03 Jul Offensive Sequences Initiated by the Goalkeeper in LALIGA EA Sports 2023/24: A Comparative Analysis
Abstract
This study examines offensive sequences in LALIGA EA Sports 2023/24 that start from the goalkeeper’s area and end in the opponent’s final third. We analyzed the differences in these sequences among teams based on their league standings: Champions Zone, Upper Mid-Table Zone, Lower Mid-Table Zone, and Relegation Zone. The results show significant differences in the number of passes, crosses into the box, shots, sequence duration, and distance gained among these groups.
Introduction
Analyzing offensive sequences in football provides valuable insights into game strategies and team effectiveness in various match phases. This study focuses on specific sequences initiated by the goalkeeper, a crucial aspect of transitioning from defense to attack. The objective is to identify distinctive patterns among teams in different positions in the LALIGA EA Sports 2023/24 standings.
Methods
Data were collected on offensive sequences starting from the goalkeeper’s area and ending in the opponent’s final third. Teams were categorized into four groups based on their standings: Champions Zone (RMA, BAR, GIR, ATM), Upper Mid-Table Zone (ATH, RSO, BET, VIL, VAL), Lower Mid-Table Zone (ALA, OSA, GET, CEL, SEV, MLL, LPA, RAY), and Relegation Zone (CAD, ALM, GRA). The metrics analyzed included the number of passes, crosses, shots, sequence duration, and distance gained.
Results
The results reveal significant differences among the groups:
Champions Zone (RMA, BAR, GIR, ATM):
- ◆ Average number of passes: 5.2
- ◆ Average crosses: 0.6
- ◆ Average shots: 0.5
- ◆ Average sequence duration: 22.4 seconds
- ◆ Average distance gained: 85.3 meters
- ◆ Number of sequences analyzed: 150
- ◆ Maximum passes in a sequence: 20
- ◆ Minimum passes in a sequence: 3
Upper Mid-Table Zone (ATH, RSO, BET, VIL, VAL):
- ◆ Average number of passes: 4.1
- ◆ Average crosses: 0.4
- ◆ Average shots: 0.3
- ◆ Average sequence duration: 18.7 seconds
- ◆ Average distance gained: 78.1 meters
Lower Mid-Table Zone (ALA, OSA, GET, CEL, SEV, MLL, LPA, RAY):
- ◆ Average number of passes: 3.5
- ◆ Average crosses: 0.3
- ◆ Average shots: 0.2
- ◆ Average sequence duration: 14.5 seconds
- ◆ Average distance gained: 65.4 meters
Relegation Zone (CAD, ALM, GRA):
- ◆ Average number of passes: 2.8
- ◆ Average crosses: 0.2
- ◆ Average shots: 0.1
- ◆ Average sequence duration: 10.2 seconds
- ◆ Average distance gained: 54.6 meters
Discussion
Teams in the Champions Zone not only make more passes and maintain possession longer but also advance further and create more goal opportunities from plays initiated by the goalkeeper. Teams in the Upper Mid-Table Zone show considerable ability to build plays, though with fewer passes and crosses compared to the Champions Zone teams. Teams in the Lower Mid-Table and Relegation Zones have greater difficulties maintaining possession and advancing on the field, as reflected in their statistics.
Conclusion
The differences in offensive sequences initiated by the goalkeeper are statistically significant and demonstrate how league standings affect teams’ ability to build plays from the goalkeeper to the final third of the field. This analysis provides valuable insights for coaches and analysts, highlighting the importance of possession and play-building in teams’ success.
Practical Implications
Coaches can use these findings to optimize strategies for initiating plays from the goalkeeper, adapting tactics to improve possession and offensive effectiveness according to the team’s league position.