1. Introduction: Rethinking Defensive Value When a striker scores, they’re celebrated. When a goalkeeper makes a save, it’s highlighted. But when a defender prevents a goal from ever happening, it often goes unnoticed — even though it’s equally decisive. That’s why we need a new way to quantify the true return on investment in defenders….
I. Introduction The beautiful game of football, with its fluid dynamics and unpredictable moments, has long captivated audiences worldwide. In recent decades, the advent of advanced analytics has sought to peel back the layers of this complexity, offering deeper insights into player performance and team strategies. Metrics such as Expected Goals (xG) and Expected Assists…
A forensic, league-wide audit of what forwards truly cost in Europe’s Big Four, why Cole Palmer is among the most efficient signings of the decade, why Newcastle wants £150 million for Alexander Isak, and what Liverpool actually purchased when they broke the British record for Florian Wirtz. Player (sequence) Combined Fee £m Combined Wages £m…