Online soccer betting is growing, and both analysts and enthusiasts are looking for more advanced metrics. These classic stats can give a good idea of a team’s performance but they do not capture all the factors that influence match results. By analyzing advanced metrics, bettors can gain a more accurate perspective of the game based on data.
Expected Goals (xG)
The expected goals, or xG is one of today’s most popular advanced metrics for soccer analytics. This metric determines the likelihood of a shot being converted into a goal by analyzing various factors such as shot placement, body part, and defensive pressure. Visit homepage for more information. xG analyzes past data to provide insights into a team’s offensive efficiency and defense vulnerabilities.
Expected Assists
As with xG (expected assists), xA measures the quality of a play that leads to a goal. This metric measures how well players create scoring opportunities for their teammates, giving insight into the playmaking abilities of a team or player. If a player is able to set up quality scoring chances but has a low xA, this could be because of teammates’ poor finishing, rather than the ability of a player to do so.
Possession Value and Passing Sequences
The possession value (or PV) is a relatively recent metric which assigns a numerical value to every pass or action made during a sequence of possession. It attempts to quantify the likelihood that each action will lead to a score. Some models measure “packing,” examining how many defensive players are bypassed by each pass, while others concentrate on the progressive passes and dribbles which move the ball to dangerous zones. This metric can be particularly helpful for teams who play a possession style, but don’t have clear shots opportunities. It measures the risk/reward balance between each pass.
Defensive metrics: tackles, interceptions, and pressures
Soccer isn’t just about scoring, but also about stopping the opponent from scoring. For a team to be able to disrupt the build-up of their opponent, advanced defensive metrics such as tackles, interceptions and blocks are crucial. High pressures in the opponents’ half may indicate an aggressive pressing strategy, with the goal of regaining possession and scoring quickly.
Set Piece Efficiency
Set pieces can make or break a match, particularly in tight matches. Advanced metrics measure how well a team performs in set plays. These include corner conversion rates, the free-kick multiplier (xG), and the type of routines used. Some teams are very good at set pieces and score a high percentage of goals in dead-ball situations. Others struggle.
Player-based Metrics
The metrics of players can be used to assess the impact that each player has on the team’s dynamics. Dribbling success, defensive work rates and progressive carries provide insight into the roles of players and their effectiveness in a team’s overall strategy. A winger who has a high dribbling rate and a progressive carry can be a constant threat to defenses. Meanwhile, a midfielder whose work rate is high and his interception rate is high, contributes to defensive stability.
The conclusion of the article is:
Online soccer bettors are able to make better predictions by examining advanced metrics such as xG, or xA. They can also explore defensive metrics, set piece efficiency, player-based statistics, and possession value. These metrics add depth to the traditional analysis by revealing trends that are not apparent from win-loss records and final scores.