Identification and Preference of Game Styles in LaLiga Associated with Match Outcomes

Julen Castellano and Miguel Pic
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Julen Castellano: Department of Physical Education and Sport, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Vitoria, 48940 Leioa, Spain
Miguel Pic: Motor Action Research Group (GIAM), University of La Laguna, 38200 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain

IJERPH, 2019, vol. 16, issue 24, 1-13

Abstract: The objective was to model the teams’ styles of play (SoPs) in elite football and relate them to the match result. For this, the twenty Spanish first division teams in the 2016–2017 season were analysed, using nine interaction performance indicators (IRi). A principal component (PC) analysis was applied. From two PCs four SoPs were established: deep or high-pressure defending, and elaborate or direct attack. The SoPs were distributed according to average performance obtained throughout the championship. The connection between the preferred SoP and the final result was estimated. Teams with elaborate offensive styles and teams defensively minded got better results. In addition, most of the teams showed variability in their SoP. The applications of the study are (1) the IRi have served to identify SoP and can be used as a reference to optimize team performance; (2) teams should have a varied SoP repertoire, as well as being prepared to deal with different SoPs; (3) particular player profiles should be connected with the desired SoP when creating the squad and (4) clubs should develop a varied range of SoPs at their academies.

Keywords: match analysis; team sport; key performance indicator; interaction; match outcome (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2019
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