Soccer Analytics

Master Data-Driven Soccer Analysis

Comprehensive soccer analytics covering xG models, passing networks, and tactical analysis

Resources

83

Tutorials

4

Examples

13

Datasets

25

Metrics

Learning Paths

Foundations of Soccer Analytics
6 Topics

Foundational concepts and core principles of soccer data science, including xG revolution and essential metrics

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Getting Started
5 Topics

Introduction to soccer analytics and fundamental concepts

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Expected Goals (xG)
1 Topics

Understanding and calculating expected goals models

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Passing and Possession Analytics
7 Topics

Advanced analysis of passing metrics, possession value models, and ball progression frameworks

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Defensive Analytics
8 Topics

Comprehensive defensive metrics, pressing systems, ball recovery, and team defensive organization

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Possession Analytics
5 Topics

Possession value, passing networks, and ball progression

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Goalkeeper Analytics
5 Topics

Specialized goalkeeper performance metrics including shot-stopping, distribution, and positioning analysis

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Tactical Analysis
4 Topics

Formation analysis, pressing metrics, and spatial control

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Player Evaluation
5 Topics

Scouting, performance metrics, and player comparisons

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Player Evaluation and Scouting
6 Topics

Holistic player evaluation frameworks, position-specific analysis, and recruitment analytics

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Data Collection
5 Topics

APIs, web scraping, and data sources for soccer

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Team Tactics and Strategy
5 Topics

Formation analysis, tactical systems, pitch control, and strategic game planning

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Advanced Metrics
5 Topics

Advanced soccer analytics

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Set Pieces
4 Topics

Corner kicks, free kicks, and set piece analysis

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Pressing and Transitions
4 Topics

High press, counter-press, and transition analytics

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Transfer Market
4 Topics

Player valuation and transfer analytics

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League Comparisons
4 Topics

Comparing leagues and competitions

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Quick Start Guide

1
Learn Basics
Start with fundamental statistics
2
Advanced Metrics
Explore sport-specific analytics
3
Practice with Data
Use real datasets and examples
4
Apply Knowledge
Build your own analytics projects

Key Soccer Metrics

Expected Threat xT

Change in probability of scoring from moving the ball. Values all ball progression, not just shots. Variables: Based on grid of pitch divided into zones, each with historical scoring probability

\text{xT} = P(\text{Scoring from position})_{\text{end}} - P(\text{Scoring from position})_{\text{start}}
Expected Assists xA

Sum of xG values from chances created. Measures quality of chances created for teammates. Variables: Based on xG of shots resulting from player's passes/actions

\text{xA} = \sum(\text{xG of resulting shots})
Expected Goals Assisted xGBuildup

Total xG from possessions where player was involved (excluding assists and shots). Variables: Measures contribution to build-up play separate from direct goal involvement

\text{xGBuildup} = \sum(\text{xG of possessions involved in})
Aerial Duel Win Rate Aerial%

Percentage of aerial duels won. Important for defenders and target strikers. Variables: Aerial Duels Won = Headers won, Total Aerial Duels = All contested headers

\text{Aerial\%} = \frac{\text{Aerial Duels Won}}{\text{Total Aerial Duels}} \times 100
Expected Goals Against xGA

Sum of xG values from shots faced. Measures quality of chances conceded. Variables: xG values of all shots conceded by team/defender

\text{xGA} = \sum(\text{xG of shots conceded})
Interceptions Int

Number of opponent passes intercepted. Measures reading of the game. Variables: Counted when player intercepts an opponent pass attempt

\text{Int} = \text{Passes intercepted}
Tackles Won Tkl Won

Percentage of tackle attempts that win possession. Variables: Successful Tackles = Tackles winning the ball, Tackle Attempts = All tackle attempts

\text{Tkl Won} = \frac{\text{Successful Tackles}}{\text{Tackle Attempts}} \times 100
Progressive Carries ProgC

Ball carries that move at least 10 meters closer to the opponent goal. Variables: Excludes carries in own defensive third

\text{ProgC} = \text{Carries moving ball } \geq 10\text{m toward goal}
Successful Dribbles Drib%

Percentage of dribbles that successfully beat a defender. Variables: Successful Dribbles = Dribbles beating defender, Dribble Attempts = All take-on attempts

\text{Drib\%} = \frac{\text{Successful Dribbles}}{\text{Dribble Attempts}} \times 100
Expected Goals xG

Probability that a shot will result in a goal based on historical data. Most important advanced metric in soccer analytics. Variables: Shot location (distance, angle), shot type (foot, head), assist type, game state, and more

\text{xG} = P(\text{Goal}|\text{Shot Location}, \text{Type}, \text{Body Part}, ...)

Datasets & Resources

Dataset Description Format Size Action
StatsBomb Open Data Free soccer event data for various competitions JSON N/A
FBref Soccer Stats Comprehensive soccer statistics and match data CSV N/A
StatsBomb Open Data Free football event data including detailed match events JSON 100MB+
FBref Soccer Statistics Comprehensive soccer statistics from top leagues including expected goals, passing networks, and defensive actions. CSV 200 MB
Transfermarkt Player Valuations Player market valuations, transfer history, and biographical data for football players worldwide. CSV 100 MB

Ready to Master Soccer Analytics?

Start with the basics and work your way up to advanced machine learning applications.

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