Expected Goals

This book delves into the data revolution in football, highlighting how clubs like Liverpool and Brentford leverage analytics for success.

Football has long been evaluated based on victories, but the past two decades have seen a shift towards understanding the methods behind those wins. Expected Goals explores how data has permeated every facet of the sport, from playing and coaching to scouting and fan engagement. This transformation is not merely due to advanced algorithms or innovative metrics; it is driven by the people who harness these tools to reshape the game.

At the center of this narrative is Chris Anderson, an academic outsider who recognized the potential of data to revolutionize football. With no prior experience in the sport, he embarked on a mission to penetrate the insular world of professional football. His vision was to create a club that would be entirely data-driven, challenging the traditional norms of the sport and demonstrating that change is possible.

Expected Goals chronicles Anderson's extraordinary journey into the modern game, showcasing how clubs from Liverpool to Brentford have embraced data to discover new talent, develop innovative strategies, and chart their paths to success. This book not only highlights the evolution of football analytics but also celebrates the passionate individuals who dared to believe in a new way of thinking about the sport.