Is it worth the effort? Understanding and contextualizing physical metrics in soccer

TL;DR

This paper introduces a comprehensive framework that links physical metrics with technical and tactical aspects of soccer, enabling better understanding of performance value through contextual analysis and possession-value modeling.

Contribution

It presents a novel top-down approach to estimate, contextualize, and assess physical performance metrics and their contribution to game value in soccer.

Findings

Physical indicators estimated from tracking data.

Contextualization enhances understanding of run purposes.

High-intensity off-ball runs linked to possession value.

Abstract

We present a framework that gives a deep insight into the link between physical and technical-tactical aspects of soccer and it allows associating physical performance with value generation thanks to a top-down approach. First, we estimate physical indicators from tracking data. Then, we contextualize each player's run to understand better the purpose and circumstances in which it is done, adding a new dimension to the creation of team and player profiles. Finally, we assess the value-added by off-ball high-intensity runs by linking with a possession-value model. This novel approach allows answering practical questions from very different profiles of practitioners within a soccer club, from analysts, coaches, and scouts to physical coaches and readaptation physiotherapists.