Performance analysis in football today plays a crucial role in the development of players and team strategies. At the top level of the game, what may separate the winning team from the losing team is detailed feedback on the strengths and weaknesses of the opponent.
Coaches have recognized the necessity of in-depth feedback, requiring greater and greater specificity into their player and club performances. In response, companies have emerged focussing on meeting the needs of the top coaches in the world.
Prozone Sports has emerged as a world leader in performance analysis in football, providing in-depth performance insights to many of the biggest clubs in the world game.
I recently interviewed Simon Edgar, marketing manager at Prozone, about performance analysis at the top level of European football.
"In the 2008-09 English Premier League season as an example, 30% of all goals scored were from a set piece. Set Plays represent the nearest movements in a match that can be aligned to a closed skill and as such significant amounts of time on the training ground is dedicated to the execution of defending set plays. Prozone can be used by the coaching staff and players to help set play preparation prior to matches but also to review positives and negatives of previous performances."
1.How did Prozone identify analytical tools that would be valuable to managers and coaches?
We have always worked closely with leading coaches to understand the specific requirements and aid the development of the specific products.
2.What are the most popular current performance analysis products for which clubs rely on Prozone?
PROZONE3 is used by 15/20 clubs in the FAPL and 50% of those in the Championship. PROZONE3 requires an installation of 8-10 cameras in the stadium to capture the movement of all 22 players (+officials) during the 90min game.
MATCHVIEWER is used by the remaining 50% of clubs in the English championship as well as a number of US collegiate teams including West Virginia Mountaineers and Rochester. Analysis is derived from the broadcast feed and is used by many clubs for their post-match analysis (where an installation isn’t present) and opposition analysis for scouting purposes.
3. Do current popular products differ from popular products of 2000 or 2004? If so, does this indicate simply technological development, a change in the strategic focus of managers or have new types of performance analysis influenced football strategy?
The products are continually evolving as the understanding of how analysis can impact the coaching process increases. Manchester City FC now employ 7 full time performance analysts to work across generic themes – Post Match Analysis, Pre-Match / Opposition Analysis, Player Recruitment, and Player Development.
4.How are your tools applied in day to day training? Can you give an example of this (for example, if a team is preparing to play against Fernando Torres (player x), what types of player data/tendencies would you search for and how would your product enable you to do this?).
On a day to day level the Prozone products and services play a critical part in both the pre-match preparation and the post-match reflection in modern day football. To use the example given of preparing to play against a key figure in the opposition, the MATCHVIEWER and TREND products would be heavily utilized to deliver the required performance insights.
By using the interactive distribution maps built within the MATCHVIEWER analysis section, you can accurately gain a picture of where the key player you are looking at receives each of his possessions. Through this same section, you can also assess the distribution for any of the players on the field of play. You would have the option of viewing the information in tabular form if this better suited your requirements.
Using Prozone TREND, you would then be able to delve deeper into the statistics and accompanying video clips to determine whether the performance you have been viewing is an accurate depiction of his ‘usual’ performance.
Using MATCHVIEWER and TREND in conjunction with the club’s own scouting reports provide the modern day club with every level of possible information available to devise an winning game plan.
5.Which types of defensive tendencies are popularly studied via Prozone (ie. If a defender can more easily be beaten on his left side; if a player has positional weaknesses; if a team has a set-piece blind spot)?
- In terms of defensive analysis, Set Play's are high on the agenda. In the 2008-09 English Premier League season as an example, 30% of all goals scored were from a set piece. Set Plays represent the nearest movements in a match that can be aligned to a closed skill and as such significant amounts of time on the training ground is dedicated to the execution of defending set plays. Prozone can be used by the coaching staff and players to help set play preparation prior to matches but also to review positives and negatives of previous performances. Prozone can help not only with the execution of set piece strategies but also provide detail on the most likely patterns the opposition will have as well as where goals have generally been scored from.
