How It All Started
The extensive use of advanced data in football is relatively new. However, statistical analysis in football is not a new phenomenon. Charles Reep, an accountant, RAF Wing Commander, and sports fanatic, is believed to have invented notational analysis and performed the first known experiment in the 50s.
In his analysis, he observed how the data he collected was being used for strategic planning and evaluation of team performance. During the 1958 FIFA World Cup in Sweden, Brazil’s team management used psychometric tests in its preparations.
However, the method was still in its infancy, and its findings were not guaranteed. For example, the analysis results suggested that Pele should be benched because he was infantile and lacked a fighting spirit. Fortunately, the management ignored this suggestion, as Pele scored six goals in the tournament.
Video Analytics
There have been several systems invented to support pre-and post-match analysis. At first, the video analysis was done after the game by editing recorded videos. But recently, the technology has improved, and team management can access real-time processing and analysis.
Data Analytics
Data and analytics have undoubtedly improved football. This is true because all top-rated European clubs use systematic data analysis methods. They also have talented performance analysts on their payrolls.
Additionally, EPL stadia are fitted with digital cameras that track every player on the pitch. Each of the 22 players in the field has 10 data points collected every second. This means 1.4 million data points are collected per game. Managers use this data to know what happened on and off the ball in each game.
Performance Analysis
Players also wear GPS trackers, heart rate monitors, and acceleration sensors to measure their performance and improve their preparation. Some teams use this data to track their players’ diet and sleep patterns.
What the Future Holds
If the data analytics technology is fully utilized, it can be used to select a game system, sign new players and make substitutions. Therefore, managers and team coaches should use data analytics in their training and match analysis to improve performance.