Starting Football Analytics: The Best Videos That Shaped My Journey"

Essential Video Resources to Kickstart Your Football Data Analytics Journey.

Introduction

Over three years ago, I set out on a mission to immerse myself in the world of football data analytics. I combed through countless online resources, and I’ve already shared a guide that mapped out some of the most effective tools for learning. However, I realized I had only scratched the surface when it came to video resources, which offer a different, often more practical perspective. Today, I want to expand on that by highlighting the best video content that helped me—some focused on foundational education, and others on real-world applications.

My initial inspiration

I remember exploring resources about football data analytics, but the field seemed like an unsolved mystery to me at the time. I thought pursuing it meant having a sports science degree. That was until a friend sent me a video, saying, "I think this is what you're looking for." The video featured a mathematician who worked as a data scientist at the Philadelphia 76ers, explaining how statistics could inform coaching strategies in the NBA.

It was a revelation. The way she spoke about applying numbers to shape real-life decisions on the field inspired me to delve deeper. The moment that video ended, the first thing I searched was “football data scientist,” and from that moment on, my path was set.

This video didn’t just introduce me to football analytics; it opened my eyes to the power of data in sports. It was the spark that started my journey.

A Glimpse into Football's Predictive Power

Then came another game-changing video that put into words what football analytics can truly teach us—especially in terms of identifying patterns and future trends. In this excellent TedX talk, the speaker used Newcastle United's seasons of 2012 and 2013 as a case study. Now, if you’re a Newcastle fan, this might sting a bit. The video explains how, according to the underlying numbers, Newcastle had actually been overperforming in 2012, but that unsustainable success caught up with them in 2013. As a result, they made catastrophic decisions in the summer of 2012.

Had they been more data-driven, Newcastle could’ve addressed their core problems and avoided the underperformance in 2013, ultimately preventing their relegation in 2016. This was a powerful lesson in how clubs can leverage data not just to celebrate current success, but to predict and fix potential future downfalls.

Sarah Rudd: A Pioneer in Football Data Analytics

Sarah Rudd has been a major inspiration for me, especially when I first learned about her pioneering work in football data analytics. Her journey, as shared in this podcast, is truly motivating, but what initially captivated me was her innovative Markov chain model, which was groundbreaking when it debuted in 2011. Created as part of a competition, this model didn’t have a specific name at the time, but it stood out because it focused on rewarding players for their contributions beyond just scoring or assisting goals. By doing this, the model highlighted the value of actions across the pitch, helping us understand players' true impact outside of traditional statistics.

This approach was years ahead of its time and in my opinion, paved the way for other advanced metrics like Expected Threat (xT) and Possession Value models such as VAEP and EPV, which now play a vital role in modern football analytics.

Watching Sarah explain the intricacies of this model in this video felt like watching a particularly enlightening episode of an anime—a blend of fascination and insight. Shortly after this breakthrough, she joined StatDNA, which was later acquired by Arsenal FC, where she applied her expertise in a professional setting. Today, she continues to push the boundaries of football analytics through her company, srcftbl, which she co-founded with her colleagues and husband. Her work has been instrumental in reshaping how we analyze football, and her story continues to inspire those looking to enter the field.

Friends of Tracking: A Treasure Trove for Aspiring Football Data Analysts

When discussing football data analytics, it’s impossible not to mention David Sumpter, a true pioneer in blending mathematics with football in a way that makes complex concepts understandable to a wide audience. His ability to articulate the relationship between the two fields is second to none, and his TEDx Talk is a prime example of how he demystifies the world of analytics. Sumpter's work doesn’t just stop at talks, though. His book is equally captivating, offering a deeper dive into how mathematics can be applied to football, whether in tactics, player performance, or game theory.

Sumpter’s personal YouTube channel, along with the collaborative Friends of Tracking channel, is an absolute goldmine for anyone interested in getting into football data analytics. The content is not only insightful for understanding the theory but also hands-on for those who want to practically apply what they've learned. With tutorials and coding sessions in both Python and R, the channel provides an incredible free resource that takes you from the basics of football analytics all the way to advanced techniques like possession value models and tracking data analysis.