- In open play, Prozone can be useful for many facets of defending. PROZONE3 would allow for a 2D full representation of all 22 players on the pitch and as such the movements of the defenders can be monitored either individually or as a unit, as well as how they are linked to the attacking opponents. How high or deep the defensive line is, how they react to short and long balls, do they play the offside rule.
Our in depth interactive coaching tool codes every single touch of the ball and so every touch and movement of defensive play can be analysed at the touch of a button, instantaneously e.g. does a player favour his right or left side, where does he mostly receive the ball, where does he mainly distribute the ball to and to whom. How and where are interceptions, clearances, and tackles made together with the number of headers made. These insights can be viewed statistically or graphically all with the ability to link straight to the video.
6.Can you describe the general differences in the use of performance analysis products across England, Spain and Italy?
England set the benchmark in terms of usage. Many of Spain’s top clubs use some form of performance analysis, but not to a level comparable with the Premier League. [That is] with the exception of Real Madrid who have an outstanding Sports Science Centre. AC Milan are one of the leading Italian clubs [for performance analysis].
Testimonials
"At Real Madrid our ambition is always to be at the forefront of this science, a goal best achieved utilising the most accurate and detailed performance data available. The Prozone system has proven its excellent capabilities in this field and its flexibility to turn data into unique, valuable insight." - Valter Di Salvo, Former Head of TEC Real Madrid
"The benefits given [by Prozone] to scouting a team on general and specific opposition performances are unsurpassed." - Mark Hughes, Manager Manchester City FC
"The Prozone system provides a dynamic and unique insight into the team’s performance. Prozone have continually provided Arsenal with a product and service of great reliability, consistency and expertise." - Arsene Wenger, Manager Arsenal FC
Wigan Athletic's players have offered to reimburse the entrance fees for all supporters who traveled to White Hart Lane to see the 9-1 humiliation of the team at the hands of the legendary Lillywhites.
Spurs equaled the record by a Premier League team for goals scored in the victory that left Spurs fans shocked and Wigan fans appalled.
After the loss, Wigan players were quick to offer to refund the fans.
Spurs equaled the record by a Premier League team for goals scored in the victory that left Spurs fans shocked and Wigan fans appalled.
After the loss, Wigan players were quick to offer to refund the fans.
"We feel that as a group of players we badly let down our supporters yesterday (Sunday), and this is a gesture we have to make and pay them back for their tremendous loyalty," Melchiot told the club's official website.
"There's not a lot else to say, just that as a group of professionals we were embarrassed by the way we performed. We feel it was below our standard and this is something we feel we owe to the fans."
Former Republican of Ireland international and current Sunderland chairman Niall Quinn has turned on France striker Thierry Henry, calling the Frenchman's infamous handball in last week's game versus Ireland the worst injustice in sport history.
Henry collected a France free-kick on his hand before assisting in a crucial world cup qualifier versus the Republic of Ireland last week.
"People talk about Maradona's Hand of God goal but I'd say that [Henry's goal] was the biggest injustice I've ever seen in sport," said Quinn.
"Maybe I feel it more because I'm Irish. All that I believe in and all that I love about sport was shattered when I saw something like that. It's possibly the lowest I've felt at any sporting moment in my life.
Quinn offered his words ahead of his club's 1-0 victory over Arsenal and one day after police in Germany and Switzerland arrested 17 people implicated in the the corrupting of some 200 professional matches, including ones in the Europa and Champions League, across nine central European countries during 2009 alone.
Henry collected a France free-kick on his hand before assisting in a crucial world cup qualifier versus the Republic of Ireland last week.
"People talk about Maradona's Hand of God goal but I'd say that [Henry's goal] was the biggest injustice I've ever seen in sport," said Quinn.
"Maybe I feel it more because I'm Irish. All that I believe in and all that I love about sport was shattered when I saw something like that. It's possibly the lowest I've felt at any sporting moment in my life.
