23 Jul The Balance Between Youth and Experience: The Key to Success in LaLiga EA Sports
Introduction
In the competitive world of football, finding the perfect balance in team formation can be the difference between winning and losing. Recently, we conducted an exhaustive analysis of the teams in LaLiga EA Sports during the 2023/24 season, focusing on the age distribution of players who played minutes in each match and its impact on team performance. This analysis not only reveals interesting trends but also provides practical applications for coaches looking to optimize their squads for success.
Quartile Analysis
We divided the players into four age quartiles:
- Q1: ≤ 24 years
- Q2: 24 – 27 years
- Q3: 27 – 31 years
- Q4: ≥ 31 years
Our goal was to determine if there is a correlation between the distribution of players in these quartiles and success in matches, measured by victories.
Different Approach
It is important to highlight that this study focused on the age of players who participated in each match, rather than the age of the entire squad. This approach is crucial as many age studies analyze the entire squad’s age without considering the actual participation of players in matches. Our analysis, conducted on a match-by-match basis, compares the composition of players from both teams in each encounter, providing a more precise and relevant view of the impact of age on team performance.
Key Findings
1. Starters: The Foundation of Success
Our findings indicate that winning teams have a higher proportion of starters in the Q1 and Q4 quartiles, that is, young and veteran players. Teams like Real Madrid and FC Barcelona stand out for their balance in this aspect, combining the energy and speed of the young with the experience and stability of the veterans.
2. Substitutes: Bringing Freshness and Experience
The analysis of substitutes showed a similar trend. Teams that win tend to have substitutes who are both young and veterans, ready to change the game’s dynamics when necessary. This suggests that a team’s ability to introduce players who can impact the match at crucial moments is vital for success.
3. Scorers: The Decisive Contribution
Perhaps the most surprising finding was the correlation between scorers and age distribution. Winning teams not only have more scorers in the Q1 and Q4 quartiles, but these players are crucial in defining match outcomes.
Practical Example: Real Madrid
Real Madrid is an excellent example of how this strategy is effectively implemented. With a high average of young and veteran players, the team has achieved a perfect balance that allows them to maintain consistent performance throughout the season. Players like Vinícius Jr. (Q1) and Toni Kroos (Q4) are proof that combining youth and experience is a recipe for success.
Practical Applications for Coaches
- Evaluate and Adjust the Squad:
- Conduct an analysis of your team’s age distribution. Ensure you have a balanced mix of young and veteran players in both starters and substitutes.
- Substitution Strategies:
- Consider introducing substitutes who can provide freshness and experience at crucial moments of the match. The ability of a player to change the game’s dynamics can be decisive.
- Development of Young Players:
- Encourage the development of young players and give them opportunities to become key members of the team. The energy and enthusiasm of young players can be a great boost for the team.
- Retention of Veterans:
- Keep veteran players who still have the ability to contribute significantly. Their experience and leadership are invaluable, both on and off the field.
Conclusion
Success in football not only depends on the individual skills of the players but also on how they are structured and utilized within the team. Our analysis shows that the most successful teams in LaLiga EA Sports 2023/24 are those that achieve a balance between youth and experience. Implementing this strategy can be the key to improving performance and achieving success in the league.