The language of football has evolved in step with the sport’s increasingly analytical and detail-oriented nature. Concepts like XG, VAR, and possession are now central to discussions about tactics and performance. But what do these terms mean, and why are they so important?
XG – Expected goals
XG, or “expected goals,” is a new method that measures the quality of goal-scoring opportunities. Each shot is assigned a value based on factors such as shooting angle and distance from the goal. The nature of the situation, for example, whether the shot follows a pass or a dribble, also plays a role. A shot with an XG value of 0.3 indicates a 30% likelihood of resulting in a goal. This helps coaches and analysts look beyond the final score to evaluate how well a team actually performed. The method can also help sports bettors find value in the odds market. If the method is used in the right way, it can help sport bettors gain that extra percent that needs to be successful in the long term against bookmakers. There are a few sites that provide guidelines on how to use the method in the best way possible, and Spelcash is an example of a site like that.
VAR – Video assistant referee
We have seen how technology is integrating more and more into the world of sports. In tennis we have seen Hawk-Eye for a few years which decides if the ball was in or out. We have photo finish in athletics to conclude the winner, and in football we nowadays have VAR in all of the big leagues. The system normally includes two referees who sit in a VAR room with access to camera angles from all over the pitch. They can at any point call on the referee to ask him to review a situation that occurred on the pitch. The referee is then called to a screen to review it and make the final decision. VAR has been a part of FIFA World Cup since 2018 and is also introduced in more and more leagues around the globe as the years go by.
Possession – The art of ball control
Possession measures the extent to which a team controls the ball during a match. High possession can signal dominance, but it isn’t always synonymous with success. Teams like Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City prioritize possession to control the tempo and create space, while others, like Diego Simeone’s Atlético Madrid, may choose to avoid possession and rely on quick counterattacks.
The future of football
XG, VAR, and possession are not just modern words, they represent a new era of football where data-driven insights are combined with traditional tactical thinking. By understanding these concepts, both coaches and fans can better analyze and appreciate the complexity of the game. Modern football encompasses more than just goals and points; it is a game of subtle details, decided both on the pitch and behind the scenes.
The future will most likely involve even more so-called buzzwords. Modern football has just started its journey, and even more data will probably come into play. At the moment, we have four referees involved during a matchday. How many will it be in ten years?
