Analyzing the Efficiency of Passing Networks in Soccer

Abstract

This article explores the passing networks for the most used team formations of Manchester United and Chelsea during the 2016/2017 Premier League Season. A passing matrix is created for each team which distributes the average passes between players in a game. This facilitates the calculation of three centrality measures complementary to those previously explored by (López-Peña and Touchette 2012). These measures unlock hidden details about the strengths and weaknesses within the networks. Such include the extent to which a player stays or leaves his position, the ability of a player to affect the game through penetration, and a player’s pass distribution evenness within the team. The optimal assignment for each network is also determined by applying the Travelling Salesman Problem, thereby establishing the least number of passes that keeps all players within each team connected. Useful knowledge can be obtained from this analysis - to inform coaching staff and enhance the overall level of play. Keywords: territorial, penetration, balance, optimal-assignment, team-connectivity