Great article on Finishing in MLS by American Soccer Analysis confirming what we already know: Gordo is a stud. Complete with graphs like this:
I'm not sure where I stand with this article. A bit too many sweeping statements for me, "not a skill", well, ok the fact everyone can attempt it, doesn't make it not a skill. And yes, its quite common knowledge that there is an elite set of players/goalscorers. I understand the use of data, but surely the players total goals should be considered in some format? Although that may only tell us if they are useful with their head. As with data, it is always difficult due to the irrational behaviour with goals scored, and also the dynamic nature of football. I dare say when the 3 players mentioned were in the same team, that that team worked continually on crosses in training, as well as set pieces, and were creating better chances for the big 3.
Also to bring up Dos Santos ability to chip someone, yes its a skill, but more often than not its decision making more than anything. And thats personally what I'd be more interested in...Especially Dos Santos' decision making! And ironically I've just caught Dallas/Zimmerman's goal v LA from the game before last...Headed shot into the ground and directed.
I agree. There are way too many variables to really get anything meaningful out of it. Plus, it's all post hoc so I'm not sure that anybody could make decisions off of it. One of my favorite things about soccer is that there are never really enough data points to take all the fun out of the game with statistics (like baseball). And even with stats like completed passes, in which we do get a nice big sample, the stats often disagree with our eyes. But hell, if one of our guys shows up as an outlier, I'll post about it.
That's a lot to read to come to the conclusion that Chad Barrett is the best MLS forward of all time.
I've actually worked a number of years as a performance analyst (and just finished a dissertation in how goalkeeper coaches make use of performance analysis), and you are totally right here, decision making is key. I get the feeling this kind of article is just for the public, but really, are the public going to find it that interesting? Yes it may be useful for coaches that want to get high balls into the box, but thats probably the starting point, "Ok Wondolowski scores headed goals", but theres so much more to go to then, "from what situations etc."...And yes knowing who can consistently shoot well is important, but not to try and "disprove" that shooting is a skill.