By Jamie Kyte
It’s clear that the role of Performance Analyst in elite sport, particularly in football, has undergone significant transformation in recent years. Once seen as a catch-all role that spanned pre-match, live game, post-match analysis, and everything in between, the Performance Analyst is now being segmented into more specialised roles, each focusing on a particular aspect of a team’s performance. This shift has come as the discipline has grown in importance, becoming an integral part of the coaching process and the quest for those valuable marginal gains.
The Traditional Role of the Performance Analyst
Historically, the Performance Analyst was the person who handled almost everything. From analysing pre-match data to providing live analysis during games, followed by detailed post-match reviews, the role demanded a broad skill set. Analysts were also responsible for tracking and analysing the training week, identifying patterns and offering insights that would guide coaches in preparing for upcoming matches.
As football teams have placed more emphasis on data and performance metrics to gain an edge, this all-encompassing approach has evolved. As the discipline has grown, so has the complexity of the job. The search for marginal gains — the small improvements that collectively add up to big wins — has prompted a need for greater specialisation.
Picture 1 – Photo by Vienna Reyes on Unsplash
The Rise of Specialised Roles
Today, we’re witnessing a trend where the traditional role of the Performance Analyst has splintered into multiple specialised positions, each focusing on a specific area of performance.
- Training Analysts:
One of the first areas to see specialisation was training. Clubs now employ analysts specifically dedicated to evaluating and improving the team’s training sessions. This allows for deeper insights into player fitness, tactical execution, and individual development, all of which are crucial for improving overall team performance. These analysts focus exclusively on the training ground, ensuring that the sessions are as effective as possible and identifying areas for improvement.
- Set Piece Analysts:
Another growing area of specialisation is the Set Piece Analyst, a role that focuses solely on the team’s set-piece strategy — be it attacking or defending. Given the significant impact set pieces can have on a game, many elite clubs now employ analysts whose sole responsibility is to monitor and improve these situations. This specialisation allows for more precise analysis and better preparation for key moments in matches, such as free kicks, corners, and throw-ins.
- Positional Analysts:
Some clubs are taking things even further with the introduction of roles like Positional Analysts. Arsenal Football Club, for instance, recently advertised for a Positional Analyst who would be responsible for breaking down and analysing the team’s positional play both during matches and in training. This role centres on understanding player movements, positioning, and tactical nuances that can make all the difference in tight match situations.
- Loans & Pathway Analysts:
Outside of the first-team setup, clubs are also recognising the value of providing dedicated analysis to players out on loan. Loans Pathway Analysts play a crucial role in supporting players who are looking to develop their skills and forge careers for themselves. By providing tailored insights into their performances, these analysts help young players develop while ensuring that their development aligns with the club’s broader goals.
Picture 2 – Photo by Zesan H. on Unsplash
The Future of Performance Analysis in Football
With the increasing specialisation of performance analysis roles, it will be interesting to see how this trend continues to evolve in the coming years. As the discipline grows, we may witness even more niche roles emerging, each targeting specific areas of performance. The drive for marginal gains will continue to push clubs and analysts to refine their strategies, uncovering new opportunities to optimise every aspect of performance.
One thing is certain: as the role of Performance Analyst continues to evolve, football clubs are becoming more data-driven than ever. The increasing emphasis on analysis is not only shaping the way teams play but also transforming the landscape of football as a whole. We’ll be watching with interest to see what the next trend will be, and how the future of football analysis will continue to unfold.
Preparing the Next Generation of Analysts
As the industry continues to evolve, it’s important to ensure that the next generation of analysts is ready to step into these specialised roles. At Birmingham University, we’re committed to doing our part in this development. Through our in house placement programmes, we strive to provide students with rich educational experiences and hands-on opportunities that align with the future of performance analysis. By offering exposure to real-world scenarios and industry-standard tools, we aim to equip our students with the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in these specialised roles within elite sports organisations.
As the demand for more tailored performance analysis grows, we are dedicated to ensuring that our students are well-prepared to move into these exciting career paths and contribute to the next wave of innovation in sports performance.
J.L.Kyte@bham.ac.uk