What makes this resource even more invaluable is the fact that it offers structured pathways for beginners and intermediate users alike. For anyone eager to develop their technical skills or start building their own models, Sumpter and his team have generously made tutorials accessible without any cost barriers. There’s also an accompanying website that serves as an additional learning hub for Python and R coders. Personally, I can't thank him enough for making such high-quality content available to the public for free—it's been an integral part of my own learning journey.

For anyone wanting to make the leap into football data analytics, Sumpter's work, particularly Friends of Tracking, is truly indispensable.

Mckay Johns: The Practical Guru

When you feel overwhelmed by too much theory or technical jargon, McKay Johns is the person to turn to. His videos are a breath of fresh air, blending clarity with practicality. You can simply sit back, listen, and follow along as he breaks down football data analytics with ease. His ability to explain not just how to code but why we include certain elements in our models is what sets him apart. It’s like getting a private lesson, except it’s free, and it's tailored to help you actually apply what you learn.

I’m genuinely grateful for McKay’s videos because they’ve made it so much easier for me—and countless others—to get started with football data analytics. His step-by-step approach is not only beginner-friendly but also empowering. Before I know it, I was coding my own analyses and posting my work on LinkedIn and Twitter. In fact, a lot of people in this field have landed their first opportunities thanks to his teaching, myself included.

Beyond YouTube, McKay's constant stream of tweets feels like daily advice straight from a mentor. His insights, tips, and encouragements are always practical and relevant. And as a passionate Barcelona and Messi fan, I can only hope he gets the chance to meet his hero and maybe even fulfill his dream of working at his favorite club.

For anyone wanting to take that next step into football data analytics, McKay Johns is truly the practical guru who can guide you along the way.

Podcasts and Resources to Level Up Your Football Data Knowledge

You may have noticed that for nearly everyone I’ve mentioned so far, I've included their podcast episodes with Chris Gill. His podcast is an undeniable resource for anyone interested in football data analytics. The variety of guests he brings on, many of whom are data scientists and analytics professionals, provides a wealth of knowledge and practical insights. If you're serious about diving deeper into football analytics, I highly recommend watching those episodes.

Another podcast that was a real eye-opener for me is The Athletic's. While most are familiar with The Athletic as a sports journalism powerhouse, they also offer episodes related to data and analytics. While it’s not on YouTube, I’d definitely recommend subscribing to The Athletic—it’s an invaluable source for deep analysis, including some data-driven insights.

One lesser-known gem is Soccerment. Although their podcast is in Italian, it's a treasure trove of insights for those who understand the language. For a Serie A nerd like me, it’s a perfect fit. Beyond the podcast, their website is packed with information, making it a hugely underrated resource for football data enthusiasts. If you want to nerd out over Serie A stats and football analytics, it's definitely worth exploring.

Conclusion

These resources have been invaluable during the early stages of my journey into football analytics. Whenever I feel stuck or need inspiration, I revisit many of them, and they continue to serve as reliable guides. Whether you're a complete beginner or someone already in the field, I believe these can provide a solid foundation for understanding what football analytics is all about.

Combine these video resources with the technical guides I’ve shared previously—on learning coding—and the list of books to further your education. As you know, I’m a firm believer in the power of education. Once you set a strong foundation, the rest becomes easier. The key is to stay committed, be brave enough to share your work, take the initiative, and seize the opportunities when they come.

Call to Action

Consume as much content as you can, but don’t stop there—transition from being just a consumer to becoming a producer. Start working practically, honing your craft, and sharing your work online. Continuously improve and fine-tune yourself until you produce your best possible work.

Be bold and take initiative—ask for opportunities and grab the ones that come your way. Embrace failures as learning experiences and keep moving forward until the right opportunity finds you.

My philosophy is simple: if you do the right things consistently over time, your moment will come.

Setbacks are temporary—they aren’t failures. Overcome the obstacles, and one day, we’ll cross paths. Maybe we’ll even meet in the dugout. Keep pushing, and your time will come.

Enjoy the content, and I'll see you on the dugout!