How the use of statistics in modern football is changing the game

Caelum Ferrarese17/05/2019 9:09 am03/11/2019

For so long, we’ve seen managers and clubs take on players with little more than a hunch. Or because they see something that the majority don’t see.

It hasn’t always been the most successful method of business for clubs across the world, but there are always some diamonds in the rough. You don’t need to look too deeply, either.

Ballon D’or winner and World Cup finalist Luka Modric is a great example. As a child, Modric grew up during the Croatian Independence War. A far cry from the high-grade youth academies we see at any number of top-flight clubs today.

After being rejected by his childhood club, Hadjuk Split, Dinamo Zagreb took a chance on the then 16-year old, signing him. He was loaned out numerous times before turning into Zagreb’s shining light.

He eventually would sign for high-profile Premier League club Tottenham. After a successful stint in North London, he made the dream transfer to Los Blancos, Real Madrid.

The rest speaks for itself.

Four Champions League trophies, a league title, three domestic cup titles, three UEFA Super Cup triumphs and three FIFA Club World Cup victories.

Luka Modric will forever live on as a footballing legend.

Mario Balotelli is another great example. A footballer who has always had an attitude, the Italian striker originally trialled at Barcelona as a junior. However, he was never signed up by the Blaugrana for that very reason. Attitude.

However, Manchester City took a chance on him, recognising his talents. They believed that if they could harness that talent and help him drop the arrogant tag, he could help them win trophies.

Now, we know they were right. Before ‘Aguerooooooooo’, there was ‘Balotelli’. His influence in that play justified the chance Roberto Mancini and City took on him, regardless of anything else.

His City career may have been short-lived, but he repaid the faith and in turn, became a Manchester City legend.

Now in saying all of this, there are some footballers who have failed to repay their managers, fans and clubs. These are the times when perhaps, those who take the chance on these players when no one else will, should’ve listened to the majority.

Ravel Morrison sticks out like a sore thumb on a list of high-potential players that never fulfilled their destiny. Once touted by Sir Alex Ferguson as ‘the best he had ever seen’, Morrison’s career went downhill quicker than you could snap your fingers.

A once promising English football talent, Morrison now plays for Swedish club Ostersunds and with full respect to the Swedish leagues, it’s a far stretch from where he could’ve been.

Juan Manuel Iturbe, once dubbed ‘the next Messi’, was another immensely talented youngster who had the world at his feet at a club like AS Roma back in 2014.

But a slow start in the nation’s capital saw him out of favour and soon, out of the club. After several loan spells at AFC Bournemouth, Torino and Club Tijuana, Iturbe now represents UNAM in the Mexican league.

25 years old and no longer playing in Europe, it appears he may never get another chance.

All this can confirm one thing.

We never know just how high a player’s ceiling is. We can listen to all the talk, read all the hype. But at the end of the day, we never truly know until they get out on the park and on the big stage.

Which is why the use of statistics in player recruitment has become such a worldwide phenomenon amongst football clubs, especially in the age of technology.

There was always research done when clubs looked to sign players, but that’s child’s play compared to the amount that professional clubs do nowadays.

There’s no stone unturned. No book unopened. No margin for error.

Clubs get one chance to do it right and if they get it wrong, it’s disastrous. But when done correctly, it can be a masterstroke.

Davy Klaassen was signed by Everton prior to the 2017/2018 Premier League season. Despite a lot of hype behind a player supposed to be in his prime, Klaassen failed to cut it, managing less than 500 minutes in both Everton’s league and Europa League campaigns.

Klaassen, an attacking-minded midfielder, averaged at least one shot per game for Ajax in their Eredivisie and Champions League matches across five seasons. He was involved in 21 goals from 30 appearances during the 2015/16 league season. Then, the season before he joined the Toffees, he was involved in 23 goals from 33 appearances.

He was named the Dutch footballer of the year in 2016.

But when he joined Everton, he averaged a mere 0.3 shots on goal during his time in Merseyside with no goals or assists to his name, either. That’s for the Premier League and Europa League.

So why didn’t he work at Everton?

We may never know, but we can only assume that his playstyle wasn’t suited to that of the Premier League. He may not have been a physically or mentally prepared as he should’ve been.

Now at Werder Bremen in the German Bundesliga, he has a second chance to show that he can cut it in Europe. But it seems to be a long road back.

It is possible, as players such as Mohamed Salah and Kevin De Bruyne have proven. Once cast aside by Premier League clubs, they worked hard and earned another shot in England.

Now, they are two of the best players in world football.

As an example of a player who has been able to prove his worth in what is regarded as ‘the toughest league in the world’, let’s take a quick look at Gabonese striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

The Arsenal talisman was a proven goal-scorer at Borussia Dortmund, scoring nearly 100 goals during his 150 appearances at Die Borussen. He was also prolific during his tenure at Saint-Etienne, prior to Dortmund.