Quinn offered his words ahead of his club's 1-0 victory over Arsenal and one day after police in Germany and Switzerland arrested 17 people implicated in the the corrupting of some 200 professional matches, including ones in the Europa and Champions League, across nine central European countries during 2009 alone.
PlainSoccer.com EPL Goal+Assists Leaderboard: November 22/Game 12/13
Fabregas did not score or assist this week, but he retains his spot at the top of the Plain Soccer table. Spurs players Jermain Defoe and Aaron Lennon made big leaps after after Spurs' rout of Wigan. Defoe scored 5 goals while Lennon scored 1 and added 3 assists. Sunderland's Darren bent moved up one space after his winner against Arsenal, while the Gunners suffered in their first game without Robin van Persie (injured for 2 months).
| Player | Club | Goals | Assists | Combined Goals+ Assists | |
1. | Fabregas, Cesc | Arsenal | 6 | 9 | 15 |
2. | Drogba, Didier | Chelsea | 9 | 5 | 14 |
| Persie, Robin van | Arsenal | 7 | 7 | 14 | |
3. | Bent, Darren | Sunderland | 9 | 3 | 12 |
| Defoe, Jermain | Tottenham | 11 | 1 | 12 | |
4. | Torres, Fernando | Liverpool | 10 | 1 | 11 |
| Lampard, Frank | Chelsea | 4 | 7 | 11 | |
5. | Lennon, Aaron | Tottenham | 3 | 6 | 9 |
| Gerrard, Steven | Liverpool | 4 | 5 | 9 |
Fabregas did not score or assist this week, but he retains his spot at the top of the Plain Soccer table. Spurs players Jermain Defoe and Aaron Lennon made big leaps after after Spurs' rout of Wigan. Defoe scored 5 goals while Lennon scored 1 and added 3 assists. Sunderland's Darren bent moved up one space after his winner against Arsenal, while the Gunners suffered in their first game without Robin van Persie (injured for 2 months).
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Manchester United winger Nani has allegedly lifted the lid on his manager Sir Alex Ferguson, putting himself in the firing line of the oft angry boss.
"Ferguson is a very complicated man," Nani said. "He's tough. If things are all right, then they are all right. But when he thinks something is wrong, everything is screwed.
"Ferguson is a very complicated man," Nani said. "He's tough. If things are all right, then they are all right. But when he thinks something is wrong, everything is screwed.
"He can go from complimenting you to just plain trashing you in a matter of minutes. Has it happened to me? Hell, yes! He'll say 'Nani, how could you miss this or this'?
"He shouts at players in front of everyone. No one escapes, everybody is the same. Giggs and Neville suffer most, because they have more experience. It is 'F**k' here and 'F**k' there."
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Recently, it was brought to my attention that someone had posted a defence of Liverpool, and specifically Benitez's, transfer activity.
At first glance, the conclusion is clear:
Total Players Bought: £228,976,000
Total Players Sold: £145,100,000
Total Net Spend: £83,876,000
Total Players Sold: £145,100,000
Total Net Spend: £83,876,000
So, that’s a total spend of just over £83m in 5 years at the club. An average of £16.6m a year.
The vast majority of his signings have been sold at profit, or if still at the club, are worth a lot more than we paid for them. Exceptions being Babel and Dossena, but we’ll still get decent fees for them when sold as they’re full internationals.
A lot of the signings above have been stepping stones in rebuilding the squad, gradually improving it by replacing players with better ones. Our league positions over the past 5 years and the improvement in our league positions and points totals show the progression.
The vast majority of his signings have been sold at profit, or if still at the club, are worth a lot more than we paid for them. Exceptions being Babel and Dossena, but we’ll still get decent fees for them when sold as they’re full internationals.
A lot of the signings above have been stepping stones in rebuilding the squad, gradually improving it by replacing players with better ones. Our league positions over the past 5 years and the improvement in our league positions and points totals show the progression.
...Every manager makes mistakes in the transfer market. Despite what the press seem to think; Rafael Benitez appears to make less mistakes than most.
