Analytics

How often a team plays forward rather than sideways or backward. High verticality means lots of progressive passes; low verticality means lots of circulation and recycling. Neither is inherently better - it depends on what you're trying to do. Guardiola teams often have lower verticality in possession but devastating vertical moments when gaps appear. Direct teams have high verticality throughout.

The central area just outside the penalty box, roughly where the "D" sits. Called zone 14 because it's the 14th zone when you divide the pitch into an 18-zone grid (6 across, 3 deep in each half). Receiving the ball here is dangerous because you're facing goal with shooting and passing options. Classic number 10s live in this space. Getting the ball into zone 14 is a key attacking objective.

When a player gains possession for their team after it was previously contested or loose. Different from tackles or interceptions - it's about picking up second balls, collecting clearances, and mopping up loose possession. Midfielders who win lots of ball recoveries are often underrated because the stat doesn't get as much attention as tackles or goals.

A stat that measures how good a chance was, based on where the shot came from, the angle, how it was created, and defensive pressure. An xG of 0.5 means that type of chance goes in 50% of the time on average. It helps spot whether a team or player is getting lucky or unlucky with their finishing. Traditionalists hate it, but clubs use it for scouting and tactics, and it's all over match broadcasts now.

Winning the ball back in the opponent's third of the pitch. Teams that recover possession high up get immediate attacking opportunities. It's a key stat for measuring pressing effectiveness. High recoveries often lead to shots within a few seconds because the defense is scrambled. Coaches target a certain number per game as a measure of whether the press is working.