He averaged one scoring involvement per game in his last full season for Dortmund and was on track to repeat those efforts the following season. Before Arsenal snapped him up in the winter transfer period.

Also bear in mind that Aubameyang had also performed strongly in the Champions League prior to his move to North London, scoring 15 goals from 25 appearances.

He has repaid Arsene Wenger’s faith and also that of new coach Unai Emery at the Emirates, scoring 32 goals from 50 games. A remarkable record for someone so new to the Premier League.

Aubameyang is clearly a player who is well suited to the physical and fast-paced nature of the Premier League, something Davy Klaassen was perhaps not.

In conclusion, the use of statistics can go a long way to helping clubs sign up players who will become icons. But in some instances, it’s that something special that someone sees that determines a player’s success.

But one thing’s for certain.

The age of technology and the use of statistics has changed the way we and football clubs see professional footballers.

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Inside the Convention That Could Reshape Football Across Australia

Stace Ioannidis30/10/2025 10:00 am30/10/2025

Collaboration as strength: When stakeholders align, the game benefits at every level. Other member federations should take note, be receptive to change, and support policies grounded in the realities of football.

The 2025 Football Queensland Convention was more than just a gathering. It was a statement about what football in Australia can achieve when clubs, businesses, and government come together in one room. It was an opportunity to elevate the debate around the sport’s future and move conversations beyond day-to-day operations. For an industry often focused on immediate results, the convention provided a rare chance to pause, reflect, and plan for long-term growth.

Over two days, coaches, administrators, industry leaders, and players came together to discuss governance, infrastructure, competition, and the use of technology in football. The most important message was clear: football will only grow if stakeholders work together and are willing to rethink the way the game operates at every level. Breakout sessions tailored to different roles ensured that practical challenges and innovative ideas were explored alongside broader strategic discussions.

The convention succeeded because it was inclusive. From grassroots volunteers to professional executives, everyone had a voice. The conversations reflected a cultural shift where decision-making and innovation are shared rather than reserved for a few at the top. It showed that the best solutions come from collective input and that elevating the debate across all levels of football is essential to meaningful progress.

Industry leaders at Football Queensland 2025 Convention collaborating on the growth and governance of Australian football

Keynote speaker Joe Schmit set a strong tone about leadership and purpose, encouraging attendees to consider the type of football culture they wanted to create. One of the most memorable contributions came from Jeehoon Kim from the Korean Football Association. He shared insights from the Made in Korea project, which aims to develop a distinctive style of Korean football. Rather than copying foreign systems, Korea is building its own identity, focusing on a technical philosophy described as fast, fearless, and focused. Players are developed through technical partnerships and youth programs that build on the nation’s strengths.

Kim’s message goes beyond player development. He highlighted that even in governance, success comes when hierarchies are removed and people are empowered to work in their areas of expertise. The project shows that a strong system is only effective if the right people are allowed to innovate and take responsibility. Whether in Korea or Queensland, football thrives when expertise is trusted to lead.

Delegates at 2025 Football Queensland Convention exploring ways to elevate Australian football through innovation and partnership

Football Queensland itself provides another example of this principle in action under CEO Rob Cavallucci. Speaking on the Soccerscene Off the Pitch Podcast, Cavallucci reflected on how the organisation addressed one of its biggest challenges: the lack of support from commercial and government sectors, which had created significant cost pressures for players and clubs.

He explained, “We made a decision five or six years ago when I became CEO and looked at how the game was structured. The main issue was the lack of support from the commercial sector and government. This meant there was always going to be significant cost pressure on the game. So we had to find a way to get on a different path.”

That path involved reforming governance and competition structures, introducing conference-based leagues, pyramid systems, and the FQ Academy pathway. The results have been impressive. Registration fees, which once made up around half of FQ’s revenue, now sit in the low twenties because the organisation has successfully maximised revenue from other sources, including corporate partnerships and government support.

Cavallucci added, “Importantly, we repositioned ourselves to appeal more to the corporate sector and government.” This approach has reduced financial pressure on players and clubs while strengthening the long-term sustainability of the game. It demonstrates how thoughtful governance, paired with strategic partnerships, can transform an entire football ecosystem.

The convention highlighted that collaboration is football’s greatest strength. When clubs, businesses, and government align around a common purpose, the benefits are felt at every level of the game. More than just addressing immediate challenges, it was an opportunity to elevate the debate, explore long-term solutions, and inspire stakeholders to work together for the wider good of the sport.

Soccerscene CEO Stace Ioannidis presenting the Editorial Creed to Football Queensland CEO Rob Cavalucci to elevate the debate in Australian football

Other member federations would benefit from observing this approach and embracing a willingness to adapt. Receptivity to new ideas promotes stronger alignment with key stakeholders and enables policymakers to develop thoughtful, practical policies that are grounded in the realities of the game. Such a commitment to collaboration and innovation is essential for fostering a sustainable and thriving football ecosystem across Australia.