We’re expected to win the league and European Cup on a budget and wage bill that is entitled to finish 4th or 5th in the league. We’ve been overachieving under Rafael Benitez, not underachieving.
These conclusions don't seem unreasonable based on the author's terms.
We’re expected to win the league and European Cup on a budget and wage bill that is entitled to finish 4th or 5th in the league. We’ve been overachieving under Rafael Benitez, not underachieving.
These conclusions don't seem unreasonable based on the author's terms.
I, however, have some problems with the methodology (and then the conclusions must be questioned):
- The writer assumes that because a player was sold for more than he was bought, the transfer was successful.
- He also assumes that there hasn't been inflation in the transfer market. Selling a player for more than he was bought can simply be a mark of market inflation rather than skill in the transfer market. Think of Spurs and their seeming ability to sell every player for a profit (except Rebrov and Crouch, when he moves on).
- It ignores the fact that the multitude of transfers suggests that Benitez isn't succeeding with his first target and is forced to try again.
- The writer argues that Liverpool was rebuilding from scratch, whereas I believe that under Houllier their league finishes were VERY similar to what they are under Benitez. I think many impartial observers would struggle with the idea that Liverpool had not been a top 4 club before Benitez took over.
- The writer dismisses the idea that Liverpool can be compared to Man Utd since Man Utd had its title winning team in place.
- The writer also didn't give any comparison about how Arsenal or Man Utd total transfer money (perhaps because they're not -80 million pounds but compare favourably).
- One positive is that perhaps Benitez has realized his mistakes and with the Keane, Johnson, and Aquilani transfers he has begun to spend money in bigger chunks which are more likely to result in the players capable of playing for an elite team. I realize that the Keane transfer is pretty much indefensible, but I think it can be argued that Benitez did it for the right reasons - although his immediate regret with the transfer is too familiar.
As things stand, a quick look at the Liverpool team vs. the Man Utd squad only shows Torres, Gerrard, and Macherano as capable of making the Man Utd first team. Perhaps Kuyt could make the Man Utd bench.
As brilliant as Benitez has been as a tactician, and as brilliant as he was at Valencia, he hasn't yet brought that savy to Liverpool's transfer dealings.
You may have heard of the new Castrol Rankings of world players. Players are ranked on their performance during the previous 12 months.
Thierry Henry is ranked as the best player in the world. This shows a faulty method of study. The 30 something Henry is not the best in the world anymore.
Thierry Henry is ranked as the best player in the world. This shows a faulty method of study. The 30 something Henry is not the best in the world anymore.
Before this season began, many were criticizing Arsene Wenger's decision to sell Adebayor and wondered where goals would come from for the North London team. I responded in an article:
"It is Arsenal whom I think will be this season's top scorers. Arsenal's attacking midfield and attack is tough to criticize. Fabregas is the best passer in the league, while the outstanding Denilson will back him up in midfield. This team will control the ball against every team they play against..."
Arsenal are so far the EPL's top scorers with 32 goals. They will continue to be the EPL's top scorers, but for a major injury to Fabregas. For those who love football let's hope such an injury does not occur.
"It is Arsenal whom I think will be this season's top scorers. Arsenal's attacking midfield and attack is tough to criticize. Fabregas is the best passer in the league, while the outstanding Denilson will back him up in midfield. This team will control the ball against every team they play against..."
Arsenal are so far the EPL's top scorers with 32 goals. They will continue to be the EPL's top scorers, but for a major injury to Fabregas. For those who love football let's hope such an injury does not occur.
November 2, 2009 (10/11 games played)
EPL Top 5 player leaderboard, goals + assists:
1. Cesc Fabregas, Arsenal
5 goals, 9 assists
1. Didier Drogba, Chelsea
9 goals, 5 assists
3. Robin van Persie, Arsenal
7 goals, 6 assists
4. Fernando Torres, Liverpool
10 goals, 1 assist
5. Frank Lampard, Chelsea
4 goals, 6 assists
5. Darren Bent, Sunderland
8 goals, 2 assists
People should not be surprised that a midfielder, Fabregas, leads all players in goals + assists. Cesc really is that good.
