5 Metrics Every Football Club Should Track
The Rise of AI in Football Analytics
Football is no longer just about instinct and experience - data-driven decisions now play a huge role in shaping team success. With AI-powered analytics, clubs can evaluate performance, recruit smarter, and optimize tactics with precision.
By tracking these five key metrics, football clubs can gain a competitive edge and make smarter decisions.
1. Expected Goals (xG) & Expected Assists (xA)
Traditional goal and assist stats don’t tell the whole story. xG (Expected Goals) measures the probability of a shot resulting in a goal based on shot angle, distance, and defensive pressure. xA (Expected Assists) predicts the likelihood that a pass will lead to a goal.
How Clubs Use It:
• Scouting players who consistently outperform their xG.
• Evaluating strikers who get into high-quality goal-scoring positions.
• Analyzing playmakers based on their chance creation, not just assists.
Example: A forward consistently outperforming their xG could be an elite finisher, while one underperforming may struggle with composure.
2. Possession Value & Progressive Passing
Possession for possession’s sake means nothing. AI measures how valuable each action is in advancing play toward a goal-scoring opportunity. This highlights which players contribute most to moving the ball forward efficiently.
How Clubs Use It:
• Identifying midfielders who break defensive lines.
• Evaluating full-backs and wingers who progress play into dangerous areas.
• Measuring how well a team translates possession into attacking chances.
Example: A midfielder with a high progressive passing value but low assists could be key to build-up play, even if they don’t make the final pass.
3. Defensive Actions & Pressing Efficiency
Modern football demands high-intensity pressing and defensive intelligence. AI tracks pressures, interceptions, recoveries, and duels to evaluate how effective a team is at winning the ball back.
How Clubs Use It:
• Identifying pressing machines who thrive in high-energy systems.
• Evaluating center-backs’ ability to read the game through interceptions.
• Measuring team-wide pressing efficiency to adjust tactical approaches.
Example: AI might reveal a team drops intensity after the 60th minute, prompting the manager to adjust substitutions accordingly.
4. Expected Threat (xT)
Not all passes and dribbles are equal. xT (Expected Threat) measures how much a player’s actions increase the likelihood of scoring, rather than just tracking possession.
How Clubs Use It:
• Uncovering hidden playmakers whose progressive passes create danger.
• Analyzing defenders who contribute to attacking play.
• Measuring ball carriers who drive play forward with dribbles.
Example: A player may not register assists but could have a high xT rating, meaning they consistently put teammates in dangerous positions.
5. Lidmark Index: Measuring Player Consistency
A single great performance doesn’t define a top player - consistency does. The Lidmark Index is an AI-driven metric that tracks how reliably a player performs at a high level over time. The higher the Lidmark Index, the more dependable the player is.
How Clubs Use It:
• Scouting consistent performers who don’t just shine in isolated matches.
• Comparing players’ reliability over multiple seasons.
• Identifying risk factors in potential signings who fluctuate in form.
Example: A winger with a high Lidmark Index delivers strong performances every match, while a player with a low score may be unpredictable.
Final Thoughts
Tracking these AI-powered metrics allows clubs to make smarter recruitment, tactical, and player development decisions.
One of the most game-changing applications of AI in football is measuring consistency through the Lidmark Index. In a sport where scouts and managers seek reliability, this metric separates one-season wonders from long-term performers.
Whether it’s identifying undervalued talent, fine-tuning game strategies, or ensuring squad stability.
Want to bring AI-driven analytics to your club? Explore PlaymakerAI’s football analytics platform today!
