#128 Building a Winning Data Team in Football, with Matt Penn

Proudly sponsored by PyMC Labs, the Bayesian Consultancy. Book a call, or get in touch!Intro to Bayes Course (first 2 lessons free)Advanced Regression Course (first 2 lessons free)Our theme music is « Good Bayesian », by Baba Brinkman (feat MC Lars and Mega Ran). Check out his awesome work!Visit our Patreon page to unlock exclusive Bayesian swag ;)Takeaways:Matt emphasizes the importance of Bayesian statistics in scenarios with limited data.Communicating insights to coaches is a crucial skill for data analysts.Building a data team requires understanding the needs of the coaching staff.Player recruitment is a significant focus in football analytics.The integration of data science in sports is still evolving.Effective data modeling must consider the practical application in games.Collaboration between data analysts and coaches enhances decision-making.Having a robust data infrastructure is essential for efficient analysis.The landscape of sports analytics is becoming increasingly competitive. Player recruitment involves analyzing various data models.Biases in traditional football statistics can skew player evaluations.Statistical techniques should leverage the structure of football data.Tracking data opens new avenues for understanding player movements.The role of data analysis in football will continue to grow.Aspiring analysts should focus on curiosity and practical experience.Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Football Analytics and Matt's Journey04:54 The Role of Bayesian Methods in Football10:20 Challenges in Communicating Data Insights17:03 Building Relationships with Coaches22:09 The Structure of the Data Team at Como26:18 Focus on Player Recruitment and Transfer Strategies28:48 January Transfer Window Insights30:54 Biases in Football Data Analysis34:11 Comparative Analysis of Men's and Women's Football36:55 Statistical Techniques in Football Analysis42:48 The Impact of Tracking Data on Football Analysis45:49 The Future of Data-Driven Football Strategies47:27 Advice for Aspiring Football Analysts