EPL Top 5 player leaderboard, goals + assists:
1. Cesc Fabregas, Arsenal
5 goals, 9 assists
1. Didier Drogba, Chelsea
9 goals, 5 assists
3. Robin van Persie, Arsenal
7 goals, 6 assists
4. Fernando Torres, Liverpool
10 goals, 1 assist
5. Frank Lampard, Chelsea
4 goals, 6 assists
5. Darren Bent, Sunderland
8 goals, 2 assists
People should not be surprised that a midfielder, Fabregas, leads all players in goals + assists. Cesc really is that good.
Adam Pearson, the new chairman of Hull City, has told manager Phil Brown that he has one more match to save his Hull City career.
"The manager was expected to be dismissed after the 2-0 defeat away to Burnley on Saturday, but it seems he has earned himself a stay of execution for one more game at least because of the woeful performance of Mike Jones, the referee, at Turf Moor."
Brown will now be in charge of next Sunday's game at home to Stoke.
“I’ve told him [Brown] he will be the manager for the game against Stoke,” Pearson said. “As far as I am concerned, he still is the manager of this club. It’s a results-based business, but he retains my full support.”
Brown said: “I spoke long and hard with Adam. I have very good memories of him. He brought me back into the game after 8½ months out in the wilderness as a coach. He then gave me the opportunity to manage at this level. I have nothing but thanks to Adam Pearson.”
Pearson has also ordered an internal investigation into the £27m debt at the club and £40m wage bill.
"To make matters worse, the Premier League has confirmed it is investigating the sale of Michael Turner, the former Hull defender, to Sunderland in August."
"The manager was expected to be dismissed after the 2-0 defeat away to Burnley on Saturday, but it seems he has earned himself a stay of execution for one more game at least because of the woeful performance of Mike Jones, the referee, at Turf Moor."
Brown will now be in charge of next Sunday's game at home to Stoke.
“I’ve told him [Brown] he will be the manager for the game against Stoke,” Pearson said. “As far as I am concerned, he still is the manager of this club. It’s a results-based business, but he retains my full support.”
Brown said: “I spoke long and hard with Adam. I have very good memories of him. He brought me back into the game after 8½ months out in the wilderness as a coach. He then gave me the opportunity to manage at this level. I have nothing but thanks to Adam Pearson.”
Pearson has also ordered an internal investigation into the £27m debt at the club and £40m wage bill.
"To make matters worse, the Premier League has confirmed it is investigating the sale of Michael Turner, the former Hull defender, to Sunderland in August."
The investigation has been prompted by two of the player’s previous clubs, Brentford and Charlton Athletic. They allege that they missed out on almost £1 million in sell-on fees (transfer fees owed, by virtue of the player's contract, to the player's former club) as a result of the transfer.
The Premier League may be without Phil Brown as of this time next week.
Former England manager Graham Taylor has blasted Rio Ferdinand, claiming he will never recover from his dip in form this season.
Ferdinand has had a difficult term so far this season due to injury and a loss of form.
Speaking to BBC Radio Five Live, Taylor said: "What I am going to say will probably surprise a lot of people, but I think Rio Ferdinand has lost his legs.
"He struggled to keep up with Fernando Torres in Manchester United's game against Liverpool last week and I just don't think he is - or will be - the wonderful player he once was."
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has responded angrily to the gloomy speculation about his prize defender.
"I don't know where it is coming from," Sir Alex told The Guardian.
"I just have to put it down to the modern culture of humiliating people. That is your opinion and it may well be wrong."
I have to side with Sir Alex to a degree on this point. Speculation about the degradation of players based on 500 minutes of match watching just don't make sense. Many things explain poor form. Yes, maybe Ferdinand has lost it. But why rush to this conclusion?
