It is clear to me that some players are better than others. Simple data analysis confirms this fact. Yet too many EPL managers and journalists ignore the stats and confuse the bad players for the good players and vice versa.

This blog will showcase through data analysis examples of managerial and journalistic silliness with regard to soccer analysis. Its premise is that readily available statistical data on player performances reveal a significant portion of the contribution a player makes to his team. It tells you some things that you probably already knew, such as that Cristiano Ronaldo was the best offensive player in the English Premier League in the 06/07 season. It tells you that some players are underrated in media analysis, such as Everton's Mikel Arteta, one of the best players in the Premiership in his position.

The assumption here, and this is central to the blog, is that there are undervalued variables of real estate in the Premiership and world soccer. A good assister can be purchased for significantly less than a good goalscorer even though his contribution to a team's offense is equal in value. Why? assists are undervalued and under appreciated.

Of course assists comprise one variable of many. This blog will showcase players from across the Premiership in different positions, offering insight into soccer analysis and particularly to underrated but essential matters.

First, on the subject of assists, why do I say that they are undervalued? Simple. In a league in which many of not most victories are determined by under one goal, where a single goal essentially gives you a massive advantage over your opponent, is it not vital to have players who give your team goals? These players are goalscorers, as we recognize, as well as those who put the ball on the foot of the goalscorers. Putting the ball on the foot of a goalscorer in the opposing team's penalty area with his face to goal - think van Nistelrooij - is an incredibly important part of soccer. It is as important as a goal. A player cannot score if he does not have the ball. Wayne Gretzky is known more for his ability to create goals than score them. Steve Nash basketball fans will also tell you the importance of assists - Phoenix score the most points per game in the NBA largely because of Nash. And, I am sure by his history of transfers, Arsene Wenger will tell you this.

To give a more concrete financial face to this matter, a team like Sunderland cannot afford to financially compete with Chelsea, Manchester United or Liverpool. They have to be very intelligent about their purchases. In an EPL where a goal gives as much of an advantage as it does at the moment, a player who can make the last touch before the goal or score on a consistent basis may be worth a lot to you. Here is where Mikel Arteta comes to mind. Last season, in 35 games, Arteta recorded 9 goals and 13 direct assists. He directly contributed to 22 (42%) of his team's goals last season and undoubtedly contributed to many more with penultimate passes. No Premiership central midfielder recorded more assists.

Again, assists comprise one variable. This blog will also explore the statistics important to players in other positions. It will be up-to-date and sometimes, with the help of data, offer predictions on team and player successes.