Data Helped Create Soccer\'s Modern Striker Profile
During the 06-07 Premier League season, 22.3 percent of non-penalty goals were scored from outside the box while it dropped by almost 50 percent in 23-24 to 12.4 percent. Last season, however, broke the record for most goals at 1,246 (3.28 per game), while the 06-07 season had just 931 goals (2.45 per game).
The use of stats and data have transformed the way teams look to generate shots. Since 2012, clubs and analysts have used expected goals (xG), a transformative metric for measuring the quality of goal-scoring chances. It\'s no surprise that xG reveals the best areas to score are inside the penalty box, particularly near the six-yard box where tap-ins, one-on-one situations, and cutbacks across goal have the highest values.
Roberto Firmino\'s time with Liverpool showed the evolution of a striker as he averaged 0.32 goals per game, but was one of the Premier League\'s most effective pressing forwards and was integral for those sides.
Data analysis has helped understand the overall effectiveness of strikes with their overall contributions to scoring whether through direct assists or regaining possession in the opposition\'s final third as equally valuable as goals. Goals are generated not just by individual brilliance but through collective efforts that create opportunities for higher quality shots.
Via Ben Welch/ESPN