Maybe Rio has actually been injured. Maybe he is coping with difficult personal problems. Maybe he is simply enduring a dip in form. We, the fans and media, just don't know the precise reason for Ferdinand's struggles.
Ferdinand has been a world class defender for club and country. I hope he can regain his form soon.
Ferdinand has had a difficult term so far this season due to injury and a loss of form.
Speaking to BBC Radio Five Live, Taylor said: "What I am going to say will probably surprise a lot of people, but I think Rio Ferdinand has lost his legs.
"He struggled to keep up with Fernando Torres in Manchester United's game against Liverpool last week and I just don't think he is - or will be - the wonderful player he once was."
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has responded angrily to the gloomy speculation about his prize defender.
"I don't know where it is coming from," Sir Alex told The Guardian.
"I just have to put it down to the modern culture of humiliating people. That is your opinion and it may well be wrong."
I have to side with Sir Alex to a degree on this point. Speculation about the degradation of players based on 500 minutes of match watching just don't make sense. Many things explain poor form. Yes, maybe Ferdinand has lost it. But why rush to this conclusion?
Maybe Rio has actually been injured. Maybe he is coping with difficult personal problems. Maybe he is simply enduring a dip in form. We, the fans and media, just don't know the precise reason for Ferdinand's struggles.
Ferdinand has been a world class defender for club and country. I hope he can regain his form soon.
Two years ago, in November 2007, this website began. I scoured the continent for young talent and listed eight players who I expected to make huge names for themselves in the football world. I did not list English based players (Walcott, Denilson, etc) who I had my eye on, but only players in the continent.
Let's see where these players are today, in November 2009.
1. Diego
Age: 24
November 2007 Club: Werder Bremen
Current Club: Juventus
Prospect: Diego established himself as the exceptional attacking midfielder in the Bundesliga. He was rewarded this summer with a mega money move to Italian giants Juventus, where he taken over the spot as the team's chief midfield playmaker.
2. Klaas Jan-Huntelaar
Age: 26
November 2007 Club: Ajax Amsterdam
Current Club: AC Milan
Prospect: Huntelaar moved to Real Madrid last term but struggled to establish himself in the first team. He moved this past summer to Italian side AC Milan, but has so far made a slow start. He has obvious talent. Big clubs are giving him chances. He just needs to take them.
3. Karim Benzema
Age: 21
November 2007 Club: Lyon
Current Club: Real Madrid
Prospect: Benzema is now a galactico. He is 21 and the starting striker at Real Madrid. Nuff said.
4. Sergio Aguero
Age: 21
November 2007 Club: Atletico Madrid
Current Club: Atletico Madrid
Prospect: Aguero has been linked with a mega move to the likes of Chelsea and Man Utd. He'll be on a world class team very soon.
5. Giuseppe Rossi
Age: 21
November 2007 Club: Villarreal
Current Club: Villarreal
Prospect: Rossi is a good player, but he is unlikely to become a world class player.
6. Luis Suarez
Age: 22
November 2007 Club: Ajax Amsterdam
Current Club: Ajax Amsterdam
Prospect: The Ajax forward leads the Eredivisie in goals with 15 so far this term and he has 7 assists. He has recently been linked with a mega move to Man Utd. Do not be surprised if this player ends up at a giant club soon.
7. Rafael van der Vaart
Age: 26
November 2007 Club: Hamburg
Current Club: Real Madrid
Prospect: van der Vaart is a technically gifted attacking midfielder. He moved to Real Madrid where has has struggled to estabish himself in the first team. He will probably move to another big club soon.
8. Ezequiel Lavezzi
Age: 24
November 2007 Club: Napoli
Current Club: Napoli
Prospect: Lavezzi is a creative attacking player who gets his fair share of goals and assists. He was linked with a move to Chelsea this past summer, but nothing as of now has materialized.
