Principal Component Analysis in Football for Transfer Evaluation

A Statistical Look at Player Transfers and Team Dynamics

Through the lens of Principal Component Analysis (PCA), this blog tries to uncover how player and team metrics from the 2015/2016 season reveal patterns of stylistic alignment and divergence in the transfers that happened in the summer that followed. From Memphis Depay’s attacking resurgence at Lyon to İlkay Gündoğan’s evolution under Guardiola at Manchester City, PCA offers a data-driven perspective on transfers that worked—and others that posed challenges. By identifying key dimensions like progressive passing and possession tendencies, this analysis demonstrates how mathematical simplicity can help illuminate football’s complex tactical landscape.

January 03, 2025