditional scouting methods are flawed, with little use for them. Stats can be provided to understand if a specific player would fit into the playstyle operated by the manager.
Considerable metrics can assist coaches with valuable insights that can positively impact the scouting process. These metrics can help make the scouting process less tedious, allowing coaches to focus on other important elements elsewhere. Specific metrics like distance covered can help coaches conclude whether a specific player would fit into the out-of-possession system. Other metrics, such as pass completion, can help determine if a player would fit in a possession-based system on the ball. Historically, the main stats considered are the scoreline and the goal scorers. Recently, more complex data has become widely considered, providing coaches with insights that can help a football club directly.
Tactics and Match Preparation
Stats can be tracked in many ways. Analysts can track both opponents’ stats and data, as well as the teams, to provide essential information for certain fixtures. Statistics shape managers’ decisions before, during, and after fixtures. Data can provide staff with insights into opposition strengths and weaknesses before games that can potentially be exploited, tailoring the game tactics accordingly.
After the game commences, managers can be provided with real-time statistics that can potentially impact the way they manage the games. Managers can make data-driven decisions to assist with making smarter substitutions, tactical changes, and formation changes. Before the introduction of complex statistics, coaches relied solely on their judgment and that of their staff to change tactics. Now, stats can support these decisions, leading to more accurate choices and higher-quality gameplay.
Fan Engagement and Media Coverage
Football data and statistics have become an important tool for how fans engage with the sport. Football fandom is evolving in its own right, with new places for fans to express their footballing passion. Data and statistics can assist fans in these avenues. Many modern football fans can use complex data to make smarter decisions in their fantasy football teams, or even use the data to refine their value betting strategies. Furthermore, football statistics have directly influenced football debates among fans, with many fans gaining a deeper understanding of advanced football metrics, which affects how they perceive players. Previously, supporters were limited in data regarding football, with scorelines and scorers being the foundation. Today, fans can explore heat maps, performance metrics, and more, which give them a further understanding of players’ impact on a result.
The data and statistics tracked in today’s sport can directly impact media coverage. Commentators in real-time games often use real-time statistics to reinforce points, giving listeners a better understanding. Additionally, post-game pundits and analysts also refer to advanced metrics, which can once again give audiences a better understanding of a player or team’s performance, boosting fan engagement.
The Future of Football Statistics
With the role of AI (Artificial Intelligence) becoming more prominent in our day-to-day life, it is expected that AI will evolve, as the sport does. We have already seen the introduction of AI in football, most importantly assisting referees and officials with real-time decisions regarding offsides. On top of this, clubs around the world have begun to implement AI systems that can process and analyse large amounts of data and statistics to provide useful information.
In the future, we can expect to see the role of AI and machine learning become more prominent. AI could potentially evolve to a position where the systems help gather data regarding player development, injury detection, or even game strategy, assisting managers in important decisions.
