Module 2: Metrics & Terminology

2.1 Types of Data

QUALITATIVE . Data describiendo información, no necesariamente números, sino
equipos, personas, estadios, etc.
SUMMARY. Resumen de un periodo. por ejemplo los goles en una temporada. Permite
identificar tendencias.
EVENT. Single event on a match que hacen a la summary data. En general tiene dato de
localización dentro del campo de juego.
TRACKING. Entre dos eventos, por ejemplo el gol y el pase, puede haber estado en el lugar o
hacer una corrida. (no suele haber open source data de esto)

2.2 Key Metrics

1. Expected Goals (xG)
"Imagine every time a player shoots at goal, we could predict the chance of it scoring based
on where it's taken from, the type of assist, and many other factors.
That's what Expected Goals, or xG, does.
This metric is given a value of 0 to 1 and tells us the probability of a goal being scored.
If an xG value has a metric of .3 then we assume there is a 30% chance that that goal would be
scored given the situation, player, team, etc.
The metric is calculated with predictive modeling to estimate this likelihood using historical
data points of similar shots.
The key here is that we understand we are calculating chance quality rather than finishing
ability, and we aren’t saying that if a team has 2 xG they should have scored 2 goals.
As of right now, expected goals are also the best metric we have for evaluating and
predicting future team and player performance.
Expected goals are more helpful when evaluating performances over a period of time rather
than just a single shot or match. While it can be convenient to have, there’s so much variance in
football, that even Messi or Hueng Ming Son (Two players who have been known for over-
performing their expected goal numbers) will even miss some really easy chances.
https://statsbomb.com/soccer-metrics/expected-goals-xg-explained/

2. Expected Assists (xA) & Expected Assisted Goals (xAG)

Expected Assists, or xA, is similar to xG but for passing. Using this metric allows us to look at
playmaking ability while also looking at direct contributions to goals.
It measures the likelihood that a given pass will become an assist, considering factors
like pass type, end location, and the resulting shot's xG.
If a pass has an xA of 0.3, it means there's a 30% chance it will directly lead to a goal.
High xA values show players or teams are good at setting up scoring chances. It's like
evaluating the quality of chances created, not just the quantity.
Expected assists will look at and value all of the passes that lead to scoring opportunities.
The key difference between Expected Assists and Expected Assisted Goals is that the
xAG only considers the pass that leads directly to an expected goal.
Expected assists, like expected goals, should be looked at over a period of time rather than just
a single game or pass to truly evaluate performance.
https://herfootballhub.com/data-metrics-explained-expected-assists/

3. Expected Threat (xT)

Expected threat is one of a few value possession models.
It works as a grid system and puts values in each zone in the grid as more or less dangerous.
Zones that are closer to the box & goal will be higher valued while a zone further away will be
less valued.
Moving the ball into more dangerous areas increases xT, showing how players contribute to
building up an attack, even if they don't end up shooting or assisting directly. It's great for
understanding the hidden contributors to a team's offensive play.
We can use xT to evaluate if a player is getting the ball into dangerous zones or they are
typically moving the ball away from dangerous zones.
The downside of xT is that it usually only works with event data so there could be things we are
missing about a pass or move to a different zone. Also, It only gives a positive or negative value
to actions that move the ball out of a zone. If the ball stays in the same zone then it will end up
as zero.
Statsbomb explainer: https://statsbomb.com/soccer-metrics/possession-value-models-
explained/
YouTube video on how to calculate xT: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cMVzNQ6nytU

4. Progressive Stats
Progressive stats are exactly what they sound like in the name.
They allow us to track how well players and teams move the ball forward towards the
opponent's goal. These passes typically need to happen in the attacking half or so of the field.
We won’t really count a pass going from the goal line to the top of the box as progressive if it’s
from a goal kick.
This includes progressive passes and runs, which are actions that significantly advance the
attack.
This allows us to measure who are creators and enablers in a team. We can also look on the
other end of the spectrum to see who is receiving progressive passes. This can tell us who is in
good positions and possibly who is making good runs to receive passes like through balls.
Fbref gives these simple definitions of some progressive stats and how to calculate them:
Progressive Passes
Completed passes that move the ball towards the opponent's goal line at least 10 yards
from its furthest point in the last six passes, or any completed pass into the penalty area.
Excludes passes from the defending 40% of the pitch
(Progressive receptions is just who receives the progressive pass)
Progressive Carries
Carries that move the ball towards the opponent's goal line at least 10 yards from its
furthest point in the last six passes, or any carry into the penalty area. Excludes carries
which end in the defending50% of the pitch
https://www.stlcitysc.com/news/soccer-stats-explained-progressive-passing
https://statsbomb.com/articles/soccer/the-art-of-progression-an-analysis-of-passing-vs-ball-
carrying/

5. Shot & Goal Creating Actions (SCA & GCA)

Shot Creating Actions, or SCA, tally up all the plays leading directly to a shot, like dribbles,
passes, or even drawing fouls. It's a broad measure of how players contribute to attack.
FBREF defines this specifically as the two actions that lead up to a shot. So this could either be
the first two passes or it could be a dribble and then a pass from the same player. Even the shot
taker can receive credit for a SCA if they dribble and then shoot.
High SCA numbers point to players who are consistently involved in setting up shots, indicating
they're key playmakers. It's a way to appreciate those who do the groundwork for scoring
opportunities.
A goal-creating action is essentially looking at the same thing as shot-creating actions, but only
the shots that lead to goals. In my opinion, take this one with very lightweight because the
metric is dependent on the shooter's ability to finish a shot that is created.

6. Key Passes
A key pass is the final pass before a teammate takes a shot. Unlike assists, which only count if
the shot scores, key passes value the setup play itself.
It's a clear indicator of a player's vision and creativity, showing who's making the chances
happen, regardless of the finish. High numbers here mean a player is a central figure in creating
opportunities for their team.
Opta defines these specifically as the passes that lead to a shot without a goal being scored
while an assist is one that leads to a goal being scored.

7. Post-Shot Expected Goals (PSxG)

Post-Shot Expected Goals, or PSxG, adds a twist to xG by considering where the shot ends
up in the goal. It’s also commonly referred to interchangeably as “xGOT” or expected goals
on target.
It's mostly used to evaluate goalkeepers, showing how likely they were to save a shot
based on its trajectory and speed after being hit. A high PSxG against a keeper suggests
they faced shots that were tough to save. It's a sophisticated way to judge a goalkeeper's
performance beyond just saves and goals conceded.
We can also use it to evaluate a player's finishing ability. If they have a higher PSxG than
the shots xG, then that means they were able to put the ball into an area harder for the
goalkeeper to save.

8. Game State
Game State refers to the context of the match at any given moment, based on the scoreline.
It's crucial because teams behave differently when leading, drawing, or trailing.
Statistics adjusted for game state can reveal how a team or player performs under various
pressures. It helps us understand strategies, like whether a team sits back to defend a lead or
pushes harder when behind.
When we know the score and the time of the match, it helps us interpret other stats more
accurately.

9. Dribbles
Dribbles Completed measures a player's ability to successfully take the ball past an opponent.
A dribble can also be called a “take on”.
A lot of use from this stat looks to see successful vs unsuccessful take-ons.
A player with a lot of successful dribbles will be one who can create by themselves while one
who is unsuccessful a lot will end up losing possession.

otros
Total Shots Ratio (TSR)
average shot quality (xG/shot)