How to use the radar chart to compare football players
A traditional element in analytical scouting is the radar chart which has gained popularity in recent years linked with Statbombs. Radar charts are more engaging than tables or bar charts helping to interpret those metrics.
A radar chart is key to comparing players and is useful for the Coach, Journalist, or Fans to understand the metrics. However, like any chart, the variables to be shown must be carefully chosen and Statbombs is a great reference.
Defenders:
- Passing %
- Pressures
- Fouls
- PAdj Tackles
- Aerial Wins
- Pressured Long Balls
Midfielders:
- Passing%
- Deep Progressions
- xG Assisted
- xGBuildup
- Successful Dribbles
- Pressures
- PAdj Interceptions
- PAdj Tackles
Attacking:
- xG
- xG Assisted
- Shots
- Touches in Box
- Passing%
- Successful Dribbles
- Turnovers
- xG/Shot
- Aerial Wins
To illustrate the use of the Radar Chart I implemented a code inspired by McKay Johns where I compared two forwards of the Inter Miami (MLS).
The data source was Fbref which uses Opta metrics and it’s free, They can copy the data to Excel to interact with it.
Radar Chart is a great resource to help understand the performance of the players and your similarities with others.
Sure you will be interested in portals that allow collecting data on football and also know more about Event Data. (Click on the link and enjoy)
You can access the code here.
