Head of Performance Intelligence

[Swanjaxs]

Stats and analytics play a role, but when people genuinely believe that nonsense like xG is of any real value to assessing whether a team or player is any good or not it's gone too far. It's basically a reinvention of the kind of thinking that drove Charles Hughes, the man who set British coaching back decades with his theories based on statistical analysis.

Flair players, the kind of players that can get crowds on their feet, are becoming a rare breed. Coached out of existence by managers who want predictability.

The last flair player we have produced doesn't get a look in, Cameron Congreve...

 

[Cooperman]

Stats and analytics play a role, but when people genuinely believe that nonsense like xG is of any real value to assessing whether a team or player is any good or not it's gone too far. It's basically a reinvention of the kind of thinking that drove Charles Hughes, the man who set British coaching back decades with his theories based on statistical analysis.

Flair players, the kind of players that can get crowds on their feet, are becoming a rare breed. Coached out of existence by managers who want predictability.

xG is just another of those data sets which is pretty useless when read on its own, but as part of a wider picture it can be very useful. I assume we are using it to consider historical probability of chance conversion, in conjunction with coaching of our forwards on their positioning and where they take their pot shots from.

You're right in that this has probably stifled some aspects of the game, for example I am sure xG has had an influence on frequency of long range shots from 30 yards.

 

[Niigata Jack]

No way, Max. Your statement is true for Sunday league football, but towards the top of the pyramid it’s a vital part of club set up. Marginal gains are everything and distinct advantages can be gained from addressing shortcomings, and that means the use of data and analytics.

I'm old school, look back at the managers in the past and the football they had they teams play, did they use Data? yes times have moved on, but if players are told/expected to adhere to the data put in front of them it can take their individuality and talent out of their game somewhat, not saying that data doesn't help in certain circumstances, but its all your hear these days everything is data driven,

Need to hear the opinions from players recently retired or coming to the end of their playing days.

Just my opinion of course.

 

[Niigata Jack]

Cut and paste managers are sucking all the humanity and personality out of the game. I find going to the stadium a real ordeal these days watching LW’s version of RM’s copy and paste

Excellent post fair play

 

[Smurph]

That’s why I talk about marginal gains. There has to be the underlying core skills available in the first place, without that there is nothing. The use of data alone doesn’t create the football equivalent of painting by numbers.

Liverpool's success since FSG took control of the club has been based on a data led approach.

They haven't got a lot wrong in the transfer market. If you take Salah as a prime example.

 

[Cooperman]

I'm old school, look back at the managers in the past and the football they had they teams play, did they use Data? yes times have moved on, but if players are told/expected to adhere to the data put in front of them it can take their individuality and talent out of their game somewhat, not saying that data doesn't help in certain circumstances, but its all your hear these days everything is data driven,

Need to hear the opinions from players recently retired or coming to the end of their playing days.

Just my opinion of course.

I cannot think of many circumstances where having more data available puts you at a disadvantage. The ability to interpret data and use it effectively is an entirely different challenge.

 

[Nocountryforoldjack]

Look at his eyes and be afraid be very afraid, my mate loves himself hair skin clothes all nice and proper, but he'd be one of the first I'd want in the trenches with me. Top geezer.

Do I need to look over my shoulder now I've said that about him

 

[Nocountryforoldjack]

Ah thanks for those kind words mate, im a pussy cat though

Is that you looking like zoolander in that picture?

 

[monmouth]

xG is just another of those data sets which is pretty useless when read on its own, but as part of a wider picture it can be very useful. I assume we are using it to consider historical probability of chance conversion, in conjunction with coaching of our forwards on their positioning and where they take their pot shots from.

You're right in that this has probably stifled some aspects of the game, for example I am sure xG has had an influence on frequency of long range shots from 30 yards.

I can tell you where the c***s should shoot from. From every chance they get!

 

[Skippyjack]

Statistics are like zonal and man marking.. zonal is a statistic approach, man marking is the normal approach.. but the best teams and managers use both in all aspects.. look at Martin's approach, 100% statistical.. bottom of the table

 

[exiledclaseboy]

xG is just another of those data sets which is pretty useless when read on its own, but as part of a wider picture it can be very useful. I assume we are using it to consider historical probability of chance conversion, in conjunction with coaching of our forwards on their positioning and where they take their pot shots from.

You're right in that this has probably stifled some aspects of the game, for example I am sure xG has had an influence on frequency of long range shots from 30 yards.

“Historical probably of chance conversion”

Five words that sum it all up. Not in a good way

 

[Niigata Jack]

I cannot think of many circumstances where having more data available puts you at a disadvantage. The ability to interpret data and use it effectively is an entirely different challenge.

I didn't say its a disadvantage, just don't think the bulk of it isn't needed, its akin to death by power point.

 

[Cooperman]

“Historical probably of chance conversion”

Five words that sum it all up. Not in a good way

There have been recent times where we’d have been ecstatic about a chance of a shot on goal