Let's see where these players are today, in November 2009.
1. Diego
Age: 24
November 2007 Club: Werder Bremen
Current Club: Juventus
Prospect: Diego established himself as the exceptional attacking midfielder in the Bundesliga. He was rewarded this summer with a mega money move to Italian giants Juventus, where he taken over the spot as the team's chief midfield playmaker.
2. Klaas Jan-Huntelaar
Age: 26
November 2007 Club: Ajax Amsterdam
Current Club: AC Milan
Prospect: Huntelaar moved to Real Madrid last term but struggled to establish himself in the first team. He moved this past summer to Italian side AC Milan, but has so far made a slow start. He has obvious talent. Big clubs are giving him chances. He just needs to take them.
3. Karim Benzema
Age: 21
November 2007 Club: Lyon
Current Club: Real Madrid
Prospect: Benzema is now a galactico. He is 21 and the starting striker at Real Madrid. Nuff said.
4. Sergio Aguero
Age: 21
November 2007 Club: Atletico Madrid
Current Club: Atletico Madrid
Prospect: Aguero has been linked with a mega move to the likes of Chelsea and Man Utd. He'll be on a world class team very soon.
5. Giuseppe Rossi
Age: 21
November 2007 Club: Villarreal
Current Club: Villarreal
Prospect: Rossi is a good player, but he is unlikely to become a world class player.
6. Luis Suarez
Age: 22
November 2007 Club: Ajax Amsterdam
Current Club: Ajax Amsterdam
Prospect: The Ajax forward leads the Eredivisie in goals with 15 so far this term and he has 7 assists. He has recently been linked with a mega move to Man Utd. Do not be surprised if this player ends up at a giant club soon.
7. Rafael van der Vaart
Age: 26
November 2007 Club: Hamburg
Current Club: Real Madrid
Prospect: van der Vaart is a technically gifted attacking midfielder. He moved to Real Madrid where has has struggled to estabish himself in the first team. He will probably move to another big club soon.
8. Ezequiel Lavezzi
Age: 24
November 2007 Club: Napoli
Current Club: Napoli
Prospect: Lavezzi is a creative attacking player who gets his fair share of goals and assists. He was linked with a move to Chelsea this past summer, but nothing as of now has materialized.
Cesc Fabregas is the most valuable player in the EPL.
He was the most valuable not named Ronaldo last term. This term, as expected, he is the most valuable. The goals + assists as well as passing stats of Gerrard and Lampard, phenomenal as they always are, have for the past two seasons trailed behind those of the Arsenal attacking midfielder. I've shown this several times in pieces over that time. And the Arsenal man is still in his early 20s.
The rumours of a £30m move for Fabregas to Milan this past summer were ridiculous. I will go on a whim and say in today's market Fabregas, when he does leave Arsenal, goes for at least £70m.
edit: take a look at the PlainSoccer.com EPL player leaderboard, as of Nov. 2, 2009.
EPL Top 5 player leaderboard, goals + assists:
1. Cesc Fabregas, Arsenal
5 goals, 9 assists
Yes, Fabregas, a midfielder, leads all EPL players in offensive production.
He was the most valuable not named Ronaldo last term. This term, as expected, he is the most valuable. The goals + assists as well as passing stats of Gerrard and Lampard, phenomenal as they always are, have for the past two seasons trailed behind those of the Arsenal attacking midfielder. I've shown this several times in pieces over that time. And the Arsenal man is still in his early 20s.
The rumours of a £30m move for Fabregas to Milan this past summer were ridiculous. I will go on a whim and say in today's market Fabregas, when he does leave Arsenal, goes for at least £70m.
edit: take a look at the PlainSoccer.com EPL player leaderboard, as of Nov. 2, 2009.
EPL Top 5 player leaderboard, goals + assists:
1. Cesc Fabregas, Arsenal
5 goals, 9 assists
Yes, Fabregas, a midfielder, leads all EPL players in offensive production.
