Reading Player Data: Five Metrics That Actually Help
Goals and assists tell part of the story. These five numbers show whether a player is good or merely lucky.
Football data is abundant, and most of it explains nothing. The problem is not a shortage of numbers but picking the wrong ones.
1. Touches in the opposition box
Far more stable than goals. A striker with six box touches per game will score, even after three quiet matches. Three goals from three shots is luck, not class.
2. Progressive passes
Count passes that move the ball at least ten metres toward goal. A midfielder with eight per game is a real anchor even with zero assists.
3. Duel win rate
Below 45 percent suggests you are being overpowered; above 60 percent is dominance.
4. Times dribbled past per 90
For defenders this says more than tackle counts. Five tackles and four dribbled-past usually means poor positioning, not good defending.
5. Involvement in goal sequences
Not just scorer and assister. Good moves involve three or four players; counting them reveals who created the first advantage.