Expected Goals: The Story of How Data Conquered Football and Changed the Game Forever

The book "Expected Goals" showcases the remarkable journey of Chris Anderson, an academic with no experience in football, as he establishes a club centered around data to revolutionize the sport. It highlights how clubs worldwide have used data to identify new players, develop radical tactics, and achieve success.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 30 March 2023
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers

Football has traditionally assessed success solely by the number of victories achieved, but in recent decades, clubs have begun to prioritize the manner in which they secure victories. The pervasive influence of data has permeated virtually every facet of the sport, encompassing player recruitment, coaching strategies, scouting techniques, and fan engagement. While algorithms and innovative metrics have played a significant role in this transformation, it is the individuals behind these tools who have driven the change.

This captivating narrative delves into the profound data revolution that has reshaped modern football. At its core, the story revolves around Chris Anderson, an academic with no prior experience in football, who recognized the untapped potential of data to revolutionize a sport that had long believed itself to be immutable. With a steadfast determination, Anderson embarked on a mission to penetrate the enigmatic and insular realm of professional football by founding a club that would be built entirely upon the principles of data.

Expected Goals, a captivating book, chronicles Anderson's remarkable odyssey into the heart of the contemporary game. It unveils how clubs across the globe, ranging from Liverpool to Leipzig, Brentford to Bayern Munich, began to harness the power of data to uncover hidden talents, devise innovative tactics, and chart their course toward triumph. Through meticulous research and firsthand accounts, the book provides a comprehensive exploration of the ways in which data has transformed the sport, empowering teams to make informed decisions and achieve unprecedented success.

In conclusion, the story of modern football's data revolution is a testament to the transformative power of human ingenuity and passion. By embracing data as a catalyst for change, clubs have unlocked new avenues for success, pushing the boundaries of what was once considered possible in the world of football. Expected Goals serves as a captivating window into this remarkable journey, offering readers a glimpse into the future of the sport and inspiring them to embrace the power of data in their own endeavors.

Weight: 212g
Dimension: 197 x 129 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780008484071