Advanced Statistics Guide
Understanding modern football metrics: xG, xA, PPDA and more. These statistics are used by professional clubs and analysts to evaluate performance.
⚽Offensive Stats
Expected Goals
xGDefinition
Measures the quality of goal-scoring chances. An xG of 0.5 means the shot has a 50% chance of being converted into a goal.
Example
A penalty has an xG of about 0.76. A 30-meter shot without pressure has an xG of about 0.02.
How to interpret
A player who scores more than their xG is overperforming. If xG < goals scored, the player is clinical in front of goal.
Expected Assists
xADefinition
Measures the quality of potential assists. Based on the xG of the chance created for the teammate.
Example
A through ball that creates a one-on-one with the goalkeeper will have a high xA (~0.4-0.6).
How to interpret
A creative midfielder with high xA but few actual assists has inefficient finishers around them.
Non-Penalty xG
npxGDefinition
Expected Goals excluding penalties. Allows for fairer comparison between strikers.
Example
A striker with 15 goals (including 5 penalties) will have an npxG more representative of their play.
How to interpret
Useful for identifying strikers who create many chances vs those who benefit from penalties.
🛡️Defensive Stats
Passes Per Defensive Action
PPDADefinition
Number of opponent passes allowed before a defensive action. Measures pressing intensity.
Example
Liverpool under Klopp had a PPDA around 7-9. A PPDA > 15 indicates passive pressing.
How to interpret
The lower the PPDA, the higher the team presses. A PPDA of 6-8 = very intense pressing.
Expected Goals Against
xGADefinition
xG conceded by a team. Measures the quality of chances given to opponents.
Example
A team with xGA = 1.2 per match concedes the equivalent of one average-quality goal per match.
How to interpret
Compare xGA to actual goals conceded: if goals < xGA, the goalkeeper is overperforming.
Post-Shot xG
PSxGDefinition
xG adjusted after the shot, taking framing into account. Useful for evaluating goalkeepers.
Example
A shot on target in the top corner has a higher PSxG than a shot on target in the center.
How to interpret
PSxG - Goals conceded = Goalkeeper performance. Positive = good goalkeeper.
🔄Possession Stats
Expected Threat
xTDefinition
Measures the danger of an action (pass or dribble) based on the pitch zone reached.
Example
A pass from midfield to the penalty area increases xT by +0.03 to +0.15.
How to interpret
Players with high xT move the ball into dangerous areas.
Progressive Passes
Prog PassDefinition
Passes that move the ball at least 10 meters towards the opponent's goal (excluding defensive 40m).
Example
Modern midfielders like De Bruyne or Kroos excel in this metric (10-15/match).
How to interpret
Identifies players who progress play vs those who play sideways or backwards.
Progressive Carries
Prog CarriesDefinition
Ball carries that progress at least 5 meters towards the opponent's goal.
Example
Mbappé and Vinicius Jr excel in Progressive Carries with their forward dribbles.
How to interpret
Important for wingers and attacking midfielders. Shows ability to create danger alone.
Data Sources
These statistics are calculated by specialized providers who analyze every match action:
- •Opta/Stats Perform — Used by Premier League, La Liga
- •StatsBomb — Free data for some matches
- •Wyscout — Used by clubs and scouts
- •FBref — Public stats aggregator
View Statistics
Why use advanced statistics?
Advanced statistics like xG (Expected Goals) and xA (Expected Assists) allow evaluating performance beyond simple goals and assists numbers. They are used by professional clubs for recruitment, by analysts to understand the game, and by bettors to identify value. On Goalazo, we help you understand these metrics to better appreciate modern football.