If this event is any guide, the future of football in Australia will not be defined by divisions or short-term thinking. It will be defined by connection, collaboration, and a collective belief that the best way forward is together. The 2025 Football Queensland Convention has provided a blueprint for how other states and organisations can follow suit and drive the growth of the game in Australia.

Why La Liga and Serie A’s Overseas Ambitions Miss the Mark

Ruby Reilly23/10/2025 6:05 am22/10/2025

Image credit: Christian Bertrand / Shutterstock.com

There’s something special about a home game. The walk to the ground, the echo of chants through narrow streets, and the sight of familiar faces in the stands all weave together to form football’s cultural heartbeat. It’s the essence of what makes the sport local, communal, and deeply personal.

So when a domestic league decides to move one of its regular-season fixtures to another country, it feels like a breach of that bond. La Liga’s recently cancelled plan to stage a match in Miami is a case in point, a move that was ambitious in its intent but misguided in its execution.

The proposal, initially set to feature Barcelona and Villarreal in Miami this December, was meant to mark the first time a Spanish league match would be played outside of Spain. It was to be a significant moment in La Liga’s international expansion, yet, this week, La Liga confirmed the game would no longer go ahead.

La Liga announced the cancellation in a statement on October 22nd, stating, “the decision has been made to cancel the organisation of the event due to the uncertainty that has arisen in Spain over the past few weeks.”

The explanation might sound clear and logical, but the underlying tone was clear: resistance from players, clubs, and supporters had proven too strong for the league to ignore.

Football’s global reach has never been greater, and the appetite for elite European football across North America and Asia is undeniable. But not everything that makes sense commercially aligns with what makes football special.

A home fixture isn’t just a logistical concept; it’s a symbol of identity. It represents the connection between a club and its community, between the stands and the city they inhabit. When that connection is uprooted for the sake of marketing, the league risks diminishing the very qualities that make it engaging in the first place.

It received extreme backlash…

The backlash from both fans and players was immediate and significant. Across Spain, supporters’ groups voiced anger that such a fundamental change to the league was being discussed without meaningful consultation. Many saw it as a betrayal of local supporters who invest time, money, and passion into following their clubs week after week.

Players, too, made their objections clear. Earlier this season, La Liga footballers staged coordinated on-pitch protests, pausing for 15 seconds at kick-off to highlight their frustration over the lack of dialogue and respect shown by league officials.

The Spanish players’ union publicly condemned the proposal, warning that taking competitive fixtures abroad undermines not only the integrity of the league but also the players’ physical welfare due to travel demands and congested scheduling. Together, fans and players presented a united front, a strong display of solidarity that ultimately helped force La Liga to reconsider its plans.

These objections were more than emotional reactions, they were grounded in the structural logic of sport. The home-and-away format exists to ensure fairness, balance, and authenticity. A club’s “home advantage” is not merely a cliche or superstition; it’s a reflection of support and identity.

La Liga still chasing the Premier League’s revenue records

However, it’s easy to see why the idea was tempting. La Liga faces an uphill battle to keep up with the Premier League’s global dominance.

Broadcasting revenue gaps continue to widen, and both La Liga and Serie A are seeking creative ways to reach new audiences. The Miami match would have been a global showcase, a polished event designed to generate headlines, sponsorships, and international attention.

But if the aim is to build sustainable global engagement, staging a regular-season game overseas is the wrong mechanism. Fans abroad are not asking for borrowed fixtures; they’re asking for connection.

They want access to content, insight, and a sense of belonging, all of which can be achieved through digital outreach or pre-season tours, both of which can be done without disrupting the league calendar.

Serie A should definitely take note. The league is awaiting conformation from FIFA for a proposed competitive league match abroad, with Italian giants AC Milan set to take on Como FC at Optus Stadium on the 8th of February, 2026.

Como FC, in a club statement released for its members, have said that the international fixture and the revenue generated from it will “help ensure survival” for the club and mentioned the enormous financial advantage in English football.

The ambition mirrors La Liga’s idea to expand the league’s global footprint and revitalise revenue streams. Yet, the lessons from Spain are plain to see. If the goal is to grow, do so without compromising the supporters who form the league’s foundation.

Conclusion

Domestic football thrives on the local community, the ritual of weekend fixtures, the generational ties that bind fans to their clubs. When that structure is interrupted for the sake of revenue or global recognition, the game begins to lose its grounding.

That’s why the cancellation of La Liga’s Miami game should be welcomed as more than a logistical decision; it’s an important reminder that football’s heart still beats at home. It suggests that, even amid the relentless pursuit of global growth, there remains an understanding that tradition and community still matter.

Perhaps the idea of regular-season games abroad will resurface in the future, the commercial pressures will certainly persist. But when that conversation returns, it should begin with the fans, and players, not the investors.

La Liga’s decision may have disappointed some executives and sponsors, but it has restored a small measure of balance to the sport’s ongoing tension between profit and culture